Table Top Tuesday

Cocktail Picnic

A cocktail picnic is an utterly delightful and decadent way to enjoy the outdoors while sipping on refreshing drinks, indulging in delectable bites and doing something to wow your friends by shaking up the normal cocktail routine!

Location and Setting:
Choose a picturesque outdoor location for your cocktail picnic, such as a park, beach, or garden. Look for a spot with ample seating or consider bringing blankets and cushions for a cozy seating arrangement. (But a little side note: Ensure the area allows for alcoholic beverages because getting shut down could put more of damper on the festivities than inclement weather and an army of ants!)
Cocktail Selection:
Create a selection of signature cocktails or offer a variety of classic options. Consider refreshing choices like a spritz, julep, margarita, mojito, or a fruity sangria. Simple rosè is always appreciated. Prepare the cocktails in advance and bring them in sealed containers or consider portable drink dispensers for easy serving.
Non-Alcoholic Options:
To cater to all guests, include non-alcoholic beverage choices as well. Provide options like flavored water, sparkling water, iced tea, or mocktails. Infuse water with fresh fruits or herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Picnic Menu:
Create a menu of bite-sized appetizers, finger foods, and light snacks that are easy to eat outdoors. Consider options like cheese and charcuterie boards, bruschetta, sliders, skewers, dips with fresh vegetables, or colorful fruit platters. Keep the food easily portable and pack it in individual containers or shareable plates.
Picnic Essentials:
Gather the necessary picnic essentials, such as picnic blankets, comfortable seating, cushions, and portable tables if needed. Bring along napkins, plates, glasses, and utensils suitable for your menu. Don’t forget a wine key and cooler or ice bucket to keep your beverages chilled.
Stylish Decor:
Add a touch of style to your cocktail picnic by incorporating some decorative elements. Bring a colorful tablecloth or a picnic blanket, vibrant throw pillows, and fresh flowers in small vases. Consider string lights or lanterns to create a cozy ambiance if your picnic extends into the evening.
Entertainment:
Enhance the picnic experience with some entertainment options. Bring along a portable Bluetooth speaker for music, play outdoor games like frisbee, bocce ball, or bring decks of cards for some friendly competition.
Enjoy and Relax:
Once everything is set up, take a moment to relax and enjoy the company of your guests. Sip on your cocktails, savor the delicious food, and embrace the joy of outdoor dining. Capture memorable moments and make lasting memories.

Blood Orange Old Fashioned Slushy

INGREDIENTS

Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters
2 cups Fresh Blood orange juice
2 shots of Blade & Bow Bourbon
4 cups of ice
Cherries and orange slices for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill a blender with ice, add bourbon and blood orange juice.
Blend until ice is crushed and mix is very slushy.
Transfer to a pitcher. Mix additional batches as needed.
For a picnic I put in double bagged gallon ziplocks and place flat in freezer.

To transport to picnic, place in cooler of ice. Take a pair of small scissors and cut a corner to pour into glasses. Top with a dash of bitters, an orange slice and cherry to garnish and serve.

Note: I believe all drinks should be made to your taste, so adjust the amounts as you like.