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.
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