How to Host a Martini Party

The martini, the infamous drink of “James Bond“, is a mixture of vodka or gin and dry vermouth. It can be served dry (less vermouth) or very dry (no vermouth) and served shaken or stirred. The martini is the favorite drink of many. It’s sheik, it’s sophisticated and it’s fun. There are even martinis named after people.

A martini party is simply a cocktail party where the martini is the star. There are several different concoctions of this drink that you can make. All you do is take the basic martini recipe, minus the vermouth, and add your favorite flavored mixers to come up with a different flavored martini.

So stock up on vodka, gin, mixers, ice, fresh fruit garnishes and snacks.Turn down the lights. Break out the candles and turn on some dance music. Whip up some martinis and appetizers and invite your friends over for the ultimate martini experience. Each guest could mix up their own at the martini bar, or you could assign a designated bartender. Appetizers could be served buffet style, with small plates, so that your guests can choose the foods they like. To host a Havana Martini Party, simply add cigars and jazz music.

Here are a few martinis for you to try at your party:

Basic Martini

• 1 1/2 oz. gin
• dash (approx. 1/8 oz.) dry vermouth
• Fill mixing glass with ice

1. Fill mixing glass with ice
2. Add gin and dry vermouth
3. Stir
4. Strain into a martini glass
5. Garnish with an olive

(Note: If serving “on the rocks,” stir in a rocks glass filled with ice, garnish and serve.)

Chocolate Martini

(all amounts are to taste)

• Stoli Vanil
• Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
• Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur
• White creme de cocoa
• Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Chambord

1. Combine all ingredients in shaker over ice.
2. Shake and strain into martini glass.

Cosmopolitan Martini

• 1ounce vodka
• 1/2 ounce Triple Sec orange liqueur or Cointreau
• 1/2 ounce cranberry juice
• Juice from 1/2 lime

1. Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker filed halfway with ice.
2. Shake until chilled.
3. Strain and serve straight up into a chilled martini glass.

Gift Bags

A single martini glass given as a gift is a nice way to thank your guests for coming. (thrift stores and dollar stores are a nice place to find these.) If you choose to host a martini party for a reception, fundraiser or holiday party, you could get the event and date printed on the glasses as a keepsake.

Overnight Guests

Be sure to have spare sleeping areas as well as clean linen and pillows, for your guest who are too tired to drive home. If you have a guest bedroom, simple pastel linens with a vase of fresh flowers next to the bed will create a warm and welcoming feel for your guests.

Also have on hand, extra toothbrushes, mini bar soaps, towels, washcloths and mini shampoo and conditioner sets. (The Dollar Tree store has these items for just 1$ each.)

For any of your guests that may awaken to a hangover, try, Dr. Drew‘s, The Dr’s, hangover concoction:

• 6 ounces orange juice
• 4ounces soy milk
• 4ounces V8 juice
• 1 banana
• dash of salt

1. In blender pour all ingredients. Add ice.
2. Blend until smooth. Pour in glass and enjoy.

References:

• Feller, M. Robyn. The Complete Bartender. New York, Berkley Books 1990
• “The Dr’s.” CBS channel 12, Cincinnati 2008

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