Want to Host a Cocktail night but don't know how?

There’s something special about gathering friends for an evening of laughter, music, and handcrafted drinks. If you're looking to elevate your next get-together, consider hosting a cocktail night. Rich in history and full of flavor, Irish bitters bring a distinct herbal complexity to cocktails that sets them apart from the ordinary.

Here’s your ultimate guide to planning an unforgettable girl's night with a flavorful Irish twist.

Don't overthink things, take it easy and follow our simple guide. These cocktail recipes keep your ingredient list manageable.

Step 1: Curate Your Cocktail Menu
Start by selecting 3–5 signature drinks that highlight the theme of the night, be that birthday, anniversary or even just celebrating the weekend

1. Emerald Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• Ice 
• 60ml Irish whiskey
• 3 dashes Irish bitters
• 1 sugar cube
• Orange peel

Instructions:
Muddle the sugar cube and bitters. Add whiskey, stir with ice, and garnish with orange peel.
If people find it a little strong, have a splash of ginger on hand to make it into a longer drink 

2. Bitter Clover Fizz

Ingredients:

• 45ml gin
• 22ml lemon juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• Egg white
• 3 dashes Irish bitters

Optional: bottle of soda 

Instructions:
Dry shake all ingredients. Add ice, shake again, strain, and serve in a coupe glass.
A splash of soda can open up the drinks if people find the cocktail a little alcohol forward

3. Irish Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 60ml Irish whiskey
• 30ml sweet vermouth
• 3-4 dashes Irish bitters

Instructions:
Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Step 2: Gather Quality Cocktail Ingredients

Good cocktails start with high-quality ingredients. Here’s your checklist:

Base spirits: Irish whiskey, gin, vodka, or rum

Mixers: Tonic, soda water, ginger beer

Fresh produce: Lemons, limes, oranges, berries

Sweeteners: Simple syrup, honey, agave

Bitters: A variety of Irish bitters for complexity

Herbs & spices: Mint, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, cucumber

Using fresh and premium cocktail ingredients makes all the difference in the final result.

Step 3: Set the Scene

Create a relaxed and festive atmosphere with:

Ambient lighting (string lights or candles)

A DIY cocktail station with instructions for each drink

A playlist of 60's classics, or acoustic Irish folk

Themed glassware and garnishes for presentation flair

Encourage guests to get involved in the mixing process—it adds a fun, interactive twist to the night. Batching cocktails can help for later in the night, when people get tired.

Step 4: Offer Non-Alcoholic Options

Not everyone drinks alcohol, so be sure to provide a few mocktail options using bitters. Try a Bitters & Soda—just sparkling water with a dash of bitters and a citrus twist. Bitters can elevate non-alcoholic beverages with flavor without the booze. Also doing a round of lower alcohol drinks can mean the night goes on longer.

Final Stir: Cheers to a Flavorful Night!

Hosting a cocktail night featuring Irish bitters is more than just mixing drinks—it’s about celebrating flavor, creativity, and connection. With the right cocktail ingredients, curated cocktail recipes, and an inviting vibe, your gathering is bound to be a hit.

So raise a glass, toast to good times, and let the bitters bring the magic.

Ready to host your own cocktail night? Share your favorite bitters-infused recipes with us in the comments below!