Tonight is New Year’s Eve – and for your last minute party planning we have with us this morning celebrity event planner and lifestyle expert, Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event.
The latest trend straight from the chic hotel bars in Paris includes gorgeous looking and tasting herb infused cocktails. You know Paris – always starting the hot new trends in food and fashion.
Step 1 – An inside catering tip is to select three speciality cocktails to serve on the bar. Not only does this add a fun energy and first impression as guests arrive, it also saves you money on the catering budget, with a limited bar setup. It’s a win win for you and your guests.
Step 2 – A party planner secret is to setup and prep everything before guests arrive – so the bar can be self serve and a place for guests to connect, meet eachother, and have fun tasting cocktails. Bar trays, pitchers, glasses, garnish…everything needs a place for easy access throughout the night.
Drink 1 – Warm Cider-ita
I love to serve warm, stovetop cocktails that create a scent of cinnamon throughout your home. Your guests are transported as soon as they step into the front door.
In a teapot, warm 3 parts apple cider and 1 part Gold Tequila. Once warm, add 5 cinnamon sticks.
In your mugs, place a spoonful of dried fruits to include plums, raisins, cherries, figs – all sorts of delicious, wintery fruits. This doubles as a garnish and also as an ingredient – making a nice two for one on your bar budget.
Drink 2 – Pom’tini
Nothing feels more holiday than Pomegranate. It is the KING of antioxidants, a superpower fruit, and the perfect holiday color.
In a blender, I always use the brand new Ninja Blender for it’s incredible blending power and fluffly, snow like finished product.
Mix 3 parts Pomegranate Juice with 1 part Limeade and 1 part citron Vodka and ice, blending until smooth and frothy.
Pour into glasses with a bunch of fresh mint garnish – it smells and tastes simply amazing.
Drink 3 – Bubbly Chai
Of course you have to serve a festive sparkling cocktail – especially for the countdown to midnight.
This delicious combination pairs Prosecco – which is a nice, low cost $10/bottle or less bubbly from Italy with Chai Tea – or my favorite Tabott Tea Cinnamon Rose – which has a nice spicy winter taste.
Combine 1 part Chai to 1 part Prosecco, and garnish with fresh Thyme for an earthy, herbal infusion.
Now let’s have a toast and cheer the new year!
Cheers to 2011.
Debi Lilly, aperfectevent.com
