Easy Cocktail Party Menu

When you are planning to throw a cocktail party, the most important thing that you need to plan for is the menu. One of the best thing about a cocktail party is that you do not have to slave over a stove preparing a full course dinner. It is a lot less stressful than preparing for a dinner party and you can make your life easier by preparing ahead. The key to a good cocktail party menu, is to have a good selection of appetizers that consists of old classics and newer fusion food. Remember to keep the menu interesting with a good mix of vegetarian and non vegetarian appetizer recipes.

Cocktail Party Menu Ideas

Before you start thinking of a menu for your cocktail party, which you will come to, naturally, after you have decided on cocktail recipes to use, it makes sense to set a theme for the party. Your cocktail party menu can then be inspired from the party theme. If you are thinking of an Italian themed or Spanish themed cocktail party, then serve Italian and Spanish food. Another important thing to remember while drawing up a menu is to make sure that the appetizers are bite sized with no heavy sauces dripping from it. If you want, you can serve sauces and dips on the side. Use only fresh seasonal produce to make your appetizers, so that they taste good. For a successful and hassle free cocktail party, the menu should be a combination of hot and cold appetizers. Cocktail party appetizers like anti pasti platter, smoked salmon, chorizo sausages and roasted bell peppers can be bought from a supermarket or a local delicatessen. Cold appetizers like these great cocktail party food ideas and you do not need to work over it at all.

While hosting a cocktail party it is very important to estimate the amount of food that you need to serve. 7-10 appetizers per guest is a good estimate. Always prepare more food than your estimate as there is nothing worse than running out of food in a party. As far as possible start doing your prep work two to three days ahead of the party. If you prepare ahead and keep yourself organized, your party will be successful.

Some ideas for cocktail party food menu are given below.

• Lamb Skewers with Hot Mint and Pistachio Sauce
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp
• Mini Crabcakes with Garlic Aioli
• Deviled Eggs with Smoked Salmon
• Tomato-Topped Bruschetta
• Fried Calamari with Spicy Dipping Sauce
• Peach and Brie Quesadillas with Lime-Honey Dipping Sauce
• Cheese Stuffed Squash Blossom Bruschetta
• Salmon Canapés
• Caramelized Onion and Goat's Cheese Mini Pizzas
• Mushroom Phyllo Triangles
• Parmesan Zucchini Sticks with Baba Ghanoush
• Baked Brie with Golden Raisin Compote
• Mini Beef and Cabbage Rolls
• Vegetarian Chipotle Nachos
• Oysters with Lemon Sauce
• Nachos with Guacamole
• Mini Tomato Tart
• Ricotta, Sun-dried Tomato and Parsley Empanadas
• Mini Tartlets with Frangipane
• Shrimp Stuffed Tomatoes
• Pigs in a Blanket
• Scampi and Spinach Tart
• Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos
• Spanish Tortilla

Just preparing a good mix of easy appetizers for a crowd is not enough. You need to present it beautifully to make the food look appetizing. The best way to serve these appetizers is to use small serving spoons or trays along with attractive garnishes. Always make sure that you have sufficient number of paper napkins and serving spoons for your guests. If preparing 8-10 different appetizers seems intimidating to you, then combine store bought food with home preparations. Lastly, serve some great cocktails with your party food, to make your party fun and memorable.