Fun Ways to Throw a Cocktail Party

It’s the is prime season for taking cocktail hour outside—long days full of sunshine, and warm temps just begging to be iced down with a cool sip of something sweet. Make your next occasion a hit with these fun cocktail party ideas.

By Lauren Hutchens

This article has been posted with permission and originally appeared as 15 Creative Ways to Upgrade Your Summer Cocktail Occasion on Relish

Sugar and Charm

DIY Drink Station

Set up a DIY drink station. Start with ingredients for two base cocktails, and let your guests pick the rest! See the guide.

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Cocktail Cubes

No one likes a watered down mojito, but summer heat melts ice cubes in a flash. Prevent dilution with a set of stunning frozen cocktail cubes, made with ingredients to match the cocktails you’re serving up. See the guide.

Photo by James Ransom

Cocktails for a Crowd

If you’re hosting a summer party and don’t want to be mixing drinks all night, you’ll love this tip! A little simple math is all that stands between you and a yard full of happy guests (that you’re free to mingle with, for once). See the guide.

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Sangria Granita

Prefer to spoon instead of sip? Check out this delightfully boozy way to beat the summer heat. See the recipe.

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Salted Watermelon Margarita Popsicles

Who doesn’t love a boozy popsicle? Serve this Salted Watermelon Margarita Popsicle in a glass with a salted rim. Guests can enjoy theirs on the stick, and if it melts, they’ll be left with an icy margarita. See the recipe.

See Also

Ultimate Spicy Cocktails

Food and Wine

Summer Cocktail Twists

Let the fruit of the season shine! Here are some summer-inspired twists on classic cocktails. See the cocktails.

Food52

Classy Booze Cruise

Set sail in your own backyard with a classy “Booze Cruise” themed party. Serve the best cocktails the globe has to offer, with fun nautical touches throughout. See the guide.

Creative Ways to Serve Drinks

Think outside of the box when it comes to how and where you keep your drinks cold. Use unconventional items like wheelbarrows or steel wash basins for a rustic touch. See the guide.