Hosting a poker night can be really fun. Imagine having your friends around and acting out Casino Royale in your house. You have games, cocktails, servers and everything that you have seen in that movie. It’s basically bringing the casino into your house in a cheaper, simpler way and having tons of fun.
However, for you to have a successful poker night, you actually need to be prepared. You will need the perfect combination of a well-organised poker setup, an impeccable drink selection and an intense casino atmosphere. But how do you go around all that if you’ve never held a poker night before? Worry not! This article will be the perfect guide to a perfect poker night.
Setting the stage
The setup will determine whether you are having an authentic Casino Royale poker night or just a gathering of friends playing poker. You see, the setting gives the mood. You want to have a realistic casino setting in your house to make it all worth it.
Let’s use the example of online casino games. Imagine the work that goes into the platforms to ensure that you are having a proper casino experience. For example, when you look at the top 10 online casinos rated by iGaming.com, you’d realise that the music, the platform layout, the decor, and everything embodies a real casino. This helps you feel as if you are in a physical casino, even though you are clearly using your phone. This is exactly what we want you doing in your house.
If you do not have a poker table, you can use a dining or coffee table and cover it with a poker mat or green felt. If you can get a professional power chipset, then you will make the experience much better and make it feel more like a casino. You should ensure that your seating area is comfortable and spacious for drinks and snacks. This is because poker nights can go on for a couple of hours.
Once your table is set, set the mood with a jazzy music background. You can also have a playlist featuring icons like Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra or have Casino Royale’s soundtracks. This brings out a luxury vibe that cannot distract you from the game.
In comes the drinks
Drinks are an important part of the poker experience. You cannot go through the night without having an assortment of sophisticated cocktails to impress your guests. Also, you can help balance your menu by including mocktails such as Virgin Mojito or sparkling water with a splash of fruit and juice for inclusivity. Now, for the full effect, ensure that you are serving drinks in appropriate glassware and making great presentations.
Here are some of the popular drinks that you should not miss.
Ante cocktail
Since the ante is the equal bet that each player in a poker game makes before the first hand is dealt, this is the perfect cocktail for that time.
But now how do you make this drink? Here you’ll need ½ measure of Orange Liqueur, ¾ measures of Dubonnet Rouge, 1 to 3 measures of Apple Brandy and a dash of Classic Bitters. Fill a shaker with ice and shake well. Finally, strain the drink and pour into cocktail glasses.
This drink is an invention of the famous Robert Hess and it is one that provides layered but subtle flavours. The good thing about the drink is that it doesn’t lose its kick and can be taken anywhere during the game.
Lady Luck cocktail
We all know that poker requires a lot of strategy and skill, but a little luck never hurts anyone. Lady Luck will most definitely be welcomed by everyone on the table.
Making this one is easy. You just need 1 part Blue Curacao and 2 parts gin, followed by a top-up of fresh orange juice. Put the ingredients in a shaker, shake well, strain it and pour into glasses. By doing this, every player has a chance of finding luck on the table.
Monte Carlo cocktail
Monte Carlo is one of the biggest rivals of Las Vegas in terms of housing casinos. The main difference is that Monte Carlo brings in a cool European glamour.
The Monte Carlo cocktail is another drink by the famous Robert Hess that is easy to prepare. You need ¾ measures of Benedictine, ¼ measure of Rye Whiskey and a dash of Classic Bitters for a grand finish. Pour all the ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir well. Remember, it is stir not shake. After that, strain the drink into glasses and serve your people.
You can be sure that if some of your guests are not yet in the gaming spirit, this mighty drink will bring in the kick.
The Classic Martini
This is the drink of choice for superspy James Bond. By offering your guests this cocktail, then you’ll be making them feel like 007. Making the cocktail is easy. Add ½ part of dry Vermouth and 2 parts of gin (or vodka for a vodka martini) into an ice-filled mixing glass. You can either stir it or shake it just like James Bond likes his. After you strain it in a chilled martini glass, garnish it with a lemon twist or olive.
Wrapping up
Whenever you are deciding for a poker night, always have your guests in mind. Include all options of bold cocktails and light drinks for the sake of inclusivity. Nonetheless, if you have your setting and drinks covered, you can be sure that you will be having a very interesting night with your friends.