Good mixed drinks with appetizers?

[saurascarmen]

My husband and I are gearing up for our annual "tax time" party (he works with a lot of CPAs, ha) and I'd like to put a little more thought into stocking the bar this year. For appetizers I'm planning an assortment of cheeses (bries, probably, and goudas, and whatever else I happen to like at the time) along with some small fish and shellfish snacks. Obviously we should have drinks that would best complement these, although with cocktails it's usually every man for himself. Does anyone have tips to help me “mix it up” and make it more daring in the drink department? Liquor types, along with drink ideas and food pairings are welcome!

[mayiali]

I don't really know if there's any one drink that would go with it...seems like most cocktail hours are every man for himself, right? I would stick with the typical stuff...vodka seems to be in right now, too. Although it reminds me of that scene in the original "Father of the Bride" where the dad makes all the martinis anticipating them to be big at the engagement party and then it turns out everyone wants whiskey sours. I guess the lesson is, strike a balance.

[annud]

Geez, a tax party? Any kind of booze will probably work. I know vodka is popular but, how about gin martinis for a change? You can still be daring with a basic drink depending on the brand you use. Bulldog gin, for instance, is pretty good, alot of diversity there due to herbal ingredients I've never heard of. Had a Martini Night a few weeks ago and invited a few friends over, it went over well there. Although typically guests don't complain if there's any open bar involved. Then again none of my friends are CPAs!

[firerose0801]

As ridiculous as it sounds, one of the ways I decide what kind of cocktails I want to serve at parties (if I am doing specific ones, rather than just buying a bunch of booze and mixers and letting people pretty much fend for themselves) is to look through the Playboy bartending guide (it's insanely comprehensive) and pick a few drinks that seem to compliment each other and the theme of the party and then have a pre-party tasting (like the weekend before) with 5-ish people. At the actual cocktail party, I'll serve whatever people liked the best.