Whether you’re planning a weekend dinner party, an after-work event, or a festive holiday get-together, you’ll want to lock down the perfect drink selection to keep the conversation flowing and the laughs ringing out until the last guest has departed.
That means one thing — solid drink options.
You’ll want to have enough of the best bottles on hand to satisfy any taste, from the straightforward and simple to the wild and adventurous.
Luckily, we have you covered with some of the best bottles to serve as a straight-up staple or creative cocktail component to keep everyone at your party reaching for more.
G.H.Mumm Grand Cordon Brut Champagne
Nothing says “classy” like a deliciously chilled bottle of champagne awaiting your guests upon arrival.
The Grand Cordon Brut by G.H.Mumm offers a beautifully dry, crisp option that is perfect for a little pre-dinner sipping alongside seafood hors d’oeuvres and soft cheeses. Its bright flavors and clean vanilla base also make for an unparalleled champagne cocktail foundation.
A splash of a floral, citrus-focused spirit like Malfy’s Con Limone Italian Gin brings out an effervescent orchard of bright fruit flavors in the champagne, especially with a lemon peel garnish.
Or you can bring the Grand Cordon’s soft yet herbaceous spice notes to the fore by adding a measure of densely flavorful Italian Amaro such as Ramazzotti for a dark, sparkling cola-style take on an Amaro Spritz.
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut
A delicate, delectable champagne fit to pair with the finest meal, Perrier-Jouët’s Grand Brut may end up being the star of the party.
With a vibrant body of glittering pale gold and a nose that’s all flowers and ripe green apples, the experience of the Grand Brut begins long before it even reaches your lips.
If you’re treating your guests to a main course of light fish or chicken, there could be no better pairing than a champagne of this caliber. With its enduringly fresh, bright, fruity notes atop a sturdy, unwavering toastiness, the Grand Brut stands as a perfect complement to any creamy entrée with no added ingredients or mixers necessary.
We also recommend you try a simple dish that includes either citrus peel or a fragrant sprig of basil if you want to accent some of the champagne's near-endless complex flavors.
Martell Blue Swift: Bourbon Barrel-Aged Spirit
After dinner is when the real fun can begin, and that means some bolder spirits and more creative cocktails.
Cognac legend Martell introduced the unprecedented Blue Swift, an offering of their award-winning VSOP cognac finished in bourbon barrels, imparting rich caramel and vanilla on top of the spirit’s dark notes of spices and dried fruits.
Blue Swift, poured neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail, is sure to provide an unbeatable nightcap for your after-dinner cigar-smoking guests, but its ability to elevate even the simplest cocktails is where the drink shines.
With an exceptionally smooth character combining the best of French brandy and bourbon, it’s no surprise that Blue Swift feels easily at home in place of the whiskey in The Swift Sour, a perfect cocktail to keep the party going all night long.
Swift Sour
2 Parts Martell Blue Swift
1 Part Honey Syrup
1 Part Lemon
Make the honey syrup using equal parts honey and water. Combine all cocktail ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a glass and add ice. Garnish with lemon peel and serve.
In Closing
If you’re planning a soirée, make sure you stock your home bar with these party-proper additions. You’ll surely win over even the pickiest of guests with these gorgeous choices that perfectly complement every party.
