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Arianna graduated from Dowling College with a Bachelors in |
| Now that the fourth of July has passed and everyone has had their gatherings around the barbeque, it may be time to put away the paper plates and Solo cups. Let’s put some sparkle and shine into a summer cocktail party! Think Jay Gatsby, but without the epic proportion. First, you should pick the beverages, it wouldn’t be a cocktail party without cocktails. Personally, I like to go with seasonally inspired fresh fruit. I recently found a new respect for a well thought-out cocktail. I work for a well-known restaurant group and, I may be biased, but our beverage and cocktail programs are amazing, thanks to some great bartenders, sommeliers and a top-notch beverage director. Something I have been introduced to through my work is cucumber-infused spirits. I recently had a cucumber-jalapeno margarita that was delicious; it had a nice balance between spicy and thirst quenching. Speaking of margaritas, another spirit that I have discovered and acquired a taste for is mezcal. Mezcal is similar to tequila but it has a smokier flavor. I had a version of a margarita and they put all sorts of bitters and flavorings which was delicious. You can make champagne-based cocktails, not ordinary mimosas or bellinis. Some of the best ones I’ve tried have some kind of infused vermouth or liquor, such as lillet, with a twist of citrus. They not only have a kick, the flavor is also lovely. The idea is to pick a signature cocktail and serve that as an option, along with maybe beer or wine. This way you are not going crazy trying to please everyone and it keeps your party within a budget. Now that the drinks are taken care of, you need some scrumptious finger foods. One of my favorites this year is watermelon and feta salad. You can cut the watermelon and feta into cubes and stick a toothpick in the center with a small mint leaf. I also have been making baked brie lately. You just take a wheel of brie, cut off the top rind, add your favorite fruit jam (my preference is raspberry), wrap it in puff pastry and bake until golden brown. Little sliders of either beef or turkey are sure to be a hit, as well as caprese salad on a stick with cherry tomatoes and bocconcini. Even if you don’t have a backyard, or if you have a balcony, like me, you can still have a smashing soiree with these cocktails and hors d’oeuvres! |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 