From the Experts: Creating the Perfect Cocktail Menu

Photos © Rémy Cointreau USA

The right kind of beverage menu is crucial to creating a memorable and buzz-worthy experience at any event.
More importantly, the best use of spirits and innovative cocktails for your type of event will result in rave reviews from all of your guests. 

We talked with Lana Lauriano, Stage Manager for Remy Cointreau USA, on her top Do's and Don'ts when utilizing specialty drinks, themed cocktails or signature liqueur brands to excite and impress. 

Once the basics are covered – white or red wine, domestic or local beers – consider the vast combinations of cocktails and varying quality levels of spirits. There are multiple ways to optimize your vendor's selection of spirits to build an elevated, creative menu beyond the standard vodka + soda.  

DO: Consider the history and production of the spirits or liqueur you're using. 
For instance, Cointreau was founded in 1849 and at the heart of 350 of the world's most celebrated cocktails including The Original Margarita (1948), The Sidecar (1922) and The Cosmopolitan (1988). 
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Also consider the purity and quality of the ingredients in how products are made, rather than artificial flavors or chemicals that you can't pronounce. Cointreau is made from 100% natural elements and only four ingredients – water, natural alcohol, sugar and essences of sweet and bitter orange peels. 

The Sidecar // Photo © Cointreau

The Original Margarita // Photo © Cointreau

DO: Mirror the product quality in garnishes.
​If you're using premium products for the cocktail base and mixers, you should continue that quality to the garnish. It makes such a difference! For instance, if you're mixing tonic or ginger beer, you might consider Fever Tree to elevate the finishing touch. For a Manhattan, using Luxardo cherries and freshly squeezed juices are levels above processed items.

DON'T: Create an excessive cocktail list. 
Quality over quantity is hugely important for beverage menus. It's better to narrow it down to just a few cocktails that are using premium spirits, mixers, bitters and garnish and are well made (which takes time during serving). 
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Also, a cocktail doesn't necessarily need to have several, obscure ingredients to be  a well-balanced beverage. It's all about the quality and the craftsmanship behind the making of each cocktail. 

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Cointreau® enhances your creative cocktails with a perfect balance. Find your perfect cocktail and experience it at home. Visit www.cointreau.com to discover recipes, locate retailers and more.  @cointreau_us  #TheArtOfTheMix

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Lana J. Lauriano (pictured here at Westland Whiskey Distillery in Seattle, WA) 
South Carolina State Manager 
Remy Cointreau USA 
[email protected] 

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