Hi lovelies,
Last week, I tried a lemon drop cocktail created with Stirrings® Simple Lemon Drop Martini Mix, and it's sweet yet subtle taste reminded me of when I was in college. Back then, lemon drop martinis were all my friends and I would order when we went out. It brought back memories of us laughing endlessly over our inside jokes, crying over silly boys, rewarding ourselves for acing a test, dancing the night away to bad pop music, and everything else in-between.
Thus, with the holiday season upon us, it's time for my friends and I to make more memories and priceless moments. There’s no better way to do this than by hosting a Girls Night In. I want to show my close group of girlfriends just how much they mean to me by inviting them over for a night full of yummy cocktails, delicious treats, and a queue full of streaming Rom-Com flicks on Netflix.
Of course, as the host, I want to make sure everyone has a good time and feels taken care of. Since my girlfriends are all special and unique, I want to create a variety of tasty cocktails that would have something for everyone, but without overwhelming myself. To achieve this, I turn to Stirrings to be my party-planner-partner-in-crime in creating an awesome night for my girls with delicious cocktails.
So if you want to create lasting memories and precious moments with your friends, then check out my guide to hosting a fun and easy Girls Night In that will be sure to leave you laughing, crying, and dancing the night away.
The Ultimate Guide to Girls Night In:
Easy Party Planning Tip #1: Décor
You don't have to spend a ton of money to spruce up your place for the evening. I suggest just adding a few vases of fresh flowers. This simple addition will add new life and dimension into any room along with leaving a pleasant aroma.
Another tip to easily up your décor game when hosting a party is to light scented candles. The lovely scent and added warmth will make your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and right at home.
Easy Party Planning Tip #2: Get creative with your cocktails
My friends are a beautiful group of smart, strong, funny, eclectic, and inspiring pack of #GirlBosses, so I want to make sure I have a cocktail to match each of their personalities without being a slave to the kitchen all night.
This is where Stirrings comes in. I just have to add the mixer of choice, a splash of spirits (liquor), and any additional ingredients for extra flavor, and then I'm all set with a yummy cocktail in no time.
For my Girls Night In, I choose to provide a yummy cocktail to fit each of my fabulously fierce friends’ personalities, check them out below and let me know: which cocktail are you?
The Blackberry Bestie Blood Orange Cocktail
This cocktail is for your closest BFF, you two have been through thick-and-thin together and you're basically blood sisters. You trust her with your deepest secrets and you know that she always has your back. Think: Carrie from Sex and the City.
How to make the cocktail:
- Combine 1.5 oz of Ketel One® vodka and 3 oz of Stirrings Simple Blood Orange Cocktail Mixer into a shaker of ice
- Shake for 10 seconds or until chilled
- Strain into a glass of your choice
- Lightly squeeze a few blackberries until softened and then add to them to the cocktail
This cocktail is for the friend who also doubles as your own personal cheerleader. She is your go-to friend whenever you need cheering up and a dose of #MondayMotivation positivity. With effortless ease, she can always add an extra pep in your step while you're busy taking on the world. Think: Charlotte from Sex and the City.
How to make the cocktail:
- Combine 1.5 oz of Smirnoff® Vodka with 1.5 oz Stirrings Simple Pomegranate Martini Mixer and 1.5 oz Stirrings Simple Cosmopolitan Mixer into a shaker of ice
- Shake for 10 seconds or until chilled
- Strain into a glass of your choice
- Use fresh pomegranate or orange slices as a garnish
Don't be fooled by its name! This cocktail is for the friend you admire most for her fearlessness, keen fashion style, go-getter mentality, and enviable leadership skills. You can sit with us and wearing pink on Wednesday's is totally optional. Think: Samantha from Sex and the City.
How to make the cocktail:
- Combine 1.5 oz of Don Julio® Tequila with 3 oz of Stirrings Simple Margarita Cocktail Mixer into a shaker of ice
- Add a teaspoon of Organic Blue Agave Sweetener
- Add a splash of 100% Lime Juice
- Shake for 10 seconds or until chilled
- Strain into a glass of your choice
- Use fresh mint as a garnish
This cocktail is for your ultimate partner-in-crime, who’s fiercely loyal and tells it like it is, in a kind, yet firm way. Just like the Lemon Drop, she gives you the bitter with the sweet. She's the kind of friend that you can call at any time of the day or night for a much-needed reality check and an even more needed hug. Think: Miranda from Sex and the City.
How to make the cocktail:
- Combine 1.5 oz of Smirnoff® Vodka with 3 oz of Stirrings® Simple Lemon Drop Martini Cocktail Mixer into a shaker of ice
- Add in a few splashes of champagne
- Shake for 10 seconds or until chilled
- Strain into a glass of your choice
- Use fresh lemon slices as a garnish
Easy Party Planning Tip #3: Tasty Treats
Admittedly, I'm not the best cook in the world, so when it comes to hosting parties, I get a little intimidated by the idea of cooking for my friends.
So if you're like me, and you want an easy way to make sure that your guests are full and satisfied without sacrificing hours next to the oven then opt for food items that don't need much prep or cooking time. Check out the list below for my go-tos.
My party food go-tos:
- Hummus and pita bread
- Meat and cheese platters
- Mini pizzas that come pre-made (just heat and serve)
- Veggies and dip
- Sushi and edamame
- Mini sandwiches
- Pre-made sliders (just heat and serve)
You can also do a potluck where you ask your friends to bring their favorite dish and you simply supply the delicious cocktails and entertainment.
Easy Party Planning Tip #4: Automate the entertainment
The last thing you want to be worried about during a night in with your girls is what to do for entertainment. That's why I suggest to make your entertainment automated and all queued up before my guests arrives.
An easy way to do this is to create a list of movies in the “My List” section of Netflix that is in alignment for the theme of the night, for us, that's tear-jerking and laugh-inducing romantic comedies. Having a list of movies already put together to choose from eliminates a ton of time of scrolling and searching throughout all of Netflix for the ultimate chick flick.
You can also create a playlist on Spotify of fun, upbeat songs for the night, so you and your friends can rock out to tunes without missing a beat. Also have a few games on deck, like Cards of Humanity, and Truth or Dare, to keep the laughs and fun going all night.
Now you're ready to plan your very own awesome and super easy Girls Night In! Share with us on Twitter (@StirringsMixer) and Instagram (@Stirrings) how you plan to celebrate, and don't forget to let us know, which Friend Cocktail are you?
