How to Throw an Unforgettable “Mocktail” Party
Light some candles. Turn on some swanky tunes. Then, let the mood work its magic.
Throwing a non-alcoholic mocktail party can be a fun way to meet new friends and treat your guests to an evening of kicked-back cool. Here’s how to make your mocktail party memorable.
Planning the Party
A little preparation can go a long way. Send out mocktail party invitations several weeks in advance, inviting your guests for a magical evening. Make sure your invitation states the date and time (after seven is a good time, if you’re not planning on serving a full meal), your address, and any dress code (cocktail dress is often a smart choice). Also, make sure your guests know what a mocktail party is – basically, a cocktail party without the alcohol.
A week before the mocktail party, select your “signature drink.” A signature drink is the drink-of-choice that will be served throughout the evening. Choose 3-4 secondary drinks that guests may also select. Limiting the selection to five drinks will make it easier for your drink chiefs to keep up with demand. For drink selection inspiration check out our list of non-alcoholic mocktail recipes.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect combination of mocktail drinks, it’s time to go shopping. Stock up on enough ingredients for each attendee to have three to four drinks. This number may change depending on the
season or the length of the party. You’ll also need to pick up hors d’oeuvres and decorations. See the next section for food and ambiance ideas.
Finally, delegate the roll of bar tender. You don’t want to be stuck behind a blender all night, and your guests will feel more comfortable if the host is able to socialize. Hire a professional bar tender if possible. Or, offer pay a local college student or younger family member.
Setting the Stage
Creating a swanky atmosphere is the most important part of a throwing a mocktail party. Here’s what your guests should be greeted with upon their arrival.
- Music - Forget the hip hop and adult alternative. Instead, choose something with style and a bit of groove. Try smooth jazz or put on Sinatra and the Rat Pack. If you have an old record player, now’s the time to break it out.
- Lights – Dim the lights. Guests should be able to comfortably move around the room, but shouldn’t have to squint under bright fluorescents. Light as many candles as possible. White twinkle lights also set a calming mood.
- Décor – Keep décor simple and elegant. Cover tables with black or white tablecloths, then sprinkle with sparkling confetti pieces. Let the atmosphere, the drinks, and the food be the main décor.
- Food – Serve several platters of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. Guests should be presented with small plates and napkins. Consider offering cheese, fruit, spinach rolls, mini quiches, and quesadillas. All appetizers should complement the mocktail drinks served.
- Drink – The mocktail is, of course, the most important part of the mocktail party. Serve your beverages in real glassware, appropriate for the chosen drinks.
A chic mocktail party can be a refreshing way to celebrate a birthday or accomplishment. Long after the last Virgin Pina Colada is gone, your guests will be reliving their party memories. And, hopefully, you’ll find all the planning was worth it.
See Also: How to Stock a Non-Alcoholic Bar, Mocktail Recipe Collection