Hosting After Work Cocktails

Treating those who work 9-5.

The other week, my girlfriend Katherine texted me to meet up for a happy hour once she got home from the office. I loved this idea of catching up with her after the holidays! When I was brainstorming where to go (side note, Denver is filled with so many amazing restaurants and happy hours!), I thought it would be so fun to have her over to our new house for cocktails and snacks! A cozier way to catch up.

From all of our travels, my most favorite way to enjoy a cocktail has been the Italian way. I’ve spent time in Sicily, Tuscany and Umbria, Milan, Rome and Florence and every time I ever ordered a drink from a fabulous restaurant they always served them with a side of chips, nuts and olives. It is the perfect array of small bites to enjoy with a cocktail! With Katherine coming over that Friday evening, I thought it would be fun to treat her to a little Italian happy hour equipped with all the same necessities! Plus, it made for a simple way to throw together a happy hour at home.

When it came down to the cocktail, I thought I would take a spin on an Italian classic, the Negroni. Now, I actually have never had a Negroni. I am not a gin drinker and from the small research I’ve done, its a no no to ask for a Negroni with vodka (correct me if I’m wrong!). I was watching Barefoot Contessa the other day and she whipped up a “Tegroni” – a Negroni with tequila, and wah-la! The perfect after work, Italian cocktail.

Tegroni

INGREDIENTS

4 ounces silver tequila (I personally recommend Casamigos reposado)
4 ounces Cinzano sweet vermouth
4 ounces Campari
Grapefruit peels, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Pour the tequila, vermouth and Campari into a pitcher. Squeeze a grapefruit peel in each of four rocks glasses and divide the alcohol mixture among the glasses. Fill each glass with a large ice cube and serve.

| recipe borrowed from here.

[Since this was my first take on a Negroni I wanted to share a little review: I used blanco tequila and I think that is what threw this off. It might be a personal preference, but I think I would have enjoyed this more with reposado.]

When it comes to setting up a little cocktail hour at home there are just a few simple things you can do to be the every hostess!

Set out the snacks in small bowls. Keep an eye on them if they are getting low and make sure to refill.
Put out an arrangement of flowers and light any candles in your home to set a mood!
If you want additional snacks to serve, meats and cheeses, shrimp with cocktail sauce are my favorite simple go to’s.
Have a bar area prepared. Set out the alcohol, pre slice any garnishes and have the glassware set out so you can refresh your guests cocktail easily.
Additionally, have other cocktail options such as vodka and gin along with simple mixers such as club soda and juices in case your guest wants another option. And you must stock your bar with a bottle of red and white wine, just in case too!