Martini Party Ideas

by Ryan
(Charlottesville, VA)

These martini party ideas are specifically geared towards a 21st birthday party, but they can be used for adults of any age as well. I had an upscale martini party to celebrate my 21st birthday. I wanted something really classy because this was a special milestone in my life. I didn't want to do the typical "get way to drunk at bars" thing that a lot of people do for their 21st.

I hosted it at my home, but the location for a martini party can be anywhere you choose. Your home is a great easy and personal way to throw this kind of party because everyone will be able to relax and settle in... and if the weather is nice outside you can definitely have the party outside on you deck or patio for that added bit of ambiance.

If you decide to hold it in you own home there will be several different supplies you will need to get ahead of time. You will need the ingredients to make different types of martinis. The basics are:

Gin

Green Olives

Dry Vermouth and Sweet Vermouth

Curls of Lemon Peel and Lime Peel

You can throw a martini birthday with just these ingredients and a cocktail shaker, martini glasses, and ice.

Of course... it's fun to mix things up! So why go for the basics?

In addition to the list of things above, to turn it into a real martini mix, have on hand vodka, sugar, salt, several flavored vermouths, and whatever other creative ingredients you want to use for a specialty martini. I would recommend having ingredients on hand for 5 different types, with one of them being the classic martini.

For this party you may also want to have rings for your glasses so everyone can differentiate their glass. The nice thing about this purchase is you can use it over and over again for more parties in the future.

Martini Party Ideas for Birthdays

Use different recipes to make enough different martinis to cover everyone. Name them by your guest's names. So one of your guests might say, "I'll have a Sarah." It will be a mystery to them what a Sarah martini is!

Another idea is to have a martini making contest. Where everyone who wants to participate makes their own and then all of the guests participate in judging. A fun grand prize for this is an elegant shaker that the winner can take home.

The last idea is to rent a professional bartender. Part of the event can be a "How to Make a Martini" class that the bartender puts on, showing everyone how to do different variations.

The fun thing about martini party ideas is there are endless things to do. It can be all about the decorations, or the dress code, or the variety of drinks, or different games and contests. It's an open-ended idea. The main point is that everyone can have fun showing off there creative side at making drinks and then when all the making is over the fun is sharing everyones creations with everyone and enjoying the company of your friends on your birthday. As an added bonus opening up bad gifts from your friend is always easier after a couple of martinis!

Renting a Bar or Lounge

If you can stand to incur the added expense you can definitely look into holding the party at one of your favorite bars or lounges. Many venues allow you to rent out their spaces for a fee and they will lend you a bartender in order to make the experience more authentic and give you pointers on how to mix the perfect martini.

If you decide to have the party at a bar or lounge then you won't have to worry about springing for glasses or any of the liquor or other ingredients, but you'll sacrifice the privacy that comes from hosting it in your own home.

My 21st birthday was great because of the martini theme party. I wouldn't do it any other way and I'm thinking about doing this on every big milestone from now on, 30th, 40th, 50th and retirement.

Categories: Birthday Party Ideas