Sissy and her guest, Master Mixologist Steve Olsen, offer some great tips for creating fun drinks that you can serve anytime. Inspired to invite a few friends over for a cocktail party? We thought you might be so Sissy tapped another expert, Anthony Giglio, to help us get A Bigger View of cocktails and cocktail parties. Anthony was kind enough to share some excerpts from his book: Mr. Boston Platinum Edition. They are sure to help you throw a memorable cocktail party for the people in your Big Life.

Anthony Giglio's Classic Cocktail Party Planning Tips:

Organization + Imagination = Great Party
A well-made libation can elevate even the humblest of gatherings from simple to swanky with little more effort than mixing up one of this book's 1500 recipes.  Indeed, a "cocktail party" promises something better than just a beer-wine-soda get-together; it connotes sophistication and craftsmanship, even if the recipes are simple-but-sublime (think of a properly made Martini, for example).

While our foremost concern is to help you plan a fabulous party employing one or more of our cocktails as the stars. We will admit up front that planning and throwing a party involves some very serious considerations all it takes is a little planning, organization, and imagination.

ANTHONY GIGLIO'S:  COCKTAIL PARTY ESSENTIALS

The Home Bar/Bar Table
You need to have a designated bar station where all of the drinks can be made, preferably away from the kitchen. All you really need is a sturdy, six-foot table.

Where you set up the bar is as important as what you serve at it. The bar should be located in the main room of the party. Remember that wherever you situate the bar, it will become a gathering place for guests waiting for drinks as well as those socializing (because that's what always happens at bars, right?).

Set up all the spirits and drink ingredients in the center of the table, and put glassware at each end (consider stocking martini glasses, rocks glasses, highball glasses, all-purpose wineglasses, and, if you're serving champagne, flutes).

Most important of all are filled ice buckets with tongs placed at each end of the table, because ice (or lack of it) is one of the most underestimated party-killers in the history of entertaining. Cocktail shakers and/or mixing pitchers are also necessary, as well as fun.

Anthony Giglio's: A Drink in Every Hand
If first impressions are the proverbial everything, then make a guest's arrival at a party memorable by placing a drink in their hand as soon as possible. This makes the guest feel immediately comfortable, and it helps the host move on to greet other guests and socialize. To do this, consider making the first drink, in advance and in bulk. Then, as guests arrive the drinks can be quickly dispensed.  Never underestimate the power of a punch. It takes all the pressure off the host to mix drinks all night (if you don't have a bartender), and it takes pressure off the guests to have to create their own concoctions.

Let us know if our suggestions helped make your big cocktail party a hit. We also want to know what cocktail you would create in honor of Your Big Life. Send us your pictures, ideas, recipes and stories via email to abiglife@nbcuni.com. Also in our Your Big Life section, Sissy offers even more insight on this topic in her Big Blog.

Why not plan your own Cocktails in Colorado trip? Stay at the historic Broadmoor Hotel and enjoy fine food and drinks at The Summit. Say hello to beverage consultant Steve Olsen and enjoy A Big Life Cocktail - lively and effervescent, just like our host. Read Sissy's Tips for more advice on planning the perfect cocktail party.

Drink recipes from A Big Life: Cocktails in Colorado

ESPRESSO MARTINI
Vanilla Vodka
Coffee Liqueur
Espresso
Heavy Cream

COSMOLITO
Tequila
Cranberry Juice
Pomegranate Juice

LIQUID LYCHEE
Vodka
Lychee puree
Ginger
Top with candied ginger

BIG LIFE COCKTAIL
Lime Vodka
Mint
Lime
Sugar Cane

MSN shopping suggestions:
Cocktail Recipe Books
Bar Accessories
Cocktail Shakers