Would you like some nice party ideas for an outdoor cocktail party?
It’s funny how everyone thinks they can just make an amazing cocktail easily, but that’s not true.
If it weren't for bartenders wouldn’t be in high demand because it takes certain skills to make those amazing cocktails we all love.
With that said, throwing an outdoor cocktail party is another matter on its own; it is a fun way to make the best out of the spring and summer weather.
So if you’re looking to host one soon, then you have come to the right place.
We have prepared a list of some nice outdoor cocktail party ideas that would transform that regular cocktail party into something more inspiring and fun for you and your friends.
So follow me on this journey with the list below.
Outdoor Cocktail Party Ideas
1. Sparkling Lemonade Punch
Well, in a cocktail party, the drinks, snacks, finger foods, and so on are what matter the most, and this sparkling lemonade punch is perfect for a nice outdoor cocktail party.
It’s a fun twist on a classic alcoholic punch; the lemonade adds a unique flavor to the mix.
2. Moonlight Bar
While having a regular-sized drink bar is a classic choice, you can go all out if you want a fancier outdoor cocktail party.
This “Moonlight Bar" features different assortments of drinks like cocktails and mocktails in different types of glasses and bottles, some with oranges and dragon fruits.
3. Mini Pancake & Belgian Waffles
These are great appetizers to be served at a nice outdoor cocktail party.
Here we have mini bite-size pancakes, some with blackberry, and others with strawberry toppings, and Belgian bite-size waffles topped with blackberries and strawberries.
4. Picnic Cocktail Party
This outdoor cocktail setup is really beautiful with comfy sitting arrangements.
These includes pink blankets on the grass, stylish pillows, low tables, cushions, and trays on each table with flower centerpieces and cocktails with fruit slice toppings.
5. Tiki Bar
A tiki bar can be a really creative part of hosting an outdoor backyard cocktail party.
It features a rustic wooden bar structure with a “Tiki Bar" sign, some colorful and tropical flowers, with buckets filled with bottled drinks at the base of the bar, which gives a self-service option for guests.
All this creates an exotic and inviting atmosphere.
Read also: 28 Luau Party Ideas: Decor, Drinks & DIY Fun
6. Chips & Salsa Bar
To have chips and salsa at a cocktail party means you have to have a variety of salsas so guests can have different flavors as they mingle and enjoy the party, which is where this chips and salsa bar comes in.
It features many types of tortilla chips and lots of salsa options with different flavors and spice levels.
7. Boat Ice Cold Beer
While cocktails are usually the centerpiece of a cocktail party, having other available drink options gives guests a chance to find their preferred beverage.
Here you have a small wooden canoe filled with ice, and a lot of Corona Extra beer chilling in the ice.
8. Delicious Dessert Table
A beautiful and well-arranged dessert table that features different sweet treats would make for a great option during an evening outdoor cocktail party.
They include cupcakes, mini tarts, cookies, and many other pastries.
The string lights and candles warm up the area, which creates a warm and inviting space.
9. Cocktail Bar Cart
A self-serving bar is always a nice idea at a cocktail party, but what about a movable bar?
Now that would make for a better drink serving option.
Fill a cart with different drinks, cups, and a bucket filled with ice to create a nice, stylish bar cart that can be moved from one place to another at the party.
10. Natural Coconut Drink Bar
Hosting an outdoor party gives you the chance to add a stylish natural theme to the setup.
Here we have a boat-shaped stand that holds ice with beer chilling in it on one side, and a coconut with straw filled with a cocktail in ice on the other side.
It’s tasty, unique, and natural.
11. Coffee Cocktail Bar
This is usually a regular coffee bar, but you can mix it up for an outdoor cocktail party, where you have coffee and cocktail drinks, so guests can have a lot of options.
It features a long-standing mug rack, with jugs filled with coffee and cocktail drinks.
12. Organize A Barbecue
Pull out your grill and prepare something nice for the party, grill different food that you and your guests can enjoy as everyone sips on their drinks and mingle.
Here you have grilled hot dogs, grilled beef, grilled corn, among other things, all of these put together create a delicious meal.
13. Create A Cocktail Drinks Menu
While having a serve yourself drink bar is great, creating a cocktail drinks menu is better; this way, guests can easily pick what they want while sitting before even heading to the bar.
The menu features a variety of cocktails and a brief description of the ingredients that make up each drink.
Read also: 8 Jungle Juice Recipes for Any Party (Alcoholic + Non-Alcoholic)
14. Serve Shrimp Cocktail
You can’t truly say you’ve had a successful cocktail party without serving this classic seafood appetizer.
This shrimp cocktail features shelled, cooked shrimp (or prawn), served in a cocktail glass with cocktail sauce, aka Marie Rose sauce, and a bit of sliced lettuce and sliced carrot.
It’s tasty, spicy, and perfect for any cocktail party.
15. Fresh Build-Your-Own-Taco Bar
It’s safe to say that everyone more or less loves tacos, so having a taco bar at a cocktail party is a great idea, especially when it’s in a serve yourself style.
A build-your-own-taco bar features taco shells, cheese dip, ground meat, shredded chicken, cheese and lettuce, sour cream, and jalapeños.
16. Mini Hamburgers
Hamburgers?
Oh, yes to that, but mini hamburgers? Even better.
There are a variety of finger foods to be had at an outdoor cocktail party, but mini hamburgers are among the best of them.
They are delicious, mouth-filling, and bite-sized.
17. Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is always a great idea when throwing a party, where you’ll have a couple of friends or family, it’s a good way to easily feed a group of people.
The board includes sliced cured meats, various cheeses, crackers, fresh fruits, vegetables, and breadsticks.
18. Build-Your-Own-Burger Bar
When it comes to feeding a crowd, which is the case at a party, having a build-your-own food bar is always a great option.
This burger bar has burger patties, buns, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, bacon, baked beans, corn on the cob, pineapple rings, and a lot of sauces.
19. Grazing Table
For a large outdoor cocktail party, it’s a great idea to have a nice grazing table so the crowd at the party can enjoy what they want when they want to.
This grazing table features different cured meats, fresh and dried fruits, olives, nuts, bread and crackers, dips, and a lot of other bite-sized treats.
20. Mocktails Station
It’s a cocktail party, sure, but why not add a unique element to the party by having a mocktail station alongside a cocktail station, so there would be a lot of drink options for guests to choose from.
The station features fruit juices, non-alcoholic spirits, syrups, sodas, and non-alcoholic mixers.
Conclusion
Remember that the goal is to have a great time with friends or family while drinking tasty cocktails, and eating nice snacks, delicious meals, or finger foods.
You don’t have to go all out; you can still throw a nice outdoor party on a budget.
So, there you have it, a full list of ideas to choose from when throwing a nice outdoor cocktail party.
We hope this guide has been able to fill your curiosity on how to go about throwing a party that everyone would look back on fondly.
