[From the 2025 Holiday Magazine]
A Holiday Cocktail Party Mid Century Style!
For many of us myself included our ideas about holiday entertaining are infused with tradition. And though I value tradition I still like to have some fun and shake things up a bit. So, this year I plan to jazz up my holiday hospitality with a "glam" but oh-so-easy midcentury-inspired cocktail bash!
Now you can go all the way with a party like this with period decor, barware, drink glasses, serving dishes and so on. But you do not have to stress yourself with all these details to have an awesome retro party. What you want is to evoke the fun vibe of that era with some holiday style. The food and drinks really are the stars of this show. Just add some Atomic Age holiday music for atmosphere and you are ready to rock.
I have provided some easy retro inspired holiday drink and party snack recipes to get you started. Then all you need to do is add some cheese and crackers, deviled eggs or whatever else feels right.
So come with me for some midcentury merrymaking! Let’s start with the drinks.
My inspiration for this year’s festive cocktail is the beloved 1966 television special, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". The Saratoga Grinch Fizz is a bubbly gin-based melon flavored libation, and its bright green color will take you right to Whoville. Even better, this drink can make any grouchy grinch as sweet as Cindy Lou Who! And my alcohol-free Pomegranate Holiday Sparkler is a party worthy mocktail with a retro look and sophisticated flavor.
The iconic cheese ball is a signature midcentury party nosh and Liz’s Holiday Cheese Ball is a special recipe for me. It is my re-creation of the fabulous cheese ball our beloved friend Liz made for us so many times. Liz and her husband Hank were neighbors who became our dear friends. Steve and I enjoyed spending time with them, especially during the holidays. Hank made the most perfect martinis, stirred, never shaken, and Liz made the most amazing party foods like her fabulous cheese ball! They both left this world a few years ago but remain loved and remembered, especially at this special time of year.
Next up is my yummy and so easy to prepare version of the classic midcentury party nosh Pigs in Blankets. My favorite plant-based hotdogs are wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked until golden. Add some classic yellow mustard for dipping and they are ready to rock.
And finally, a Retro Relish Tray is cool and crunchy way to round things out.
I hope you enjoy these recipes. And as I always say, have fun in your kitchen cooking (and making drinks!) for the people you love and remember... it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to taste good!
The Saratoga Grinch Fizz Cocktail
Ingredients for one drink:
- 1 ounce of London dry gin such as Beefeater or Tanqueray
- 2 ounces of Midori melon liqueur
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice
- Chilled champagne
- Maraschino cherries
to garnish
Directions: Measure the first three ingredients into an ice filled shaker, secure the lid and shake it like jingle bells! Strain into an ice filled white wine glass and top off with the champagne. Add a maraschino cherry or two. Cheers to the season!
Ingredients for one drink:
- 3 ounces of pomegranate juice
- 1 teaspoon of simple syrup or more to taste
- 2 dashes of non-alcoholic orange cocktail bitters
- Lime flavored sparkling water
- Thin lime slice for garnish
Directions: Measure the first three ingredients into an ice filled cocktail shaker, secure the lid and shake it like crazy. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass and top of with the sparkling water. Position the lime slice of the rim of the glass.
Retro Relish Tray
There really is no specific recipe for a relish tray. The idea is to use an appealing variety of pickled and fresh vegetables, with contrasting colors and flavors. And be sure to keep everything ice cold until party time and have plenty of toothpicks or skewers for your guests to use. A large platter works well or an actual relish tray with divided compartments. Here are some of my favorite relish tray choices to get you started:
- Pickled of fresh asparagus spears
- Fresh or pickled carrot sticks
- Jarred red and gold peppadew peppers
- Olives, you can go crazy here. I include black and kalamata olives and green olives stuffed with blue cheese, garlic, etc.
- Small pickles like gherkins or cornichons
Liz's Holiday Cheese Ball
- 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese
- 2 teaspoons of minced fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- I cup of chopped pecans
Directions: Combine the first six ingredients in a mixing bowl. With scrupulously clean hands combine the ingredients until well blended. Pour the pecans onto a shallow plate. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans until the entire surface is covered. Place on a serving plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 4 hours for the flavors to meld. Serve with Ritz brand crackers.
