50's Cocktail Party - Libations

Cocktails added a touch of much needed glamour to a typical 50's party. While beer and wine were still served, Cocktails were the favorite alcoholic beverages of this era.

Two of the most popular cocktails were Martinis and Manhattans. Some others: Old-Fashioneds, Whiskey Sours, and Daiquiris. Mint Juleps, Champagne Cocktails and punch.

For a real 50's vibe, look in your local thrift stores/flea markets for vintage glasses. They don't even have to match. I found a bunch for under .25 cents each.

Punch was a staple at a 50's cocktail party. Many recipes and variations abound - some with tea as the base ingredient and some with fruit juice.

One of the more popular beers of the time, that is still available today is Miller High Life, which is also called 'The Champagne of Beers'. How fitting for a cocktail party! It also comes in a light variety for those who are calorie/carb conscious.

Busch Bavarian was the first beer made by Anheuser-Busch following Prohibition. Today, it is named simply 'Busch'. It also comes in a light version.

In the 50’s, wine production quality was not as high as it is now. Thus, aromatized wines, (such as Dubonnet and Vermouth) were popular served on the rocks. Aromatized wines are a fortified wine or mistelle that has been flavored with herbs, spices, fruit or other natural flavorings. Also popular were sweet wines such as Riesling, Sherry and Port. For dry options, Sauvignon Blanc and Burgundy.

Checkout these handy guides:

How to Set up a Bar and How much to Serve