by Jessica Sorentino

Signature Drinks

Regardless of whether or not you are throwing a themed event, as a regular events host there are a few aspects you should learn to keep constant. The easiest thing to do is become known by your guests for a signature drink and dessert. At each event you could be counted on to serve these items. This issue, we'll work through a couple of drinks, and look out for the next issue, which will feature signature desserts!

Fruit-Infused Water

When people hear the word "drink," they tend to automatically thing alcoholic beverages. Those are good too, and we'll get to one next, but let's start nice and easy. Fruit-infused water is awesome. It's cheap, delicious and looks pretty when left in a glass dispenser. Here's what you do: Pick a fruit or fruit combination, and purchase them fresh. (My favorite is orange, but lemon/mint, mixed berries or cucumber is delicious too) Slice your fruit in a way that is aesthetically pleasing. Throw the fruits into your dispenser (which is filled with fresh water) and let sit for about half hour before serving so the flavors absorb. Vuola! You've just made a unique refreshing drink, and feel free at each of your events to switch up your flavor.

Sangria (Red or White)

Sangria is a party favorite. There are a million different recipes, but this one I know works, because I've made it. A quick piece of advice: make the sangria the night before serving, because it tastes better after it has been sitting.

RED SANGRIA
1 Bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja, Zinfandel, Shiraz)
1 Lemon cut into wedges
1 Orange cut into wedges
1 Lime cut into wedges
2 Tbsp sugar
Splash of orange juice or lemonade
2 Shots of gin or triple sec (optional)
1 Cup of raspberries or strawberries (may use thawed or frozen)
1 Small can of diced pineapples (with juice)
4 Cups ginger ale
Mix everything together except for the gin and berries. Add those right before serving.

WHITE SANGRIA
1 Bottle of white wine (Riesling, Albarino, Chablis, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc)
2/3 cup white sugar
3 oranges (sliced) or may substitute 1 cup of orange juice)
1 lemon (sliced)
1 lime (sliced)
2 oz. brandy (optional)
1/2 liter of ginger ale or club soda (ginger ale for those with a sweeter tooth!)
Add the ginger ale just before serving. If you feel like garnishing the mixture, sliced strawberries, peaches, handful of fresh blueberries, raspberries and kiwi will all compliment the taste!

A great thing about having a signature drink/dessert plan is host gifts. We've talked about the etiquette of showering an events host with a thank-you gift upon arriving to the party before. When you know what your host is definitely serving, you can supplement the party with your gift and it will immediately be appreciated. For example, if the host is serving sangria, bring beer! Nice and easy.

Jessica Sorentino is from Yonkers, New York. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a major in mass communications and minors in journalism and dance. In her free time, Jessica plans and hosts many social events for friends and family and likes to make each one creative and unique. Recently, she began working as a Marketing and Communications Specialist at Dance4Life, a nonprofit organization in New York, New York, focusing on social media and events organization/planning. She is also pursuing a Master's degree in Dance and Movement Therapy, and in her free time helps BeFit Westchester with their Social Media upkeep and plans their promotional events. Follow her on twitter @JSSorentino.