Depends on whether it is a true cocktail party with several guests coming, or just one or two couples.
For a small group, for drinks we usually have some beer, some wine, sometimes make margaritas and always have assorted Pepsi/Coke. For snacking, we usually have some fresh assorted nuts (a tin from Walgreens or Walmart), some grapes or strawberries, some chips and salsa, M&Ms, orange slices, and maybe some popcorn.
If a larger group, we add to the above.... sliced beef log, assorted cheeses, crackers. Sometimes I make guacamole and chips if we're serving margaritas. I will occasionally make deviled eggs. Oh, and I make a plate of brownies or cookies

Excellent suggestion list. OP wants to invite people over for drinks, never considered just wine and beer drinks.

Pusser's rum, pineapple and orange juices, cream of coconut to make painkillers. grate a little nutmeg on top.

Gracie,

I didn't realize that you called it pop in Ohio. I thought it was a western New York thing.

It's a Midwest thing. Michigan calls it pop also.

When I was a kid in New England they called all soda Tonic. You would see signs "Tonic and Grinders" ie soda and subs.

We always laughed when someone would ask for soda, we thought they wanted soda water. If they say pop, we say what kind. :)

We're non drinkers also. We have our friends trained so they bring their own drinks, they are happy to do so. We supply cheese, crax, fruit, veggies and dips. It's a beautiful thing!

Yes---I do that with my friends. My brother came down for a visit and commented how odd and wonderful it was that everyone had just what they wanted to drink with a minimum of fuss.

We were celebrating his retirement and I made an Italian Philly favorite they serve in Tony-Lukes. Roast pork, broccoli rob [rapinni down here], provolone and long hot pepper sandwiches with a couple of side dishes and vegetable soup.

It was pop in the Midwest (Kansas). Here in Georgia it is soda.

What a great thread. Keep those ideas coming!

We make a recipe that we learned from you wonderful folks! Google "Holiday Bourbon Whiskey Meatballs." They are so easy and delicious! I keep some in the freezer. If I have more time, I serve homemade roasted red peppers, eggplant caponata, asiago cheese and good crusty bread. Bob's favorite is an appetizer from our friend's wedding 20 years ago. Toasted thin slices of ital or French bread topped with a thin slice of grilled chicken, roasted red pepper, a basil (or spinach) leaf and fresh mozzarella. Heat in the oven and serve. People devour them.

Oh, I haven't had a Painkiller in soooooooo long! Where do you get the Pusser's rum around here?

caprese appetizer: One sheet of puff pastry (or two for a crowd). Cut into pieces the size you want. On each piece place a slice of roma tomato, put some basil on the tomato, drizzle a few drops of balsamic vinegar (optional), top with slice or cube of fresh mozzarella. Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes.

I sometimes also put a slice of pepperoni under the tomato.

I'm not sure but some of the liquor stores in Florida would have it. I only brought down from up north what I got from new hampshire's liquor stores. I've bought stuff from Pusser's on line store which I believes ships stuff out of south florida. Their website may actually list where their rum is sold. If you can't find it any blended dark rum can substitute. I actually hate to say there is a alternate for Pussers:a040: