A cocktail party is a party at which cocktails are served. It is sometimes called a cocktail reception. A cocktail party organized for purposes of social or business networking is called a mixer.

A cocktail hour is sometimes used by managers of hotels and restaurants as a means of attracting bar patrons between 4 pm and 6 pm.

Some events, such as wedding receptions, are preceded by a cocktail hour. During the cocktail hour, guests socialize while drinking and eating appetizers. Organizers of these events use the cocktail hour to occupy guests between related events and to reduce the number of guests who arrive late.

Although it has been said that the inventor of the cocktail party was Alec Waugh of London, an article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press in May 1917 credited its invention to Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri. Mrs. Walsh invited 50 guests to her house on a Sunday at high noon for a one-hour affair. "The party scored an instant hit," the newspaper declared, stating that within weeks cocktail parties had become "a St. Louis institution".

Alec Waugh noted that the first cocktail party in England was hosted in 1924 by war artist Christopher Nevinson.^{[citation needed]}

A German observer of English life advised its co-nationals to import the "three fundamental rules" of cocktail parties:

1. It should not last long, an hour and a half maximum, the time one can stand up, even if there are chairs for weaker constitutions.
2. Guests should enter and leave freely, avoiding elaborate greetings on arrival and departure.
3. Conversation must avoid passionate subjects (personal, political or religious topics) to keep a harmonious and cheerful ambiance.

Women who attend a cocktail party may usually wear a cocktail dress.

Step into the glamorous world of Cocktail Parties, where sophistication, mixology, and conviviality blend in a social soiree that elevates the art of celebration. Cocktail parties are a testament to the joy of togetherness, offering a platform for friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to gather, mingle, and savor exquisite libations.

These stylish gatherings encompass a wide array of themes, from classic cocktail hours to themed soirées and mixology masterclasses. Cocktail parties are a showcase of craft cocktails, delectable hors d'oeuvres, and the ambiance of music and conversation, creating an atmosphere of refined enjoyment.

Cocktail parties are more than just social events; they are transformative experiences that create memorable moments, foster connections, and celebrate the finer things in life. They provide a space for hosts to dazzle their guests, for attendees to engage in lively conversations, and for all to appreciate the artistry of mixologists.

Join us as we explore the world of Cocktail Parties, where the clinking of glasses becomes a symphony of celebration, and the spirit of conviviality thrives. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur, a social butterfly, or someone seeking the charm of elegant gatherings, cocktail parties offer a delightful journey into the heart of sophistication and merriment.