Bring the Party Home (For Under $150!)

By Donyae

Hi and welcome to the dead zone of summer. After partying it up on the fourth, the festiveness dies down and your party schedule is wiiiiide open. There are, of course, the random parties and local events to keep you entertained, but for the most part the excitement is dead and the big stuff is over.

With nothing going on, why not bring the party to your place? Cocktails, sun, friends and your bed within reach? What could be better?

Of course, entertaining requires a little prep, but it is a lot easier (and cheaper!) than you think. Below is a handy dandy guide on how to turn your humble abode into the summer hot spot. And all for less than $150. Let’s get started.

What You Need:

A blender. It’s summer, which mean frozen bevy’s are in order. Your blender doesn’t have to be top of the line, but it does have to work. You can get one for under $20 at Wal-Mart, Target or whatever your cheap-stuff store of choice is.

A whisky tot. One half measures a shot, the other half a shot and half. When you’re pouring on a budget, you want to conserve that booze as much as possible. Know exactly how much you’re pouring out.

Some sort of mixing guide. Impress your friends with your perfect Cosmopolitan and a wide range of sophisticated cocktails. You can find a ton of resources on the web, which equals free (!!).

Bar Essentials

Alright something to note here. Do NOT buy cheap liquor. That’s just asking for a nasty hangover. You don’t have to go top of the line, but don’t go bare minimum just to save a few bucks. Seriously, unless you want all your friends to think they’re drinking gasoline cocktails, don’t do it. Most stores run specials on common drinks all the time and have substitutes that are just as good as the more “name brand” products. Just ask; a clerk would be happy to help you.

Vodka. This is the most common. You’re going to be using a lot of it, so think about buying double.

Rum. White and dark. Trust me, it’s in more things than just the ole’ Rum and Coke.

Whisky. This one is actually kind of optional for the summer, but guys love to drink it on the rocks when trying to impress a lady. It is definitely a must-have for your winter bar.

Tequilla. I wouldn’t drink it straight after that situation last weekend, but mixed it’s my friend. Buy clear for mixing in everything from a Sunrise to a Pomegrantite Margarita.

Gin. Short and sweet. Perfect for martini shakin’

What’s your favorite? You should always have a bottle of what you like on hand because it’s your bar. Don’t worry about Rob and Cathy’s favorite drink because they’re not going to be at every gathering. And if they want it tell them to contribute a bottle. People should always bring gifts anyway. ; )

Mixers

Triple Sec. You’re going to need this. Really you are. This goes into all your favorite cocktails.

Coke. It’s simple and classic.

Juice. Orange and pineapple.

Ice. It’s amazing how often people forget ice.

Other staples to consider: Tonic, Soda Water, fun Margarita/Pina Colada/Martini mixers

Alright dears, that should be enough to get you started. This is just a starter kit so don’t go overboard. As time goes on add a bottle of things here and there. Brandy, Irish Crème, some sort of Coffee Liquor. Your total for this trip should be spiraling the drain at $130-$150 depending on what brands you decide to buy. Good luck and happy summer!