Happy Hour: Emmy-Viewing Party Recipes

By The Hairpin September 14, 2011

by Diana Vilibert

Until recently, I was living in a teeny tiny studio apartment that only fit more than three people as long they were all either playing Twister or having sex with one another (made that writers group pretty awkward…) — so hosting anything resembling a party wasn’t an option. And a viewing party? With all the excitement and the gesticulating and the throwing of cutlery at the television? No way.

But now, with a little extra room and armed with some tasty drinks, I’m ready to gesticulate with the best of them (I may still break out the Twister, just for old time’s sake).

And in case you were wondering, no, I’m not above themed cocktails named after some of your favorite Emmy-nominated shows and stars:

Liz Lemon-ade (above)
Ingredients:
2 parts Beefeater Gin
1 part fresh lemon juice
½ part simple syrup
2 parts soda water

Directions: Pour all ingredients into a highball glass over ice. Stir and garnish with a [Liz] Lemon wheel.

The Sparkling (Betty) White
Ingredients (serves 9):
7.5 oz. Sauza Silver Tequila
2.5 oz. DeKuyper Triple Sec
3 oz. fresh lime juice (3 wedges)
3 oz. agave nectar
12 oz. prosecco or sparkling white wine
Lime wedge for garnish

Directions: Combine ingredients (except for the sparkling wine) in a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously to chill. Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne glasses and top it off with the sparkling wine. Garnish with a lime wedge.

The Prohibition
Ingredients (serves 9):
1 can Sauza Silver Tequila
1 can frozen limeade
1 bottle light beer
1 can water
Lime wheel for garnish

Directions: Pour limeade and beer into a pitcher with ice. Fill limeade can 2/3 with Sauza Silver Tequila and pour into pitcher. Add a can of water and stir.