Here’s How to Throw the Ultimate Yappy Hour for You and Your Pup
This is everything you’ll need to prep a summer soirée for your favorite pawty animals.
Courtesy of Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Summer is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to host a yappy hour, unleashing your creativity for a canine soirée that celebrates the season. No matter what theme you land on, be sure to stock the bar with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the Austin-based vodka brand that’s been dedicated to doggos since day one.
Not only does Tito’s make a quality, smooth vodka, but the company has also rescued over 140 distillery dogs (and countless kitties!) and supported thousands of animal-focused nonprofits through its Vodka for Dog People program. The program is dedicated to bettering the lives of pets and their families near and far and celebrating the relationship between pups and their people.
It’s worth noting that Tito’s is one of the only companies with an in-house “Joy Department,” making it one of the happiest work environments. So why not channel some of that vibrant, feel-good energy to get summer started right? Send out some customized invites to your favorite four-legged friends and their humans, and get ready to toast the season with the whole pack. Here’s how it’s done.
Courtesy of Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Dress up the Pups
Howl-o-ween shouldn’t be the only time you get your bestie gussied up. Pick a theme for the festivities and go all in; some of our favorites include aloha Friday, or a more open-to-interpretation cocktail attire prompt. Place Post-its and a Mason jar on your snack table so that each guest can vote for their favorite costume at the end of the party. Winner takes home a bottle of Tito’s!
Go Thrifting
For a more eclectic (and economical) approach to decking out your yappy hour, head to your go-to thrift store and peruse picture frames for tableside menus, cutting boards for bar-cuteries and charcuteries, and mix-and-match cocktail glasses to keep things fresh and fun. Keep an eye out for dog-friendly finds!
Courtesy of Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Pre-Batch Punch Bowls
The last thing a host wants to do is make cocktails last-minute, especially as their four-legged friends arrive. Try making a big batch of Tito’s cocktails like a Greyhound or BarkaRita, scaling up the recipe for the number of guests you have planned.
Stir and mix the cocktails in a large pitcher or Cambro (those oversized bins you can buy at restaurant supply stores or online), strain off the ice using a sieve, then place in the refrigerator at least a couple hours before the party starts. Then, place your pitcher on the bar cart or serving area alongside a giant bowl of ice as well as some fun and decorative glassware for self-service. Don’t forget to stock up on some sparkling water, and plate a wide variety of garnishes. Think sprigs of mint, sliced cucumber, and citrus.
Create a Cool-Down Corner
Make sure there’s plenty of shade and water on offer for your furry friends. And if you can, pick up an inflatable pool for them to lounge and cool down in between playtime.
Go HAM with a Hot Dog Bar
Take the idea of the over-the-top charcuterie boards and apply it to hot dogs, brats, and sausages. Bring out all the fixins and channel your inner Picasso, building a beautiful grazing board by filling small ramekins with bacon bits, chutneys, hot sauces, and unique relishes from around the globe. Instead of just using traditional buns, plate up doughy pretzels, Hawaiian Rolls, and giant sliced dill pickles for a gluten-free bun option. Dogs shouldn’t get to have all the fun, after all.
Courtesy of Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Pack up the Pawty Favors
Send your furry friends home with these adorable Tito’s plush doggie toys so they remember the pawty of a lifetime. Click here to see all the plush pooch-friendly gear. And don’t forget mini bottles of Tito’s for the humans, too.
Fetch Future Good Vibes
Print out a QR code to place by your bar cart to donate to your favorite animal shelter or rescue so that your guests can give back to organizations in your community.
Shake!
Tito’s Big Batch BarkaRita
Cool down with our twist on the traditional margarita. Blended orange liqueur and fresh lime juice give the TitoRita a sweet and sour punch.
