Instructions

1. Breakdown you list of occasions to better manage your drink menu. For example, you could have categories like cocktail hour, breach party, weekend brunch, elegant apertifs, winter wonderland (i.e. drinks for cold weather).

2. Find a drink that's appropriate for you event. A cocktail party might best be poured with a Manhattan or martini. Beach parties come with the obligatory margarita and daiquiri, but might also welcome a tequila sunrise or sangria. A whiskey toddy, hot butter rum or Irish coffee are great cold-weather drinks.

3. Make sure you stock accordingly. Purchase all necessary alcohol to make the drinks, but don't overlook mixers, garnishes and the gadgets you need to make them, like shakers and blenders.