Apero, happy hour, aperitivo—that sweet spot before dinner time goes by many names, but wherever you are and whatever you call it, it’s Cocktail Hour somewhere. Whether you’re hosting an office party or slipping into a night out with friends, these cocktail party theme ideas give you a reason to gather. And, each comes with a paired menu to set the mood and get your guests mingling over drinks and beloved finger food. Don’t have a full kitchen? Good news: you don’t need one for these. Better news? Booking with a Culinista chef means that all you have to do is pick your theme and enjoy your party.
Book Club
Breaking down the book of the month calls for a menu like Sangria Bar. This build-your-own bar shifts with the seasons, harnessing the sweetest, juiciest fruit to complement your wine-based cocktail. We pair your drink with Marinated Olives & Spiced Nuts, Pan con Tomate, and a Tinned Fish Board because salty, savory bites go best with a thirst-quenching bev and a book you can't put down.
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Build Your Own Grazing Board
Pre-Theater
5 to 7 is a seductive time, which to us looks like sipping fizzy champagne cocktails from our Bubbles Bar, snacking on rich bites of Mushroom Pâté Cracker, and toasting to the evening ahead. Your child’s dance recital is coming up, or maybe it’s that Broadway show you’ve had on the books; either way, let Cinq à Sept see you and your guests off to the fun. So put on your best and set your bubbles in a frosty bucket of ice.
Menu
Build Your Own Grazing Board
Cozy Night In
Dim the lights; we’re gearing up for a movie night with our closest friends. A layout of Digestif & Desserts means mugs of spiced, bourbon Apple Toddys accompanied by spoonfuls of Coffee Hazelnut Trifle that taste like comfort and help you stay up to watch the credits.
Menu
Perfect for Holiday Hosting
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Pre-Dinner
Friends are in town, schedules align, and the only reservation you could grab at the new hot spot was the 9pm (sigh)– we’ve been there. Start the party at yours with Spritz O’Clock, where the hour to sip and snack is up to you. Our Spritz Bar serves up the classic (Aperol) along with two other aperitif-based spritzes to whet your guests’ appetites. Bites of burrata, prosciutto and melon are just enough to carry you all until the main event.
Menu
Build Your Own Grazing Board
Game Night
Cards, board games, and charades all pair well with this Tequila Bar. Sip salt-rimmed margaritas and frothy mezcal sours, then break for bites of lime-marinated Red Snapper Ceviche and Spicy Guacamole with Corn Chips & Crudités. Sip and repeat.
Menu
Perfect for Holiday Hosting
Office Party
For an evening with colleagues, a spread like Gin, Tonic & Toasts is the best kind of bonus. Three of our boldest, bite-sized toasts give you something other than the weather to chat about. And, with a classic G & T for sipping, you’ll loosen up without overdoing it.
Menu
Build Your Own Grazing Board
