Plaza Package Store: Staff Picks for Cocktail Parties

Planning a cocktail party can be equal parts fun and overwhelming. Whether you’re hosting a chic aperitivo hour, an intimate dinner party, or a lively celebration, the right selection of wine, spirits, and mixers sets the tone. At Plaza Package Store on Thames Street Groton CT, our team tastes widely and curates intentionally so you don’t have to. We’ve pulled together our staff picks to help you stock the bar with versatile, crowd-pleasing bottles—plus a few unexpected gems that elevate your menu from good to unforgettable.

From Groton CT wine shops to Mystic Package Store favorites, and from Craft beer Groton discoveries to seasonal mixers sourced from Local bottle shops Groton, here’s your guide to building a thoughtful cocktail lineup. Whether you’re shopping the 06340 alcohol shops area or looking for a Liquor store near Electric Boat, consider this your shortcut to stress-free hosting.

Build a Balanced Bar: The Essential Spirits

Vodka: Choose a clean, neutral vodka that disappears into cocktails while delivering structure. Our top pick at Plaza Package Store offers a crisp finish that shines in martinis, Moscow mules, and spritzes. For larger gatherings, keep one premium bottle for stirred classics and a value-friendly option for big-batch recipes.

Gin: A citrus-forward gin is the workhorse for martinis, Negronis, and G&Ts. Consider adding a second, herbaceous gin for guests who love botanical complexity. Spirits store Groton shelves often feature local craft distilleries—ask us for small-batch options that add personality to your bar.

Tequila and Mezcal: For margaritas, a 100% agave blanco delivers brightness and snap. Add a reposado for a rounder, oak-kissed profile in Old Fashioned–style tequila cocktails. Mezcal brings smoky depth; use it in Palomas or split-base Negronis for a modern twist.

Whiskey and Bourbon: A balanced bourbon—vanilla, caramel, and spice—covers Old Fashioneds and whiskey sours. For highballs and Manhattans, a rye with peppery lift keeps cocktails lively. We source staff-favorite bottles across Groton liquor stores to ensure a range of price points.

Rum: Stock a white rum for mojitos and daiquiris, plus an aged rum for richer, spirit-forward drinks. A dark, molasses-driven style is a great floater for tiki-inspired punch.

Aperitifs and Amari: Campari, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and a versatile amaro expand your repertoire instantly. Keep vermouths refrigerated and date them; freshness matters.

Mixers, Modifiers, and the All-Important Ice

Your cocktails are only as good as the components around your spirits. At Plaza Package Store, we guide shoppers toward quality mixers that do the heavy lifting:

Citrus: Fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juice are non-negotiable. Syrups: Simple syrup, honey syrup, and demerara syrup cover the classics. Consider grenadine made with real pomegranate for a Shirley Temple upgrade and tequila sunrise authenticity. Bitters: Angostura, orange, and Peychaud’s form a solid core. A chocolate or coffee bitters adds a signature house touch. Carbonation: Club soda, tonic water, and quality ginger beer keep long drinks bright. For tonic, opt for balanced bitterness rather than cloying sweetness. Ice: Large-format cubes or spheres for spirit-forward cocktails; pebble or crushed for tiki and juleps. Clear ice elevates presentation and dilution control.

If you’re shopping across 06340 alcohol shops, ask which mixers are stocked cold and which are shelf-stable. Local bottle shops Groton often carry small-batch tonics and shrubs—excellent shortcuts to complexity.

Wine That Works With Cocktails

Even at a cocktail party, wine belongs. We rotate seasonal picks at our Groton CT wine shops aisle to support any menu:

Sparkling: Prosecco or cava for spritzes and Bellinis; a dry, traditional-method sparkler for toasts. Whites: A zesty Sauvignon Blanc and a textured, mineral-driven Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc cover seafood and cheese. Rosé: A dry, Provence-style rosé bridges the gap between cocktails and canapés—refreshing and food-friendly. Reds: A fresh, low-tannin red (think Gamay or Pinot Noir) pleases crowds and pairs with charcuterie.

Stop by Plaza Package Store or Mystic Package Store recommendations if you’re pairing wine with passed hors d’oeuvres; we can target acidity and body to your menu.

Craft Beer for the Cocktail Crowd

Not everyone drinks cocktails, and even cocktail lovers appreciate variety. Our Craft beer Groton selection brings balance to the bar:

Light and Crisp: Pilsners and kölsches refresh palates between cocktails. Hoppy and Bright: Hazy IPAs satisfy hop fans without overwhelming the snacks. Malt-Forward: Amber ales and mild stouts for cooler evenings. Non-Alcoholic Options: NA IPAs and lagers support inclusive hosting.

Ask our team at Spirits store Groton for mixed 4-packs to cover different tastes. For larger events near Thames Street Groton CT, we can help with chilled cases and glassware planning.

Signature Batches: Big-Batch Cocktails That Impress

Batching cocktails saves time and ensures consistency. Here are staff-favorite templates that scale beautifully:

Citrus Sour (Whiskey Sour, Daiquiri, Margarita): 8 parts spirit, 3 parts fresh citrus, 2 parts simple syrup. Shake to order or pre-dilute with 1 to 2 parts cold water and chill. Finish with bitters or a salt rim.

Spritz Bar: Stock a bitter aperitivo, a light aperitivo, Prosecco, and club soda. Provide citrus wheels, olives, and fresh herbs. Guests customize their own ratios.

Negroni or Boulevardier: Equal parts base spirit, bitter, and sweet vermouth. Stir with ice, strain into a pitcher, and refrigerate. Serve over large cubes with an orange twist.

Paloma Pitcher: 6 parts blanco tequila, 4 parts fresh grapefruit juice, 1 part lime, 1 part simple syrup. Top with chilled grapefruit soda when serving; salt the rims for a festive touch.

We can help you convert guest count into ounces and bottles—one of the perks of working with a Liquor store near Electric Boat that plans office events weekly.

Glassware, Garnishes, and Setup

Glassware: Rocks, highballs, coupes, and wine stems are sufficient for most menus. If supply is short, opt for multipurpose double old-fashioneds. Garnishes: Citrus wheels and peels, Luxardo cherries, olives, herbs (mint, rosemary), and coarse salt. Prep trays ahead and keep chilled. Stations: Create a spirits-and-mixers station, a self-serve spritz corner, and a beer-and-wine zone. Clear signage reduces questions and lines.

When sourcing across Groton liquor stores or Local bottle shops Groton, think logistics: chilled inventory, delivery windows, and ice availability. Plaza Package Store can coordinate with nearby vendors to streamline your day-of setup.

Staff-Favorite Bottles by Occasion

The Welcome Cocktail: A bitter-orange aperitivo and Prosecco for an instant spritz. Low-ABV, bright, and universally appealing. The Classicist: London dry gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari for a bulletproof Negroni. The Crowd-Pleaser: Reposado tequila with demerara syrup and bitters for a tequila Old Fashioned. The Seasonal Star: A spiced rum for cool-weather punches; switch to blanco rum and mint for summer mojitos. The Sipper: Single-barrel bourbon or an age-stated rye for whiskey enthusiasts.

Shopping list support is available at Plaza Package Store on Thames Street Groton CT, and we’re happy to cross-check availability at Mystic Package Store partners if you’re sourcing specialty items. For last-minute runs, scan Spirits store Groton selections online, or call ahead to confirm stock.

Planning Quantities: A Quick Guide

Spirits: Plan on 1 to 1.5 drinks per guest per hour. A 750ml bottle yields roughly 12 two-ounce pours. Wine: One 750ml bottle serves 5 standard pours. Expect 60% white/rosé and 40% red unless it’s winter. Beer: Two to three 12-ounce beers per beer drinker for a three-hour event. Ice: At least 1.5 to 2 pounds per person for shaken drinks and chilling.

If you’re comparing 06340 alcohol shops, confirm return policies on unopened cases and ask about volume discounts. Plaza Package Store and other Local bottle shops Groton often extend event pricing with a bit of notice.

Final Touches: Hospitality Wins

Small details make a big difference:

Offer a zero-proof cocktail with a premium NA spirit, fresh citrus, and bitters (alcohol-free). Label batched drinks with ingredients and ABV estimates. Keep water pitchers on every surface. Create a simple garnish guide so volunteers can help assemble drinks consistently.

From Groton CT wine shops to Craft beer Groton coolers, we’re here to make https://www.google.com/maps/place/Grand+Wine+%26+Spirits/@41.369146,-72.071156,14z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89e60c1e52853cf9:0x6c58ffe37f3674be!8m2!3d41.3691455!4d-72.0711556!16s%2Fg%2F1vq75wqw?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D your event seamless. Visit Plaza Package Store for hands-on advice tailored to your guest list, menu, and budget.

Questions and Answers

Q: What’s the easiest three-bottle setup for a small cocktail party? A: Vodka, gin, and a bitter aperitivo. Add vermouths, citrus, and soda to unlock martinis, spritzes, and Collins variations.

Q: How early can I batch cocktails? A: Spirit-only wine and spirits groton ct batches (Negroni/Boulevardier) can be made 2–3 days ahead and kept chilled. Citrus-based batches are best day-of; add fresh juice and carbonation just before serving.

Q: Do you offer event quantity consultations? A: Yes. Plaza Package Store can estimate quantities, recommend substitutions, and coordinate with other Groton liquor stores if you need specialty items quickly.

Q: Are there delivery options near Electric Boat? A: Call ahead to the Liquor store near Electric Boat for current delivery windows and chilled-case availability; we often accommodate same-day needs on Thames Street Groton CT.

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Pub: 05 Dec 2025 04:06 UTC

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