As your guests arrive, exchange their coats for small, chilled glasses of a petite sour. The classic sour template—spirit, citrus, sweetener, water—can be traced to the mid-19th century, and the balance of sweetness and acidity can handle a wide variety of base spirits (think whiskey sour, daiquiri, gimlet, amaretto sour). For this bright, balanced, welcome-sized pour, choose between gin or vodka, place a selection of small glasses in the freezer about an hour before your guests arrive, and time your shake for the first arrival.

Petite Sour

MAKES EIGHT 1½-OUNCE SHOTS: 

Ice
6 ounces gin or vodka
2¼ ounces fresh lemon juice
2¼ ounces 1:1 simple syrup
4 2-inch strips of lemon peel