Just bring yourself? No way, man. We’ll spring one of these excellent beverages on our gracious host.
If we had a dollar for every time a friend or family member exclaimed “Don’t bring a thing!” when extending a dinner-party invite, we’d be, well, there’d be no shortage of change for the laundromat, that’s for sure. It’s the age-old scenario; they don’t expect you to show up with a gift, but you don’t want to turn up empty-handed. Why do you think that Cadbury Favourites ad really hit home?
We don’t blame you if you hate the idea of rocking up with just “yourselves” – sometimes it feels like a cop out. With that in mind, we’ve pulled together a quick list of the best party drinks to bring to your next occasion when you’re explicitly told to bring nothing. It’s like the drink version of Cadbury Favourites – sans fighting over the Crunchies.
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1. A top pick for the non-drinkers (and everyone else)
Amid the thrill of planning the wine list, sober guests sometimes get left behind at parties. Bringing along a delish non-alc option that can cater to all adults, drinking or not, is an excellent idea. Thankfully there’s about a zillion zero%* drinks these days, but some are classics for a reason.
Heaps Normal is all over it, normalising mindful drinking by brewing beer that tastes so good you don't miss the alcohol. Their full-flavoured Quiet XPA is a crowd favourite. It has that unmistakable beery finish and a tropical-meets-citrus aroma. Your tastebuds will believe you’re drinking a traditional beer – not one that’s less than 0.5% alcohol.
2. A time-saver for the host
Ready to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes? When you rock up to the party, flash this bottle to the host (so they know you haven’t shown up empty-handed, obviously) and then hide it from your fellow guests. When dessert is served (a tiramisu or choc pudding is ideal), grab some glasses, fill them with ice and pour over Starward’s (New) Old Fashioned Cocktail.
Got an orange handy? Cut that baby up and garnish each drink with a slice and serve. Proceed to have all the dinner party guests assume you were working your ass off in the kitchen shaking cocktails, and swipe a digestif off the host’s to-do list. Starward really nails this bottled cocktail – it’s textural, intense yet well balanced; a classic cocktail recipe with a typically Melburnian caffeinated kick.
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3. A classic gift for the host’s backbar
A little French aperitif before the first course lands? How civilised. What about a Martini to round out the night? Sign us up. If you bring a bottle of Lillet (pronounced lee-lay) Blanc you’ve got options galore in the drinks department, and it’s one of those bar staples people forget to stock up on. If a Martini wets your whistle, enjoy it the way James Bond does with Lillet Blanc, gin, vodka and a lemon peel garnish – he invented it and named it The Vesper in Ian Fleming's 1953 novel Casino Royale.
Lillet Blanc has been kicking around since the 1800s, originating in Bordeaux and one of the first tonic wines on the market. It became increasingly popular around the turn of the 20th century, and flash forward to the ’50s and ’60s, Lillet Blanc became the centrepiece of a number of drinks served in the hip venues of NYC. It was even sometimes served on fire (flambé). Our suggestion? Simply serve it over ice with a slice of either orange, lemon or lime if you want to avoid setting off the smoke detector.
4. A slick (and arty) icebreaker
If you’re one of those people who picks a bottle of wine based on how good the label looks, we get it. Luckily for you, this wine not only looks beautiful but tastes great as well. The artwork on Serafino’s Orenji Project McLaren Vale White Blend is a collaboration between the family-owned winery in McLaren Vale and Sarah McDonald, a local SA artist known for her richly textured and evocative oil paintings. It depicts the rugged coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula using layering techniques to capture colours, light and freshness.
This is a vibrant addition to the new-wave wine landscape and a great one at that; gewürztraminer, pinot grigio and vermentino grapes give it a fresh and energetic vibe with layers of flavour including mandarin, orange zest and ginger. Between its unique orange hue, unusual yet refreshing taste and striking artwork on the bottle, the conversation will be flowing just as much as this wine.
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1. Which non-alcoholic beverages are best for events where guests are asked to bring nothing?
At Dan Murphy’s, we have a wide range of non-alcoholic, zero%* alcohol drinks like Heaps Normal Quiet XPA, Grant Burge Prosecco Zero and many more. Explore our non-alcoholics beverages here.
2. How do I choose a drink to bring to a party?
To choose a great drink to bring to a party, consider the vibe of the occasion and preferences of the guests. When in doubt, go with a versatile option like a good wine, a ready-to-serve cocktail or a quality non-alcoholic option that can be served to everyone.
3. What are the best ready-to-drink cocktails for a dinner party?
For a dinner party, choose a cocktail that complements the food and suits the vibe of the occasion. Pre-mixed cocktails are a convenient option as they can be chilled and served straight away. Explore our range of ready-to-drink cocktails.
