Make sure the party can always wind up back at your place: Lay in a well-stocked booze stash, sexy stemless glasses, and essential hardware — we're talking muddler, shaker, shot glasses, strainer. Then house it all in something handsomely grown-up, like Crate & Barrel's Sloane Leaning Wine Bar, and the only thing this impromptu fete's missing is the hip-shaking playlist. What to keep handy:
Vodka
The "eco-chic" Square One vodka, founded by a woman, is 100 percent organic.
Gin
Plymouth English Gin placates trendy friends, but Seagram's Extra Dry will save you precious coin for the laundry.
St. Germain
This light, floral French import is made from elderflowers picked once a year, and mixes with just about any drink. Smells so pretty, we're tempted to dab it behind our ears.
Rum
Bacardi is a no-brainer (i.e., anyone can make a decent punch).
Rye whiskey
Old Overholt is a guy-pleaser that allows you to nix the six-pack of Bud.
Tonic and Mixers
Skip the Red Bull and spruce up your liquors with the classics: Coke, cranberry juice, club soda.
More Articles from The Smart Girl's Guide to Living Alone
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
-
Sofia Richie Grainge's Favorite Foundation is On Sale Right Now at Sephora
There's no better time to try them than now.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Makeup Brush Sets for Creating the Perfect Looks
Options for makeup experts and beginners alike.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Meg Bellamy of ‘The Crown’ Was Nervous to Recreate Kate Middleton’s Iconic Charity Fashion Show Walk
“I would love her to think fondly of it.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Meet the Woman Blending the Traditional and the Modern in French Winemaking
How Florence Haynes combined the traditional and the contemporary for Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire.
By Sponsored
-
The 10 Best Nonstick Cookware Sets
The nonstick pans, pots, and skillets that make cooking easy.
By Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping Institute
-
The Royal Family Shared the Recipe for the Queen's Favorite Boozy Christmas Pudding
The Royal Family Twitter account shared the royal chef's recipe for the Queen's favorite boozy Christmas pudding.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
5 Best Soda Streams for Convenient Carbonation
Upgrade your sparkling water game with a Soda Stream carbonator that'll fizz up drinks in a flash.
By Zarah A. Kavarana
-
3 Pro Tips for Putting Together the Best Bouquets
Essential advice for everyday enthusiasts and budding florists alike.
By Marie Claire
-
39 Super Easy Fourth of July Cocktails to Try
Forget the fireworks. The real show is what you can make with your bar cart.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
15 Percent Pledge Calls On Stores to Dedicate Shelf Space to Black-Owned Businesses
"We must do better. So, we’re starting now."
By Kristin Salaky
-
The Power of 10 Restaurant Relief Effort Joins With Capital One
The collaboration has served 20,000 meals to frontline workers so far.
By Bianca Rodriguez