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Hottest Trends for the Cocktail Hour

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Guest Blogger: Nathaniel Neubauer, owner of Contemporary Catering
Nathaniel’s mom says it best: “When Nathaniel was turning three, I asked him what he wanted for his third birthday. He said, ‘Quiche.’” Ever since, Nathaniel’s love for food has never been far from reach. With his presence, Contemporary Catering quickly became a major contender in the Los Angeles catering industry. From overseeing production to designing a nine-course tasting menu with five-star service, Nathaniel’s dedication to his clients and his company is unparalleled.

After the ceremony, you newlyweds will probably want to sneak away and enjoy a few alone moments. To ensure your guests stay entertained, we've put together some of our best cocktail hour beverages and bites that will be sure to give your guests something to talk about.

What better way to kick off your cocktail hour than with some super fun “poptails”?! Take some of your favorite summer drinks, freeze in popsicle molds and place in cute glasses and trays so everything stays mess-free as they melt. Don’t forget to freeze some popsicles sans alcohol for the little ones! Pomegranate, peach, strawberry, mojito… the flavor possibilities are endless.

cocktail popsicles
Photo Credit: Mr. Haack
cocktail popsicles
Photo Credit: Mr. Haack

Let the grill do some of the work for you! Think that peaches and pineapples are the only fruits that are flame-worthy? Well, think again! Try grilling other fruits, such as watermelon and mango, for an unexpected twist. We suggest grilling juicy watermelon slices and topping it off with hamachi and cilantro crème fraiche to give your guests the ultimate flavor experience.

cocktail hour grilled fruit
Photo Credit: Braedon Flynn

The way to success? Take any of your favorite comfort foods and make it mini! Some of our favorite delicious comfort food ideas that can easily be served in mini portions: Mac and cheese cups, sloppy joe or sirloin sliders, mini grilled cheese triangles with shots of tomato soup, and Malt Shop cones of French fries topped with truffles.

mac and cheese
Photo courtesy of Contemporary Catering
french fries
Photo Credit: SDK Photo
crab cakes
Photo Credit: SDK Photo
steak skewers
Photo Credit: Braedon Flynn
salad on a stick
Photo courtesy of Contemporary Catering

And don’t be afraid to be go outside of your comfort zone with your mini food selections. Say, for example, smoked duck and tome de savoie quesadillas topped with rich avocado crema, poblana and cilantro jalapeno oil! Can you say yum? Give any cocktail a distinct experience by adding something frozen, grilled or even mini… your guests will thank you!

quesadillas
Photo Credit: SDK Photo

—Nathaniel Neubauer