5 tips to boss your next cocktail party

Hosting a cocktail party but have no idea where to start? These five tips are all you need to absolutely boss your next shindig.

Don’t worry about splashing the cash

All the cocktails in my FREE guide to Christmas cocktail making (see below) are made using equipment you’ll likely have in your kitchen – or can pick up cheaply from the supermarket
If you don’t have a stash of spirits already in the house, ask people to bring specific types along with them

Likely to have a number of tee-totallers? Check out my booze-free options, like this Spiced Redcurrant and Rose Smash
Are your friends avid gym bunnies? Skinny cocktails don’t need to be lacking: the Flu Fighter is for you.

Good quality mixers are the cheap way to up the quality of your drinks
Don’t worry so much about soda and fizzy water, but buy the best tonic water you can afford. Same goes for other mixers like ginger ale
Buy more than you think you'll need before your party. A multi-pack of soda can be tucked into a cupboard out of sight – it'll save you running out mid-evening

If you’re keen to mix cocktails on demand, be sure to stick to fewer than three options
For a crowd, my punchbowls are perfect – and surprisingly sophisticated. Try the Boilermaker Punch - plus more retro winners in my free cocktail guide

Flavoured salt or sugar glass rims are the easy way to enhance or add flavour
Match the garnish to the main flavours of the drink: look at the back label for key botanicals or flavours and pick them out. For example, Tanquery gin and grapefruit are a match made in heaven, as are spiced rum and candied orange peel slices (you can pick them up at the supermarket in the home baking aisle).
For step-by-step instructions on how to create these garnishes and many more, check out my FREE guide below: How To Throw A Holiday Party Like A Bona Fide Adult