{"id":4091,"date":"2022-10-31T10:22:49","date_gmt":"2022-10-31T14:22:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/?p=4091"},"modified":"2026-02-23T07:07:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T11:07:27","slug":"what-is-a-cocktail-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/learn\/what-is-a-cocktail-party\/","title":{"rendered":"Cocktail Parties: Origins &amp; How to Throw the Perfect One"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thinking about hosting a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cocktail party<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">? Step right this way, friend. The Mixer has you covered! Our team of resident entertainment experts has shared their insights, and we&#8217;ve put together the ultimate intro to cocktail parties for newbies right here. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The history of the cocktail party<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4097\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_2-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"The history of the cocktail party\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_2-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_2-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_2-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_2-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_2-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_2-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_2.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first official events of this kind took place in the United States in the lead-up to the 1920s. Of course, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/learn\/who-invented-the-cocktail\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the cocktail was invented quite a while before this<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, in the early 1800s, but gatherings of this kind only came about later. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The interesting thing about the first cocktail parties is that it was somewhat of a socio-political <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">coup d&#8217;\u00e9tat<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. See, up until this point, it was considered unseemly for ladies to drink the cocktails of the time, which were rather strong. This included the famous Sazerac, for instance. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, social occasions had moved closer to home due to the restrictions of the temperance movement. Enjoying drinks at hotels and saloons was already pretty much a no-no for women of the time from a societal point of view, so it was better to set the stage for merriment at home. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As a result, casual at-home parties grew very popular, providing both men and women with the opportunity to socialize and enjoy some mixed drinks. Hosts also enjoyed this new event format, since they weren&#8217;t obliged to cook up and serve full meals, but could instead serve drinks and a few nibbles.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hosting outdoors? Read:<\/span><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/plan\/outdoor-cocktail-party\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to Throw the Perfect Outdoor Cocktail Party<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Who invented the cocktail reception?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4093\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_3-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Clara Bell Walsh\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_3-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_3-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_3-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_3-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_3-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_3-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355US_3.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The clever hostess credited with being the first person to host an event like this is the 1920s St Louis socialite and millionaire Clara Bell Walsh. As the darling of the Missouri social scene, she set the tone for what was in and out in terms of hosting. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, when she opened the doors to their sumptuous home for shorter social occasions that featured mixed drinks and appetizers, including stronger drinks for the ladies, very few eyelids were batted (in her powerful presence at least) &#8230;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Where was the first cocktail get-together?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4098\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_St-Louis_Canva_MAC_9GkP1FQ-historic-buildings-in-the-center-of-st-louis-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"St Louis Missouri\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_St-Louis_Canva_MAC_9GkP1FQ-historic-buildings-in-the-center-of-st-louis-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_St-Louis_Canva_MAC_9GkP1FQ-historic-buildings-in-the-center-of-st-louis-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_St-Louis_Canva_MAC_9GkP1FQ-historic-buildings-in-the-center-of-st-louis-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_St-Louis_Canva_MAC_9GkP1FQ-historic-buildings-in-the-center-of-st-louis-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_St-Louis_Canva_MAC_9GkP1FQ-historic-buildings-in-the-center-of-st-louis-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_St-Louis_Canva_MAC_9GkP1FQ-historic-buildings-in-the-center-of-st-louis-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_St-Louis_Canva_MAC_9GkP1FQ-historic-buildings-in-the-center-of-st-louis.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The first historical mention of such an event was made in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/chroniclingamerica.loc.gov\/lccn\/sn88085187\/1917-04-17\/ed-1\/seq-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tacoma Times in April 1917<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which referred to it as &#8216;the newest social stunt&#8217;. This Sunday matinee affair was hosted by Clara Bell Walsh and her husband at their home in St Louis. Fifty guests were invited, and they gathered at high noon at the Walsh home on Lindell Boulevard. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some of the drinks that the Walsh&#8217;s private bartender served up on the day included the <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/recipes\/sazerac-cocktail\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Sazerac<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/recipes\/bronx-cocktail\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Bronx<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/recipes\/vodka-martini\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Martini<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/recipes\/manhattan-cocktail-ingredients\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Manhattan<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/recipes\/highball-cocktail-ingredients\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Highball<\/a><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What is cocktail attire?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4092\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Attire_Canva_MACg5CEydO4-cheerful-smartly-dressed-couple-standing-isolated-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Cocktail attire for a party\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Attire_Canva_MACg5CEydO4-cheerful-smartly-dressed-couple-standing-isolated-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Attire_Canva_MACg5CEydO4-cheerful-smartly-dressed-couple-standing-isolated-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Attire_Canva_MACg5CEydO4-cheerful-smartly-dressed-couple-standing-isolated-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Attire_Canva_MACg5CEydO4-cheerful-smartly-dressed-couple-standing-isolated-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Attire_Canva_MACg5CEydO4-cheerful-smartly-dressed-couple-standing-isolated-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Attire_Canva_MACg5CEydO4-cheerful-smartly-dressed-couple-standing-isolated-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Attire_Canva_MACg5CEydO4-cheerful-smartly-dressed-couple-standing-isolated.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cocktail attire walks the fine line between formal and casual, and elegant and comfortable. It is a more elevated dress code than semi-formal, but less formal than wedding attire. Women will typically wear mini or midi dresses with heels, as well as pantsuits and jumpsuits on the formal end of the spectrum. Men wear light suits with a button-down shirt, dress shoes, and a tie or bow tie. A pair of formal pants and a blazer is also acceptable.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Seasonal cocktail attire unpacked: <\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/learn\/cocktail-party-attire\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A Guide to the Best Cocktail Party Attire &amp; Drinks<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What is a cocktail dress?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4094\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Cocktail-Dress_Canva_MAC_MAEJJfqBpaI-excitement-before-the-prom-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Cccktail party dress\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Cocktail-Dress_Canva_MAC_MAEJJfqBpaI-excitement-before-the-prom-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Cocktail-Dress_Canva_MAC_MAEJJfqBpaI-excitement-before-the-prom-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Cocktail-Dress_Canva_MAC_MAEJJfqBpaI-excitement-before-the-prom-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Cocktail-Dress_Canva_MAC_MAEJJfqBpaI-excitement-before-the-prom-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Cocktail-Dress_Canva_MAC_MAEJJfqBpaI-excitement-before-the-prom-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Cocktail-Dress_Canva_MAC_MAEJJfqBpaI-excitement-before-the-prom-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Cocktail-Dress_Canva_MAC_MAEJJfqBpaI-excitement-before-the-prom.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A cocktail dress is a semi-formal dress that falls somewhere between casual daytime wear and fancy evening wear. It&#8217;s playful, pretty, and celebratory. The \u2018little black dress\u2019 is a favorite, but bold colors and prints are also enjoying a moment in the limelight. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What is a cocktail wedding?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4099\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Wedding_Canva_MABOe_aXaiU-wedding-guests-drinking-champagne-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Cocktail party wedding\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Wedding_Canva_MABOe_aXaiU-wedding-guests-drinking-champagne-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Wedding_Canva_MABOe_aXaiU-wedding-guests-drinking-champagne-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Wedding_Canva_MABOe_aXaiU-wedding-guests-drinking-champagne-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Wedding_Canva_MABOe_aXaiU-wedding-guests-drinking-champagne-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Wedding_Canva_MABOe_aXaiU-wedding-guests-drinking-champagne-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Wedding_Canva_MABOe_aXaiU-wedding-guests-drinking-champagne-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Wedding_Canva_MABOe_aXaiU-wedding-guests-drinking-champagne.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A cocktail party reception is a type of wedding reception where no formal meal is served and instead guests are served a variety of hors d&#8217;oeuvres. It is a more affordable way to host a larger group, ideal for couples who prefer to keep their expenses on the lower end during their nuptial celebrations, while still hosting an elegant get-together for family and friends.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wedding drinks inspiration<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/plan\/wedding-cocktails\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gorgeous Big Batch Wedding Cocktails for Easy Pouring<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What do you eat &amp; drink at a cocktail gathering?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-4096\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Food_Canva_MADQLJTVWiY-wedding-food-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Cocktail party canapes\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Food_Canva_MADQLJTVWiY-wedding-food-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Food_Canva_MADQLJTVWiY-wedding-food-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Food_Canva_MADQLJTVWiY-wedding-food-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Food_Canva_MADQLJTVWiY-wedding-food-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Food_Canva_MADQLJTVWiY-wedding-food-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Food_Canva_MADQLJTVWiY-wedding-food-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/355.US_What-is-a-cocktail-party_Food_Canva_MADQLJTVWiY-wedding-food.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hosts serve up a selection of mixed drinks, and light appetizers that can be enjoyed while guests mingle. The food is typically tasty little morsels that can be eaten while standing, without the use of a knife and fork. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/plan\/cocktail-party-appetizers\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Popular aperitivo-style appetizers<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> include bruschetta, shrimp toast, devilled eggs, mini tacos, cocktail meatballs, and crispy fried calamari. Some of the most classic cocktails to serve at a mingling mixer include iconic drinks like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/recipes\/negroni\/\">Negroni<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/recipes\/hugo-cocktail-ingredients\/\">Hugo Spritz<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/recipes\/cosmopolitan\/\">Cosmopolitan<\/a>. Hosts may also choose to serve <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">batch cocktails<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for ease of serving, or <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">mocktails<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for guests who prefer non-alcoholic drinks. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, the great thing is that you can adapt the cocktail party template to suit your hosting style and the preferences of your guests. It\u2019s the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure party outline!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>There you have it \u2013 everything you need to know about cocktail parties and how to throw the perfect one! For more insights and inspiration, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/subscribe\/\"><em>sign up for our newsletter<\/em><\/a><em> and we&#8217;ll keep you in the mix!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thinking about hosting a cocktail party? Step right this way, friend. The Mixer has you covered! Our team of resident entertainment experts has shared their insights, and we&#8217;ve put together the ultimate intro to cocktail parties for newbies right here. \u00a0 The history of the cocktail party The first official events of this kind took [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4095,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[44,23,172,16,53],"class_list":["post-4091","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learn","tag-champagne","tag-easy","tag-negroni","tag-sweet","tag-whiskey"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is a Cocktail Party - The Mixer Explains<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Mixer outlines everything you need to know about a cocktail party and its origins. 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