It’s that most wonderful time of the year again—almost Christmas. You know, the period where end-of-year celebrations and festivities begin about a month before the actual day, where annual long lunches with friends are plenty and the impending confusion of knowing what day it is (aka the week between Christmas and New Years) approaches.
While there’s a lot to love about cocktail hour when the sun’s out and the festivities are high, there’s also a lot to learn: how to keep things cold, how to create a drinks menu everyone will love, how to make cocktails that don’t taste like sugar-water. Whether you’re hosting Christmas, New Years Eve or just a weekend of backyard fun – we’ve got you sorted with the do’s and don’ts of summer entertaining with thanks to Bevmart and Australian cricket legend, Michael Clarke.=
Do: Be Prepared
Being prepared doesn’t just mean planning your menu down to the last palate cleanser and buying all your ingredients a week in advance, it’s as simple as ensuring you’re stocked up on the basics, such as plenty of ice, gas or charcoal if you’re using the barbecue and snacks for when all else fails. Leaving the actual food and drink preparation to the day before will ensure it’s as fresh as can be. If it’s a casual party at home, just cook whatever you feel comfortable with – and more importantly – thay you know will taste good. If you have a grill, try to use this as your main station so you’re not swamped under endless pans.
Do: Keep It Simple
The rules for entertaining in summer are different to other times of the year. People want to be outside, enjoying the sun, with fresh laidback options. There’s really no need for complicated food or drinks. Feeding a large group also isn’t a good time to try a new recipe, so choose simple, full-proof recipes that you are confident cooking. The ultimate crowd-pleaser? Italian. Italians know a thing or two about great summer entertaining. Think bruschetta, large-batch pastas, breads, chunky salads and antipasto for food. As for drinks, classic cocktails that complement traditional flavors of Italy – like citrus and mint. The ultimate lifehack: pre-batched bottled cocktails that are big enough to share, like Twisted Shaker, which come in 700mL bottles that serve 11 standard drinks.
Don’t: Forget Low And Non-Alcohol Options
You’re better than plain ol’ soda. Versatility is the name of the game with super-refreshing, non-alcoholic drinks. From zero alcohol beers, lighter wine styles, and non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails — there’s something for everyone. The ultimate time-saver is punch: it’s stress-free and delicious. Generally as long as you have ginger ale, soda water, fresh fruit and herbs on hand you can mix-up a delicious big-batch option that’s refreshing and relatively low-sugar.
Do: Get The Right Tools
If you don’t have the right tools, stress and hassle on the big day can almost be guaranteed. In order to spend more time entertaining and less time in the kitchen, invest in your bar and prep repertoire. The basics include a good sized Esky, which can be used for drinks and keeping all your fresh ingredients cool and a barware cocktail kit to ensure you can make your thirst-quenchers like a pro.
Don’t: Keep Anyone Waiting
If someone turns up early and they don’t know anyone, introduce them around and keep a full drink in their hand. In fact, stick a drink in everyone’s hand as soon as they walk through the door and have some food ready shortly after that. That’s just good hospitality 1-0-1.
Do: Remember The Life Tips
Getting the basics right are essential: make sure you drink lots of water, wear sunscreen and have enough food and drink on hand to see you through the party. No one likes doing an emergency booze run, and it means you’re not curating a drinks list to its full potential.
Don’t: Be A Buzzkill
When it comes to the vibe, there are a few golden rules to getting it right. Make sure you’ve got your portable speaker charged up and ready to play the tunes for as long as you need, a strong theme so everyone can go all-out will never go astray, don’t let your guests go crazy on the music – build a party playlist then let it flow, and last but not least, don’t dominate your crowd. Set the scene and then let it go where it’s going to go – you can’t force parties upon people, but you can grease the wheels.
