The deeper into autumn we go, the colder the evenings get – no better opportunity, then, to start planning some cosy parties and get-togethers as the year starts drawing to a close.
And yet, you may well be considering ways you can make your autumn entertaining that little bit more memorable. Unless you’re planning to go jet-setting for the winter any time soon, we’re all stuck with indoor cocktails for a few months. However, in my eyes, that’s never a bad thing.
Of course – autumn drinks are all about hot cider this, and pumpkin spice that – but why not stand out from the crowd with your own autumnal cocktail parties?
The best news is, with SWISH's spectacular range of premixed drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – you'll always have a tasty gathering ready to go. Luxury is attainable – even when it's blowing a gale outside, and everyone just wants to get somewhere warm!
Let’s explore how you can effortlessly elevate your autumn entertainment with a few choice drinks from the fabulous SWISH range – which is available all-year round.
It’s time to get creative with cocktails
If there's one thing that will make your parties and gatherings stand out at this time of year, it's the quality – and creativity – in your drinks. Yes – there will be evenings where you simply want to open a bottle of white and pour a glass or two with your nearest and dearest. But – for those occasions where you really want to leave a lasting impression, a little more effort couldn’t hurt.
Now – when it comes to making and mixing cocktails, there’s a lot of creative effort involved. Carefully measuring ingredients, mixing for the right amount of time – to stir, or not to stir – that’s all time spent away from your guests when you could be focusing on hosting!
Remember I mentioned creative effort? Well, worry not, because SWISH is here to help. Some of our most wildly successful drinks – such as the light and fizzy Dolce and Banana Spritz – will surprise guests in the best possible way. Alternatively, for people with more tropically-tuned taste buds, there's our Pina Colada Spritz.
The most creative drinks at this time of year are those your guests aren’t going to expect. Cinnamon, apple, various winter spices – just for an evening or two, get creative and show them the door.
Add a range of drinks to complement any palate
SWISH’s fabulous variety of drinks has evolved hugely over the past year. This autumn, we’ve a range of tingly, tantalising flavours that pair wonderfully with all manner of dishes you might serve at a party.
For example, you might start a three-course meal with a delicate Brazilian Lime Margarita Fizz, served over ice. Go sparing, and promise your guests that there will be more delicious flavours to come – and, if you invest in a SWISH cocktails gift box, they could even choose their own by the time it comes to dessert.
Speaking of dessert, if you are serving a fruity, hearty autumnal dish, you might consider pairing it with an equally fruity cocktail or two. Served chilled, offer guests a tempting choice between our Naughty Passion Martini Spritz and our Key Lime Pie Mojito Fizz.
These ready-made cocktails will be ready long before it's time to serve each course, meaning if you'd like to offer your guests a sample before you serve, go right ahead. Personally, I love giving my guests a sneak preview. It's nice to whet their appetites and to let them choose what's in store.
After all, they’re giving me the pleasure of their time – and there’s luxury in choice.
Try a tasting board
As mentioned, one of the most fabulous reasons for shopping with SWISH this autumn is for our spectacular gift box. Consider it an early selection box for your party guests – they can either choose from one of several classic recipes from a set menu, or you could even provide a sample of each in a testing or tasting platter!
We all have different tastes and favourites when it comes to drinks – alcoholic or otherwise. Therefore, with a tasting board party or similar, you could help your guests find something brand new to enjoy.
What’s more, I like there to be flexibility – which is why you can even create your own SWISH cocktail gift box if there are recipes you prefer more than others. You could treat your guests to a Breakfast Fizz, a Pina Colada Spritz, and a Brazilian Lime Margarita Fizz – or, you could add one of each from our growing range and see what your party thinks.
Let’s make hosting less of a hassle
One of the best reasons to set up autumn parties with SWISH is for the simple fact that you can treat your guests to authentic, classic cocktail recipes without having to do any of the mixing or stirring yourself!
While you might have a cocktail station at home where you can still chat to people while you make and mix, with SWISH drinks, you’re giving the bartender the night off.
Simply store your SWISH drinks in the refrigerator and, when it’s time for the next tipple, serve over ice. That’s less time spent on prep and more time saved for you to relax and have fun with your family and friends.
Hosting a great autumn party isn't just about putting on the perfect spread. It's about just being there, too. You never know when you might get to see your guests again before Christmas and New Year, so make the most of their company with easy-pour drinks that tantalise their taste buds.
I’m a big believer in achievable luxury – and the SWISH team is always working hard to help bring the authentic cocktail lounge experience home to you.
You bring the ambience and the hosting prowess this autumn, and we’ll supply a delicious range of drinks that taste like you mixed them from scratch – with the freshest ingredients.
Shop our complete range and build your own autumn cocktail box for the parties ahead!