Entertaining Like a Starlet: Cocktails

Now that we’ve discussed how to prep for a Starlet party, we can take a look at what to serve. No matter what type of party a Starlet is throwing, you can be sure there will be cocktails. Now every Starlet has her favorite cocktails, but for a party she will generally choose classic cocktails (think Mad Men) that have simple ingredients.

A Starlet will rarely hire a bartender no matter how big the party, but, if she has a leading man in her life (whether it be a husband, boyfriend, or gay best friend) she will usually leave him in charge of mixing drinks.

Bonus Points if he looks like Don Draper

She will also have a bar area with all the tools necessary to make libations, as well as a cabinet or cupboard with variety of glasses. She may even collect vintage cocktail glasses and likes to mix and match so guests each have a unique glass (that way everyone knows which glass is theirs).

Also note: when purchasing liquor and juices (never a pre-mix, always go fresh), plan on one cocktail per person per hour…. and plenty of champagne!

Here are some classic cocktail options….

Vodka Martini

1 1/2 oz vodka

3/4 oz dry vermouth

Shake vodka and vermouth together with several ice cubes in a shaker. Strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with an olive and serve.

Whisky Sour

2 ounces rye or blended whiskey

3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon superfine sugar or simple syrup

Slice of orange or lemon (or both) and a maraschino cherry

Shake the whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar vigorously with ice; then strain over ice into a chilled cocktail glass, Old Fashioned glass, or highball glass. Garnish with an orange or lemon slice (or both) and a maraschino cherry.

Tom Collins