The Atlantic Cocktail Party Menu

Photo by Aglaia Kremezi

These wonderfully brined pickled green almonds make an exciting alternative to the usual bowl of mixed nuts. View recipe here .

A Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Party

Recipes and techniques for refreshing cocktails and memorable snacks.

Photo by Dan4th/Flickr CC

To bring a retro taste of "Mad Men" to your party, try mixing up an Old Fashioned. This whiskey-based drink was one of the first to be officially called a "cocktail." View recipe here .

A Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Party

Recipes and techniques for refreshing cocktails and memorable snacks.

Photo by Maria Robledo

This REAL version of classic onion dip is made with caramelized pan-fried onions instead of salty, flavor-enhanced dried onion soup mix. Served with excellent potato chips, it is the ultimate cocktail party food. View recipe here .

A Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Party

Recipes and techniques for refreshing cocktails and memorable snacks.

Photo by Emily Sterne

These chicken cups from Wellesley's Blue Ginger make tasty hors d'oeuvres. View recipe here .

A Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Party

Recipes and techniques for refreshing cocktails and memorable snacks.

Photo by Aglaia Kremezi

Who can resist one of summer's most popular vegetables in fried form? View recipe here .

A Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Party

Recipes and techniques for refreshing cocktails and memorable snacks.

Photo by cogdogblog/FlickrCC

The Rickey is a category of mixed drinks made from a base spirit ( gin in this version), half of a lime squeezed and dropped in the glass, and topped with carbonated water. Little or no sugar is added to the Rickey. View recipe here .

A Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Party

Recipes and techniques for refreshing cocktails and memorable snacks.

Photo by Cuttlefish/Flickr CC

Hosting a cocktail party doesn't have to be time-consuming. Here, five cocktails that are easy to make. View the list here .

A Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Party

Recipes and techniques for refreshing cocktails and memorable snacks.

Photo by monstershaq2000/FlickrCC

This drink, by one of the world's best prohibition-era bartenders, brings to mind a perfect Rob Roy or even an Affinity Cocktail. View recipe here .

A Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Party

Recipes and techniques for refreshing cocktails and memorable snacks.

Photo Courtesy of Sony Pictures

A similarly simple snack option is classic Italian bruschetta . This dish is also ripe for improvising: see this version using slow-roasted cherry tomatoes or this tomato-soaked Spanish variation . No matter which type you try, bruschetta is easy enough to assemble that you can have it out of the kitchen within minutes.

A Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Party

Recipes and techniques for refreshing cocktails and memorable snacks.

Photo by FXR/FlickrCC

Nothing livens up a party like a little champagne. This drink combines it with vermouth and Campari to create a festive cocktail. View recipe here .

A Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Party

Recipes and techniques for refreshing cocktails and memorable snacks.

Photo by Aglaia Kremezi

Though cocktail parties usually feature savory food, these almond "cigars" provide a much-appreciated touch of sweetness. View recipe here .

A Guide to Hosting a Cocktail Party

Recipes and techniques for refreshing cocktails and memorable snacks.