Party Planner: Vodka and Latke Party

This year we’re celebrating Hanukkah with a creative twist on tradition. Our casual gathering features inventive latkes paired with vodka cocktails for a festive feast that’s simple to prepare. Read on for recipes and tips to show you how.  

Crispy-tender latkes are a must for the Festival of Lights. Ours bring new ingredients to the table.

Potato Latkes with Sour Cream and Beet Relish are topped with a medley of tangy roasted beets, while Zucchini Latkes with Feta Cheese and Dill incorporate grated zucchini in with the potato base. Fresh Herb and Potato Latkes with Crème Fraîche and Smoked Salmon are packed with fresh parsley, chervil, tarragon and dill and elevated with a topping of smoked salmon. For some newfangled flavor combinations, try Sweet Potato Latkes with Fig Jam and Blue Cheese, Zucchini Latkes with Muhammara and Preserved Lemon, Latkes with Smoked Trout and Herbed Cream Cheese, or Latkes with Roast Beets and Sour Cream.

On the side, serve this Arugula, Fennel and Orange Salad, which pairs peppery arugula with refreshing fennel and tangy oranges. For dessert, our Honey-Almond Bundt Cake is baked in a Star of David-shaped Bundt pan — perfect for this special occasion. As for cocktails, nothing showcases the crisp, clean taste of vodka quite like the classic Martini.

• 1 to 2 days ahead: Make the beet relish and refrigerate. Make the Bundt cake.
• Just before serving: Make the latkes and the salad. Mix the martinis. Cheers!

Did you know you can make latkes ahead? Chef Max Sussman tells us: “You can freeze latkes fully cooked and heat them up again in the oven.” If you need to, go ahead and fry your latkes, let them cool and reheat just before serving. Find more of his latke tips here!

If you’re overwhelmed by your vodka choices, you’re not alone. Check out our guide to vodka, with expert tips on choosing and serving vodka.

This family-style get-together lends itself to beautiful presentation ideas. Serve the latkes on a long, rectangular platter with sour cream and beet relish in small bowls on the side. If you like, keep some of the latkes plain (without toppings) and let guests top their own bites.

Mix and match your basic white and silver serving pieces with festive plates that speak to the traditions of the holiday. Stack plates and wrap silverware in blue Jacquard napkins for easy serving. Add a touch of elegance by mixing the cocktails in a crystal Martini Mixer, ideal for serving drinks to a crowd. Pour into coupe glasses and garnish with olives, onions and lemon peel skewered on a cocktail pick.