How to host alfresco
The sun is shining, the weather is sweet, and that can only mean one thing: it's time to take your dining outdoors! Golden-hour drinks, garden parties, brunching in the sun on the patio. Whether it's a special occasion or just a catch-up with friends, alfresco dining is the perfect way to enjoy the warm weather. But what are the main ingredients needed for an enjoyable one? Cocktail and hosting expert Andy Huntley has put together 5 simple tips and tricks to help level up your next outdoor feast. Here's how to get the alfresco party started...
So, what does alfresco actually mean?
From sipping cocktails under the stars to dinner in the garden, alfresco dining basically means eating or drinking outside in an open area such as a patio, garden, or terrace while soaking up some vitamin D and fresh air! It tends to be more of a casual vibe, but because we don't believe in rules around here, you can also make your alfresco thing as fancy as you'd like.
Because you'll be outside enjoying nature it's a good idea to be prepared for weather changes. Have umbrellas on hand for guests, consider setting up a canvas pergola over part of your space, or have a section inside cleared just in case you need to quickly bring things inside if rainclouds appear.
Design the best alfresco table setting
Ensuring the vibe is just right is important when you're eating outside. It can make or break the whole experience! Bring the inside out with beautiful linens, silver candlesticks, whimsical tablecloths and colourful cushions. Stock up on table mats, too – they'll make a nice touch.
Why not add a personal touch with DIY place cards and floral napkins? DIY-ing your own napkins is pretty easy; you'll need to roll a floral stamp with a thin layer of fabric paint and apply it to light pastel-hued linens. The result? A "wow" visual result with minimal work.
Unique barware and glassware can get in on the action, too, like quirky cocktail glasses and a coloured shaker. And you'll definitely want flowers to add a fresh, vibrant effect. Try placing them in rainbow or cut-glass vases for maximum impact when the sunlight hits them.
Set up an alfresco drinks station
Serving delicious cocktails from a pretty-looking drink station will set the tone of your party. The good news is there are many ways to do this, like decorating tables with vintage details, tapered candlesticks, light-up ice buckets, or an Instagram-worthy backdrop made from a patterned statement backdrop. And coloured coupe glasses or themed paper straws will add a nice touch. You can pick up so many bits and pieces that'll take your drinks station up to the next level in second-hand shops and online marketplaces. You could also set up an 'adult' lemonade stand, with drinks infused with herbs and studded with fresh fruit that looks as good as it tastes.
Andy's expert tip is to "let the vibrant colours of your garden inspire the design of your drinks station. Choose elegant and durable drinkware that complements the ambience of your garden, and a chalkboard menu showcasing the cocktails of the day is a nice touch. When it comes to setting up a drink station, always ensure you have everything within reach. Get a decent cooler box or bag, and make sure you get plenty of ice! It's very easy to underestimate how much ice you need for your drinks station, especially if you're shaking or stirring drinks. If you're making a punch, never add ice to the punch bowl or vessel, as it will melt and dilute the punch. Remember to fill your glass or cup to the top with ice, pour the punch over it, give it a quick stir, and add a garnish for extra flair."
Add garnishes level up your alfresco cocktails
Of course, you want your cocktails to taste good, but they need to look and smell good too. One easy way to serve drinks to impress? Garnishes! Blackberries and blueberries will transform the look and taste of your drinks, like a Blackberry Bramble. And garnishes also serve another purpose, as they add aromas of subtle flavours to cocktails. If you love a dry gin, why not add some juniper berries? But if you're after something with citrus, mix it up with some basil which complements citrussy flavours well. Get cucumber involved by using your peeler to create super-thin cucumber slices. It will make a tasty garnish and transform the look and taste of your cocktails.
Andy says: "Cocktail garnishes add a touch of artistry to your alfresco dining experience. Let nature's bounty inspire your creativity as you garnish your delicious drinks. From fresh herbs to vibrant fruits, a garnish transforms every sip into an extraordinary journey of the senses. Remember, we taste with all our senses, not just our mouths. Get creative but remember to keep it relevant to the drink."
Now that your outdoor space and food sorted, it's time to think about drinks. Here are Andy’s top 3 cocktails for golden hour.
Pimm’s No. 1 and Lemonade
Nothing defines alfresco cocktails quite like a Pimm’s and lemonade. Fruity, fizzy and sweet – it’s a sure crowd pleaser. To make a batch, simply multiply the quantities below by the number of drinks you’d like to make and use a jug, pitcher or punch bowl.
You’ll need:
50ml (1.75oz) Pimm’s No. 1
150ml (5oz) lemonade
2x orange slice
2x cucumber slice
2x chopped strawberry
1x mint sprig
To make:
Fill a highball glass with ice
Pour in the Pimm’s and lemonade
Stir and add the orange, cucumber and strawberry
Top with a mint sprig
Vodka Cucumber Cooler
Served tall in a highball glass, this cooler is the definition of ‘cool’, featuring fresh cucumber and vodka, topped up with zesty ginger beer.
You’ll need:
50ml (1.75oz) vodka – we love Ketel One for this
15ml (0.5oz) lime juice
50ml (1.75oz) ginger beer
6x cucumber slices
To make:
Add 5 of the cucumber slices to a cocktail shaker and muddle
Add ice into the shaker and pour in the vodka and lime juice, then shake
Strain into a highball glass filled with ice
Top with ginger beer and garnish with the remaining cucumber slice
Spiced Citrus Spritz
Zesty? Yes. Tangy? Yes. The perfect complement to any outdoors occasions? Yes. Grab your Seedlip Spice 94 – you won’t want to skip this mix.
You’ll need:
50ml (1.75oz) Seedlip Spice 95
15ml (0.5z) grapefruit juice
150ml (5oz) soda water
1x pink grapefruit wedge
To make:
Fill a highball glass with ice
Pour in the Seedlip, grapefruit juice and soda water and stir
Garnish with the grapefruit wedge
Let's sum everything up.
When it comes to setting up your outdoor space for alfresco dining, there are several things to consider, like a pretty spot that's comfy and has plenty of shade and protection from the elements. As for the food, go for easy dishes to prepare and serve.
For the drinks, they need to look and taste good, so get creative with garnishes, and follow Andy's advice and "don't forget to stock up on shakers, muddlers, strainers and jiggers to craft cocktails that impress your guests.” He also recommends "using straws made from eco-conscious materials to embrace sustainability without compromising on style. Use drinks dispensers or pitchers that invite sharing and connection, and don't forget the essentials, like bottle openers, corkscrews, and cocktail napkins".
If Andy could give you just one tip to deliver the best alfresco experience? “Attention to detail is the very essence of hospitality, elevating your guests' alfresco experience. From elegant glassware to expert tools, these details create unforgettable moments."
Cheers to an unforgettable summer filled with delicious drinks and sips enjoyed alfresco style!
You may also like
The Bar Team
More from The Bar
