A Cocktail Thing: Omaha’s Monthly Pop-Up Cocktail Party

If you’re looking for something extraordinary to do in Omaha, let us introduce you to A Cocktail Thing. This isn’t your average cocktail party—it’s an ever-evolving celebration of food, drinks, and collaboration, happening at the end of every month at Anna’s Place. In 2025, we’re taking things even further by teaming up with some of Omaha’s most talented chefs and creators. Each month will feature a fresh, innovative menu of cocktails and paired dishes that you won’t find anywhere else.

A Pop-Up Series Like No Other

At Anna’s Place, we don’t do ordinary. A Cocktail Thing is all about bringing the unexpected to the table, featuring four brand-new cocktails every month. These drinks are inspired by themes that vary from whimsical to essential, often reflecting the style and personality of the chef we’re collaborating with that month.

We’re thrilled to highlight Omaha’s culinary stars, including ongoing partnerships with beloved local creators like The Pie Fairy, whose desserts are guaranteed to steal the show. Whether the theme explores Midwestern roots, global flavors, or something entirely experimental, every event promises a unique experience tailored to excite your palate.

A Year of Flavor and Creativity

The first A Cocktail Thing of 2025 launches on Sunday, February 16th, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Grab your partner, your friends, or even your foodie squad, and enjoy a cozy yet exciting way to celebrate.

After February, the series will take place on the last Sunday of every month, with two seatings available at 1 PM and 4 PM. Every month brings a completely new menu of cocktails and food pairings, making each event a fresh experience.

And if you’re as excited as we are, consider a year-long subscription! With a subscription, you’ll secure your seat for every event at the discounted 1 PM slot. Coming soon, we’ll also be offering a month-to-month option—perfect if you’re looking to drop in on select events. Subscriptions and tickets will be available on our website: annasplaceomaha.com.

Support Local, Savor the Best

This year-long series isn’t just about cocktails and food—it’s a celebration of Omaha’s creative community. From showcasing top local chefs to revisiting collaborations with friends like The Pie Fairy, A Cocktail Thing is our way of spotlighting the incredible talent that makes Omaha special.

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a curious foodie, or someone who just loves discovering unique things to do, this is an event designed to inspire, surprise, and delight.

Reserve Your Spot Today

Seats for A Cocktail Thing are limited, so be sure to book early. Reservations can be made directly on our website, annasplaceomaha.com, or by emailing us at info@annasplaceomaha.com. Don’t forget to let us know about any dietary restrictions at least a week in advance—we’ve got you covered.

Join us each month for this unforgettable experience, and make A Cocktail Thing part of your 2025. Because in Omaha, when it comes to food, drink, and creativity, we know how to do it right.

21+ event. Reservations are transferable but non-refundable.

What is your favorite drink to make?

Craft Cocktails: An Art Form

At Anna’s Place, cocktails are crafted with an artistry that transforms them from mere beverages into sensory experiences. Each drink is meticulously prepared using house-made ingredients, ensuring that every sip tells a story. If you’re a cocktail connoisseur—or simply someone who enjoys a well-made drink—you’ll find yourself in heaven here.

One of the standout offerings is the ‘Heron and Haven.’ This cocktail exemplifies the balance and creativity that the bartenders at Anna’s Place bring to their craft. It’s a testament to the bar’s commitment to delivering top-tier experiences to its patrons.

Efficiency and Craftsmanship

A common question I get asked is, “What’s your favorite cocktail to make?” Back in the day, working at Wicked Rabbit, I realized that this question often isn’t just about curiosity. It’s about what patrons should order—especially when the bar is busy. While complex drinks are fun to make, the reality of a bustling bar demands efficiency without compromising quality.

One of my personal favorites, given the time, is a Ramos Gin Fizz. However, from my time at the Wicked Rabbit, I learned the importance of efficiency in mixology. Many of the cocktails we made required up to eight bottles, which weren’t always conveniently placed. Streamlining our process by grouping ingredients together ahead of time saved precious minutes, allowing us to focus on the customer experience.

It’s a lesson in understanding that the customer isn’t there for our entertainment; we’re there to ensure they have a memorable experience. The technique of the drink is secondary to the experience it provides. Whether you’re looking for something straightforward or complex, the ultimate goal is to meet the customer’s expectations and provide them with a delightful evening.

Respecting the Craft and the Customer

Shame on the bartender who rolls their eyes at a customer’s request for a complex drink. If the ingredients are available, why deny them a moment of joy? A great example is the Ramos Gin Fizz, a cocktail that requires a lengthy shake to achieve its signature frothy top. I’ve been guilty of inwardly groaning at such requests during busy times, but it’s essential to remember that patrons come to enjoy themselves. Our job is to facilitate that joy, as long as they’re respectful and well-behaved.

Engage with your bartender. Ask them, “What’s the most complicated drink you know how to make?” Preface it by letting them know you’re just curious and not necessarily ordering it. This can lead to fascinating conversations and might even prompt the bartender to showcase a skill or drink you’ve never encountered before. It’s about connection, after all. Understanding what someone is passionate about can open doors to new experiences.

Streamlined Perfection

Efficiency doesn’t mean cutting corners. The cocktail menu is intentionally designed so that most drinks follow a similar preparation process. This not only speeds up service but also ensures consistency in quality. Of course, you’re welcome to go off-menu, but sticking to the menu guarantees a seamless experience, where no one drink is inherently more challenging than another.

When I have the luxury of time and can focus on crafting a single cocktail, my all-time favorite is an Absinthe Drip. There’s something mesmerizing about watching the water slowly drip over a sugar cube, the anticipation building with each drop until it culminates in the perfect sip of absinthe. It’s a ritual, an experience that encapsulates the beauty of mixology.

The Ultimate Experience

At Anna’s Place, the goal is to provide an unforgettable experience. From the historical ambiance to the expertly crafted cocktails, every element is designed to transport you to another time while offering the comforts and quality of the present. It’s a place where you can escape the everyday, lose yourself in conversation, and savor the nuances of a finely made drink.

So, when you find yourself in Omaha, don’t just pass through. Make your way to Anna’s Place at Hotel Indigo. Sit back, relax, and let the skilled bartenders take you on a journey through history with every sip. Whether you’re here for a quick drink or an evening of exploration, Anna’s Place promises an experience you won’t soon forget.

A Call to Adventurers

Travel is about more than just seeing new places; it’s about experiencing them. It’s about diving into the local culture, tasting its flavors, and hearing its stories. Anna’s Place offers all of this and more. It’s a destination within a destination, a must-visit for anyone who wants to uncover the hidden gems of Omaha.

So, next time you’re looking to escape the mundane and embark on a new adventure, remember this invitation. Anna’s Place awaits, ready to welcome you with open arms and a cocktail that will leave you craving more. Cheers to discovering new horizons, one sip at a time.

3 easy steps to step up your drinking making for house parties

Alright kid, listen up. Hosting a house party and trying to impress your friends with your cocktail skills? Let me give you a few tips from the trenches. You want to look like you’ve been doing this forever, and I’ve got three easy steps to help you step up your cocktail game. Trust me, these will save you a lot of headaches and make you the hero of the night.

Step 1: Pre-Batch Your Cocktails

First things first, pre-batch your cocktails. It’s inevitable that at some point, you’re gonna have to walk away from your drink station, and someone’s going to want a drink. You don’t want to make this complicated for anybody. Your potions should be as simple as “eat me” and “drink me.” Don’t be afraid to take a piece of tape and apply it to your cocktail containers with simple instructions: three parts this, one part that, equal parts this and that, etc.

In my years of working catering gigs, I’ve seen it time and again. Everyone will try out one drink, one will be a crowd favorite, and the other two will be forgotten. Then, everyone simply goes back to their comfort zones or shots of tequila. Make it easy on yourself and pre-batch. This ensures consistency and saves you from the chaos of making individual drinks all night.

Step 2: Keep It Simple, Stupid

Let’s get one thing straight: most of your house guests will be just fine with a simple margarita. It’s us bartenders who want to make it fancy and exotic. Sure, go ahead and add strawberries and squeeze all your fresh limes, but trust me, 10 hours of prep time isn’t worth the headache for someone who’s just as happy drinking whiskey and Coke.

So many times, we fall into the trap of trying to have 10 different cocktails, each with different spirits. We go way over budget, and we haven’t had a chance to practice these drinks before the guests arrive. We end up making it up on the fly. Stick to the classics. A well-made daiquiri or piña colada can be slightly modified with one ingredient, but save yourself the headache—don’t change everything. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Focus on making the best cocktail possible with a few key ingredients.

Step 3: Stay Updated on Cocktail Trends

Spend 10 minutes and look up the current cocktail trends. You might be a huge fan of the Cosmopolitan, but if you’re entertaining a group of people under 30, they probably want espresso martinis. Most cocktail blogs will have recipes for these trending drinks. Trends typically last about five years depending on the market, so anything from 2019 to the present should be fine.

Take into consideration who your guests are. A signature cocktail can be fun, but if it’s a group standing around a barbecue, maybe spend more time on the beer selection. If you’re young and scraping by, don’t be afraid to buy ready-to-drink cocktails and doctor them up slightly to call them your own. Trust me, Aunt Carol has been doing that with her pie for years.

Entertaining Shouldn’t Be Stressful

Entertaining at home shouldn’t be stressful. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple. You can always make your syrups ahead of time, or if you’ve got your cocktail pre-batched, many times it’ll hold for days. If your party is on Friday, don’t be afraid to make the cocktails on Wednesday night to save yourself time. It’s all okay, and you’re gonna do great.

So, let’s recap: pre-batch your cocktails, keep it simple, and stay updated on cocktail trends. Follow these steps, and you’ll not only elevate your cocktail game but also ensure your house party is a hit. Remember, bartending is as much about the experience as it is about the drink. Make sure everyone feels welcome, keep the drinks flowing, and most importantly, have fun. You’ve got this.