The perfect cocktail party

Some (don’t) like it hot

Sunshine, warm weather, summer clothing and a light breeze are the ideal ingredients for the perfect garden cocktail party. But if that light breeze is nowhere to be seen and the warm weather is more like searing heat, it is a good idea to have some shade ready before everything starts. The ideal option is to make use of a parasol system from “Move & Park”. These patented systems aren’t just extremely easy to use, they also look good and provide generous shade. With shelter from the sun, nothing stands in the way of enjoying a garden party. At least almost nothing, because just like your invited guests, some uninvited visitors will also be thrilled about the sweet flavors and colors on show: wasps. Although wasps can quickly cause trouble, a solution is available for keeping them at bay. Lemons, for example, aren’t only a refreshing ingredient in drinks, they are also an effective remedy against wasps. To keep your unwanted visitors away, just take some side plates and place some lemon halves on them sprinkled with cloves. And these pesky little inspects don’t like essential oils such as lavender or peppermint either. Drizzle a few drops of the oils into a bowl and you’ll be sure to have some peace.

Shaken, not stirred

The fact that peppermint is also a suitable wasp repellent also comes in handy at a cocktail party. After all, peppermint is one of the main ingredients in a wide variety of drinks, such as the summer classic "Mojito". The ingredients in this sweet refreshment are sparkling mineral water, cane sugar, a lime, ice cubes, mint sprigs and rum. If you’re looking for a particularly pleasant rum, you will find a remarkably large selection at the "Casa del Tequila" bodega, or liquor store, in Embrach. True to its name, the bodega also leaves nothing to be desired in terms of tequila, which means you can create an exquisite "Margarita". In addition to tequila, you’ll need orange liqueur, lemon juice and a little salt to add a tasty decoration to the edge of the glasses.

If you want a really cool drink, copy James Bond: Enjoy it shaken, not stirred so it stays cool for much longer. That, at least, is true of "Vodka Martini". Before the shaking takes place, though, the right ingredients are required: vodka, dry vermouth, a green olive and, of course, ice.

For guests who prefer their drinks alcohol-free, the "Virgin Colada" is a delicious alternative mocktail. Just mix some pineapple juice, coconut milk and crushed ice and decorate the drink with a slice of pineapple. All these ingredients – even the crushed ice – are available at "Getränkemärt Urs Rauch AG".

Stylish appearance

Before your garden party gets going, preparation is the be-all and end-all, as with any party. In addition to the choice of drinks, the right ingredients and the decoration, that also includes your own personal styling. As far as summer jewelry goes, "PURELEI" is a great place to start. Their natty necklaces, bracelets, finger rings and earrings in the modern Hawaiian look are certain to get everyone smiling. Jewelry isn’t the only thing with which to charm your guests, though. Pleasant fragrances do too, especially the perfumes and hair and body care products available at "Rituals". From pear and bergamot to musk and tangerine all the way through to rose, pepper and sandalwood – their fresh floral and spicy essences are a great match with your drinks menu.

Partying whatever the weather

Although the ideal cocktail party means sunshine, sometimes the sky is gray and the rain starts to fall. If the sun simply refuses to shine and the dark clouds have gathered before things have even got underway, it’s high time for plan B. What might that involve? It could be classic and exclusive, like the "Kronenhalle Bar" in Zurich. With its charming Art Deco interior and exquisite drinks, the "Kronenhalle Bar" is a cozy retreat for partying in style. If the weather is a little better and you like the rooftop vibe, Bar "1838" on the roof patio of the "Mandarin Oriental Savoy" in Zurich is a great place to go. And the views over the Paradeplatz and the city center are also great.

Whether it’s Mojitos, Margaritas, Dry Martinis or Virgin Coladas: The possibilities for enjoying the summer over drinks are numerous. On this note, let’s raise a glass and drink to our good health!