Summer Soirees with Sweet Kee's
We're in a summer state of mind, which means we're gearing up for everything from backyard BBQs, 4th of July celebrations, picnics and pool parties, graduation parties, birthday celebrations, formal events, and "it's Thursday, let's hang out at my place" get-togethers. We really don't need an excuse for a summer gathering! While casual affairs are a joy, we especially love a summer soiree with your nearest and dearest that feels exceptionally special yet effortlessly put together. Here, we're sharing some of our favorite ways to make your summer soiree especially sweet, with a touch of Sweet Kee's sophistication.
Craft Beverage Experiences
At Sweet Kee's, we believe in crafting experiences as delightful as our treats, and our infusion kits are the perfect springboard for refreshing summer beverage experiences. For a summer soiree, don't be afraid to step outside the box and get creative with flavors. Try infusing the robust hibiscus flavors in our Hibiscus Rum Punch infusion kit with a delicate rosé wine instead of rum. Serve as is, or mix equal parts infused rosé with a punch for a perked-up summer beverage. For a vibrant mocktail option, infuse our Lavender Lemon Drop martini infusion with lemonade and garnish with a lavender cocktail skewer or a sprig of mint. Serve with patterned straws for a fun and festive touch.
To bring the experience to your guests, give them options to craft their own experiences by setting out a variety of prepared infusions with an array of non-alcoholic mixer options such as sparkling water, juices, lemonade, and iced tea. For more unconventional options, incorporate ginger beer, Italian soda, agua fresca, kombucha or homemade syrups into your mixer assortment and send your guests on a delightful beverage journey.
Wherever your creativity takes you, don't forget to get playful with the garnishes as well! Flavored rimming sugars, chocolate dust, and mini fruit skewers all make unconventional, yet fun - and delicious - drink garnishes. For particularly warm evenings, offer shaped ice cubes or round ice spheres for a practical cooling off effect, while also delivering a stunning visual. And for more ice cube fun, try freezing orange juice or lemonade in an ice cube tray, and add to any fruit-forward cocktail or mocktail infusion for an additional flavor burst and gradual dilution. The message here is: don't be afraid to experiment! Our infusion kits provide the base - let your imagination do the rest. You may just discover your next signature summer drink.
Make Creative Appetizers Your Jam
Now, let's talk appetizers! No soiree is complete without tasty bites to set the evening in motion. Our handcrafted jams are more than just toast toppings; they're a secret ingredient to some seriously unforgettable bites.
Jams pair well with a variety of cheese-based appetizers. Try drizzling a creamy brie wheel with our peach berry or strawberry mango jam and serve with crisp crostini and toasted pecans for a delicately balanced sweet & savory, smooth & crispy starter. For an alternate, flexible, and similarly balanced option, top crackers with herbed goat cheese and a spoonful of any of our jam flavors. As an optional upgrade, add a folded slice of prosciutto on top, held in place with a cocktail pick. If you're incorporating a charcuterie board into your soiree plans, include sweet notes by laying out a trio of Sweet Kee's core jam flavors (Peach Berry, Strawberry Mango, and Tropical) within the board. And if our Cherry Almond jam is in season, just go ahead and make it a quartet - you can thank us later! The key is to create balance by incorporating a variety of sweet, savory, and textural elements.
For a non-cheese starter, we love tropical jam shrimp skewers. These are a light and flavorful seafood appetizer that pairs classic shrimp skewers with the delightfully bright and lush flavors of our tropical jam. To make, simply create a marinade by mixing 6-8 oz of our tropical jam with a splash of lime juice, and garlic to taste. Allow uncooked shrimp to marinate for at least one hour before grilling. Serve with a side of fresh jam for dipping. You can also similarly prepare tropical jam vegetable skewers by replacing the shrimp skewers with vegetable skewers.
If you anticipate guests arriving at your summer soiree hangry - then consider adding a heartier jam-paired appetizer to your menu, such as jam-glazed, sweet and spicy meatballs. Prepare meatballs using your favorite homemade meatball recipe or create an easy homemade version with ground beef, egg, Italian seasoning, breadcrumbs, and grated parmesan. For an even quicker option, you can also use store-bought meatballs. To make the sauce, combine equal parts of our Strawberry Mango or Peach Berry jams and chili sauce in a saucepan. Cook on medium heat until fully combined. Add meatballs, simmer, and steep in sauce for at least 20 minutes before serving.
These appetizer ideas are just the beginning. Think about your favorite starters and let your creativity flow from there. For additional guidance, our Peach Berry jam complements beef appetizers well, while our Strawberry Mango jam is a great addition to chicken and pork dishes, and our Tropical Jam enhances fish, seafood, and spicy starters nicely.
Create Stunning, Lollipop Displays
No soiree would be complete without a touch of fancy, so it's no surprise that our favorite way to elevate the evening is with show-stopping lollipop displays. While you can certainly keep it simple by setting out a few flavors of candies in straightforward jars, we like to get playful and create eye-catching visuals. To do this without a lot of fuss, tap into your existing tableware and home decor - eclectic here is fine! Look for vibrant patterns, eye-catching colors, varying heights, and unique decor pieces with open spaces for displaying candies. Mix and match decor patterns and solids, and leverage tiered platters, glassware, and bowls to create multiple heights for stunning visuals.
To tie color themes together, leverage plants, flowers, and other greenery for natural color palettes or incorporate colorful ribbons, that complement the colors in display pieces. Add lollipops upright to bowls, glasses, and vases, or lay them out on tiered platters. If offering a variety of flavors, add flavor tags or labels. For a more interactive tasting experience, set out varying flavors of lollipops together in the same vessels and instruct guests to pick a lollipop, taste it, then try to guess what flavor it is. For a high-stakes version of this experience, offer a compelling prize to whoever guesses the most correctly.
Play Up Your Theme
To truly elevate your soiree, consider a themed approach. Perhaps a "Sunset in Provence" theme, featuring lavender-infused beverages and fig jam appetizers, or a "Tropical Paradise" theme with mango lollipops and pineapple-infused cocktails. Don't forget the ambiance! String lights, colorful tablecloths, and a curated playlist can transform your backyard into a magical oasis. Encourage guests to mingle and share their favorite Sweet Kee's pairings, creating a communal experience centered around flavor and fun.
At Sweet Kee's, we believe in the power of handcrafted goodness to create memorable moments. This summer, let our artisanal lollipops, infusion kits, and jams be the stars of your soirees. Embrace creativity, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the sweet moments with loved ones. We're here to help you craft the perfect summer gathering, one delicious detail at a time.
So gather your loved ones, let your creativity flow, and make this summer one to remember with Sweet Kee's!