International Women’s Day is marked on 8 March every year to pay tribute to the emancipatory zeal of scores of women who have fought for equal rights and gender justice around the world. Culturally, it is a day to honour female friendships and a shared camaraderie that promotes solidarity between women across regional, linguistic and transnational lines.
It is no wonder then that this day also calls for a coming together of your closest clique that always inspires cheer and joy. A classic slumber party can be a fun way to get the squad together. All about lounging in PJs, watching cheesy movies and playing board games, the slumber party can be completed with a set of cocktails and appetisers which fit right into its comforting vibe.
Classic Margarita
Pair With: Nachos And Guac
Munchies and cocktails at the slumber party have to be simple but delicious so you spend very little time in the kitchen and have more bandwidth to relax with your girlfriends. Prepare a batched cocktail ahead of time like the classic margarita, using good quality tequila, agave syrup and triple sec. Add lots of lime juice into it for that summery acidity. Pair this classic with another staple bite for at-home gatherings: a reliable nachos and guacamole spread. Load up the nachos with cheese, jalapeños, kidney beans and chopped bell peppers. The citrusy notes of the margarita will balance out the creaminess of the cheese and complement the fresh guac flavours.
Cosmopolitan
Pair With: Mini Crostinis
Think a ruby-red cosmopolitan, complete with vodka, orange-flavored triple sec liqueur, some cranberry juice and just a hint of lime juice as an elegant and enduringly chic drink meant for girls’ night. A sophisticated cocktail such as the cosmopolitan will be just the perfect fit for this day which is about recognising the power of female friendships and celebrating their deep bond. The cocktail can be served alongside a similarly fine appetiser such as mini crostinis laden with a bit of cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes and herbs. The acidity of the cranberry will go well with the savoury bite of the crusty, crispy crostinis.
Mint Mojito
Pair With: Cajun Potato Wedges
Sharp, zingy and cooling, a classic mint mojito brings together white rum, lime juice, soda and lots of mint leaves in a rather fresh and chilled cocktail. Keep the base for mojito pitchers ready ahead of the slumber party and simply top it off with soda or fizzy sparkling water as required. Pair this cocktail with delicious baked potato wedges that pack a spicy kick owing to the cajun, herb and salt sprinkle. The combination of cool mint and lime with soft potato wedges will spell sheer comfort at your girlfriends’ gathering.
Strawberry And Champagne Spritzer
Pair With: Paneer Tikka Skewers
Celebrate Women’s Day with a champagne cocktail to raise a toast to your girl gang. Bring together the bubbly and a hint of strawberry purée that introduces a fruity acidity into the spirit. The sparkly, tangy drink would go well with the spiced and smoky nuance of paneer tikka in an indulgently contrasting flavour pairing. The light, fruity spritzer is also the perfect fit for an evening spent relaxing at home with friends, chatting each other up over a slumber party game.
Espresso Martini
Pair With: Chocolate Brownies
Sweet munchies like the gooey chocolate brownie will bring that classic slumber party effect into your Women’s Day gathering. Munch on these chocolatey treats that can be paired with the earthy and aromatic notes of a sleek espresso martini. Vodka, freshly brewed espresso and just a little bit of coffee liqueur come together in this drink that shows off sheer depth and complexity. Coupled with decadent brownies, the cocktail and sweet bite pairing is a timeless combination that blends right into the sleepover theme.