Recipes and Cooking Drink Recipes Wine Cocktails How to Create a Cocktail Party Menu By Sheena Chihak, RD Sheena Chihak, RD Instagram Sheena Chihak is a registered dietitian, former food editor and current edit lead for BHG with over 15 years of writing and editing experience for both print and digital. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on February 19, 2016 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos If planning a dinner party sounds like too much hassle, try a low-maintenance gathering of cool nibbles and stylish spirits. Browse our mixed drink and finger food recipes, and you'll be hosting your own happy hour in no time. The Menu From the Bar: Gibson, Manhattan, Old-Fashioned, Martini, Mint Julep, Whiskey Sour Snack: Polenta with Peppers and Onions Snack: Antipasto Kabobs Dessert: Chocolaty Tiramisu Parfaits 01 of 13 Gibson The tiny cocktail onions in this drink may be an acquired taste, but over the years they've garnered a legion of fans. See Gibson recipe 02 of 13 Manhattan The secret of this concoction's success is the way the vermouth and bitters smooth out the bourbon for a surprisingly balanced drink. See Manhattan recipe 03 of 13 Old-Fashioned The only drink fit for a vintage Thanksgiving dinner is the classic Old-Fashioned. If you're not already a pro at mixing one together, our recipe will teach you how. Your retro-loving friends will get a kick out of this tried-and-true mixed drink. See Old-Fashioned recipe 04 of 13 Martini Few drinks define classic cool like a chilled martini. Connoisseurs insist on having theirs served immediately -- before the ice has the slightest chance of melting and diluting the drink. See Martini recipe 05 of 13 Mint Julep This Kentucky Derby favorite is a guaranteed hit with any bourbon lover. See Mint Julep recipe 06 of 13 Whiskey Sour Get our favorite drink recipes and learn how to make cocktails like this delicious whiskey sour. Impress fans of this classic cocktail by making it the right way -- with fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juice instead of bottled sour mix. See Whiskey Sour recipe 07 of 13 Bartender Trick: Perfect Lemon Wedges Use a paring knife to cut a lemon through the stem end and then cut into smaller wedges. 08 of 13 Polenta with Peppers and Olives These hearty party bites work perfectly with marinated artichoke heart quarters, slivered pepperoni slices, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. Follow the next few slides for a close-up look at three of the recipe's core steps. 09 of 13 Step 1: Cut Polenta Use unflavored dental floss to cut polenta. Loop it under the polenta, then cross it over the top. Pull ends to tighten the loop and make a slice. 10 of 13 Step 2: Baste Polenta Slices Using a pastry brush, lightly brush 1 tablespoon olive oil over both sides of polenta slices. Arrange on an ungreased baking sheet. 11 of 13 Step 3: Cook Peppers Cook pepper strips in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until pepper strips are tender. 12 of 13 Antipasto Kabobs These savory skewers will be the life of your party spread. Get creative. The final shape of these fun antipasto-on-a-stick appetizers is entirely up to you. See Antipasto Kabobs recipe 13 of 13 Chocolaty Tiramisu Parfaits Serve this well-loved dessert in individual servings for a fresh take on an old favorite. See Chocolaty Tiramisu Parfaits recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit