The Best Playlist For A Cocktail Bar: Perfect Songs To Set The Mood

When hosting a cocktail party , the music is just as important as the drinks where you want to set the mood and create an atmosphere that makes your guests feel relaxed and happy. A great idea is to play a good mix of songs to set the tone and get your guests in the mood for a night of fun and relaxation.

That's why we've put together this list of the best songs for a cocktail party. Whether you're looking for something upbeat and fun or sultry and sexy, we've got you covered! So get yourself a glass and enjoy the music! perfect playlist.

Our Top Picks

Pop Music

1. You're Beautiful, James Blunt - Most Romantic

"You're Beautiful" is a song by British singer-songwriter James Blunt, released in 2004 as the lead single from his debut album, Back to Bedlam. The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the country's first and only number-one single, while it peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

This romantic song has a catchy tune, but there's something else about it that speaks to people on an emotional level. The overall effect is elegant and playful, making it ideal for intimate parties where you want to create a sense of intimacy and connection with your guests.

2. Poker Face, Lady Gaga - Most Lively

The song "Poker face" is by lady gaga, and it was released on September 26, 2008 as the second single from her debut album, The Fame. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Gaga's second consecutive number-one hit in the United States after "Just dance."

The song's uplifting tone makes it ideal for costume parties and other occasions when you want to show off your inner diva. The song lyrics may be readily interpreted as a message, with individuals seeking to feel powerful and have fun.

3. I want it That Way, Backstreet Boys - Most Nostalgic

The song "I Want It That Way" was released on April 12, 1999 was the lead single from their third studio album, Millennium. It was written by Max Martin and Andreas Carlsson and produced by Martin and Lundin.

This song is ideal for reunions, especially with friends who haven't seen each other in a while. I want it that way is the ideal song for you, whether you're trying to reignite an old flame or simply remember simpler days.

4. Amazing, Kanye West - Most Listened

Amazing is a song by Kanye West from his fourth studio album, 808s and Heartbreak, released in 2010.The song is haunting and emotional exploring the pain of lost love while also conveying a sense of hope and resilience.

Kanye West's "Amazing" screams Coachella. This song perfectly captures the energy and spirit of a music festival themed party, with its upbeat tempo and infectious hooks.

5. Most Naughty- Womanizer (Britney Spears)

"Womanizer" is a song by Britney Spears from her sixth studio album, Circus. It was released on September 26, 2008, as the lead single of the album and was written and produced by Naughty Boy with additional writing from Sean Garrett.

There's something about Womanizer that makes it ideal for a night out with the girls. It's the seductive, confident tone of the song, or maybe it's the carefree, naughty attitude of the words.

Either way, this is a song that always gets the girls on the dance floor and keeps them there all night long. Whether you're shaking your booty at a club or sipping cocktails at a party, Womanizer is the perfect soundtrack for a fun night out with the girls.

6. Style, Taylor Swift

"Style" is a song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, taken from her fifth studio album, 1989. Swift co-wrote the song with producers Max Martin, Shellback, and Ali Payami, and it was released to radio stations as the album's third single on February 9, 2015 by Republic Records in collaboration with Big Machine.

This song makes you feel invincible as you exchange laughs and stories with other well-dressed guests at a casual cocktail party. The sensual groove of the song is impossible to resist, and the lyrics capture the euphoric, heady feeling of a new romance.

7. I'm Yours, Jason Mraz

"I'm Yours" is a song by American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, released in 2008 as the first single from his third studio album We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things. The song was originally recorded and initially released on a limited edition EP called Extra Credit as a demo in 2005 to promote his second studio album Mr.

This song is simple but optimistic, and it's the ideal soundtrack for a summer romance or any other time when you're feeling energetic. The semi-tropical tone of "I'm Yours" makes it feel like summertime all year long, making it ideal for summer themed cocktail parties.

8. The Other Side, Bruno Mars

The Other Side is a song interpreted by Bruno Mars, released on the album Doo-Wops & Hooligans in 2010. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries. It has also been praised by critics, who have praised its lyrical content and Mars' vocal performance.

It's ironic that a song about a failing relationship is so upbeat and enjoyable to listen. Despite its sad lyrics, it is ideal for a Hollywood-themed cocktail party or any other event where you want to create a sense of fun and glamor.

9. Rewrite the Stars, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

It is an instrumental cover of the 2017 hit song from the film "The Greatest Showman." This pop-country soundtrack covered by The Piano Guys and their version features piano and cello accompaniments that give the song a unique twist.

This pop-country soundtrack is both inspiring and magical. It is ideal for playing at cocktail parties with a Victorian theme, where you can wear beautiful nightgowns or ball gowns that will transport you to another era.

10. All of Me, Mauro Costa

Mauro Costa's cover of John Legend's "All of Me" is a beautiful and haunting ballad. The song is stripped of vocals, leaving only the plaintive notes of the piano to carry the melody. Costa's performance is tender and intimate, creating a feeling of melancholy.

The song is ideal for a slower, more intimate cocktail party atmosphere, where the lack of vocals allows the listener to focus on the emotions conveyed by the music, creating a truly moving experience. "All of Me" evolves into a beautiful and evocative ballad that will stay with you long after the last notes have faded away on the dance floor.

11. Something Just Like This, Niko Kotoulas

Musician Niko Kotoulas produced a piano arrangement for the 2017 hit song of rock band Coldplay and the electronic duo The Chainsmokers. The piano arrangement is simple and straightforward, with Niko's own unique style coming through in the choice of chords and rhythm.

The original track being an EDM pop and the piano arrangement is more on the upbeat side and is suitable for business cocktail parties. It gives an energizing vibe which can help people with their mood to generate ideas of their businesses.

This is recommended for anyone looking for music to get them in the mood for brainstorming business ideas. The arrangement starts off in a minor key, giving it a slightly melancholy feel, but as the song progresses, the major key is introduced, giving the piece a more uplifting feel.

12. Best Day of My Life, Vitamin String Quartet

Los Angeles-based musical group Vitamin String Quartet is well known for its versions of pop and rock music. They covered this 2014 track from rock band American Authors.

The light string instruments provide a lovely background to the lead singer's laid back vocals, which carry the melody effortlessly. This feel-good song is great if you're going for a chill at the same time at the same time lively mood cocktail party.

The production is concise, with just enough echo to give the song a sense of space. It's the ideal balance of energy and relaxation, making it ideal for parties where you just want to think about relaxing rather than work.

13. Chasing Cars, Evan Camrud

"Chasing Cars" is a song by the alternative rock band Snow Patrol that was covered on piano by Evan Camrud and released in 2006. The track's piano arrangement is sentimental and delivers a sophisticated cocktail party mood that is sure to give listeners a beautiful and haunting music that will leave them feeling introspective and reflective.

Evan Camrud's song Chasing Cars speaks to the human condition in a way that is both relatable and universal. This is a message that people of all ages and walks of life can relate to, whether we are pursuing our dreams or simply trying to keep up with the demands of everyday life.

14. Love Me Like You Do, Brooklyn Duo

Married couple and musicians Brooklyn Duo, has recorded a cello and piano cover of Ellie Goulding's hit soundtrack Love Me Like You Do, which was featured in the film 50 Shades of Grey. The sensual vibe of the song, combined with the cello and piano sounds, creates an elegant cocktail party atmosphere where you feel expensive and as if you're being dated by the man of your dreams.

They've taken a relatively simple melody and turned it into something very special with their arrangement. The lushness of the piano chords, supported by the strength of the cello playing, gives the piece a sense of grandeur that will leave you with fantasies long after the party has ended.

15. Killing Me Softly, Gypsy Flamenco Masters

The gypsy flamenco guitar is a stringed instrument that has been around for centuries and has been used in countries other than Spain for many decades. The sounds produced by these instruments are frequently rough and deep.

This song has a soft yet steady soundscape that creates a relaxed atmosphere ideal for slow groove cocktail party vibes with an old-fashioned atmosphere. This works best for parties that include long and slow dances in which guests find their own rhythm.

16. Perfect, The Piano Guys

The Piano Guys are a musical group known for their innovative and progressive approach to the piano. The Piano Guys' success stems from their willingness to experiment with the piano, incorporating elements from various genres to create unique and moving renditions of popular songs.

This song infuses the piano with the energy and emotion of EDM, resulting in a beautiful and powerful cover. This is ideal for a Valentine's Day couple's night cocktail party theme, where some may serenade their partners or have a surprise marriage proposal.

Jazz Music

1. Non Stop Flight, Artie Shaw

Non-stop flight is featured on the soundtrack of Dancing Co-Ed, a 1939 American romantic comedy starring Lana Turner, Richard Carlson, and bandleader. The music in Dancing Co-Ed is so energetic that it makes you don't want to stop dancing.

The song features clarinet, saxophones, and trumpets played by three trombones, with the addition of guitar on top for extra spice! This track would be ideal for any cocktail themed party where there are numerous programs about dancing that will keep everyone entertained without becoming bored or restless too quickly.

2. Back Bay Shuffle, Artie Shaw

The Back Bay Shuffle is one of the most iconic pieces of American music. It was written and recorded by Artie Shaw in 1938, the song has come to epitomize the sound of the Swing Era.

This song featured a groovy melody and Shaw's distinct clarinet playing, making it ideal for a cocktail party themed in the roaring '90s. This is the time to invite all of your friends and tell them to wear their best 90's attire, such as parachute pants, crop tops, and chokers.

3. Honeysuckle Rose, Ben Webster

Ben Webster was an influential jazz tenor saxophonist in the twentieth century. He was known for his rich, warm tone and elegant, lyrical style. Webster formed one of jazz's most celebrated duos in the 1940s with fellow tenor saxophonist Lester Young.

This is ideal for a classic cocktail party that displays a timeless affair with an open bar and hors d'oeuvres. The atmosphere at this party is typically light and festive, with guests mixing and mingling over drinks.

4. Don’t Be That Way, Benny Goodman

Honeysuckle Rose was a popular and widely recorded song in the early 1930s. It was written by Thomas "Fats" Waller and Harry Brooks, which was first performed in the revue Show Girl.

The song became a jazz standard and is perfect for formal seated cocktail parties with multiple courses served at individual tables. Honeysuckle Rose, which features assertive horns and a driving rhythm, has been featured in a number of films over the years, including the film La La Land.

5. Ain’t Misbehavin, Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday's "Ain't Misbehavin'" is one of the most enduring and beloved songs of the jazz age. It was written in 1929 by Fats Waller and Harry Brooks, and first recorded by Holiday in 1933. The lyrics are simple and direct, yet they perfectly capture the spirit of jazz age irreverence and fun.

If you're throwing a "Night in Paris" cocktail party, this is the perfect song to get the party started! The sultry and seductive melody will transport your guests to the Champs-Élysées, while the jazzy trumpet solo will transport them back to the Roaring Twenties.

You can even dress your guests in era-appropriate outfits, such as channeling their inner Victorian dandy or dancing the night away in a flapper dress, if you want to get really creative with your party planning.

6. The Ole Devil Called Love Single Version, Billie Holiday

The Ole Devil Called Love is one of Billie Holiday's most famous and most recorded songs. The lyrics are written in a playful and flirtatious style, and Holiday's vocal performance is both confident and sassy.

Her songs have a 'cozy' tone due to the old arrangements and recording quality. The result is a fun and lighthearted song that belies its dark subject matter. This song is ideal for a coffeehouse cocktail night or a book club meeting where you can share your thoughts on a book you've all read together and have a provoking discussion.

7. Somethin' Stupid (2008 Remastered) - Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra

This is one of the most well-known collaborations between veteran singer-songwriters Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra. They first performed it live in 1966 at Carnegie Hall, where they won an award for Best Vocal Performance.

This song has a classy tune for a simple and romantic cocktail party that will remind us of our high school prom, where we slow-danced with our dates and that special night remains one of our most cherished memories. Many artists have covered the song, including Michael Bublé, Celine Dion, and Robbie Williams, and it was featured in the film "The Fault in Our Stars" in 2014.

8. If I Could Give You More - Harry Connick, Jr.

"If I Could Give You" is the 7th track of Harry Connick Jr.'s multi-platinum album "Blue Light, Red Light." In this track, Harry Connick Jr.’s voice will remind you of Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé’s voices all rolled into one.

This song is ideal for a Titanic-themed cocktail party, which will include romantic slow dances, cocktails served in titanic-inspired glasses, and food inspired by the film. The decorations will be elegant and simple, with a focus on the titanic's blue and white. The guest list will be limited to those who are truly close to you, making this a slightly intimate cocktail party.

9. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole

This song was originally written by American songwriter Irving Gordon, The most popular version of the song was recorded by Nat King Cole in 1951 for his album Unforgettable in 1952, with an arrangement composed by Nelson Riddle.

This song is appropriate for a Disney-themed cocktail party or if you enjoy classic animation or recent live-action hits. Make a batch of Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cubes using silicone molds to get started. Once frozen, add them to glasses of sparkling wine or cider for the perfect Disney themed cocktail party!

10. Opus One, Tommy Dorsey

"Opus No. 1" is a famous song written by Sy Oliver in 1943 with lyrics by Sid Garris. The song is frequently referred to as "Opus One" or "Opus #1." It has now become a standard in the repertoires of swing, jazz, and large bands.

This song is ideal for a cocktail party themed under the stars, where guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite celestial sphere. There are numerous ways to decorate for this type of party, but some popular ideas include hanging star-shaped lanterns from the ceilings, creating a DIY photo booth with star-themed props, and serving celestial-themed cocktails.

Starry lights, dainty constellation patterns, and sparkling silver and blue accents could be used as décor for this elegant event. Space-themed games like "pin the tail on the comet" or "astronomy charades" could be fun details, and no matter what the overall tone of the party is, all guests will have a great time and a night to remember.

11. Ain't Misbehavin', Billie Holiday

Ain't Misbehavin is a song recorded by Billie Holiday, an American jazz singer. It is a 1929 stride jazz and early swing track written for the Broadway musical comedy play Connie's Hot Chocolates.

For a fun and unique sock hop party, just provide the 50's feel with vinyl records as plates and cat-eyed glasses for cookies. This will be sure to get everyone in the mood to have a great time. If you want to go all out, you can even have a D.J. playing all of your favorite 50's hits. You can also set up a photobooth with props like poodle skirts and jukeboxes. Whatever you do, just make sure that you have plenty of food and drinks for everyone to enjoy. With a little planning, your sock hop party is sure to be a blast from the past!

12. Moonlight Serenade - Glenn Miller

"Moonlight Serenade" is a Glenn Miller-penned American swing ballad with lyrics by Mitchell Parish. Ironically, it had been adopted and played as Miller's signature piece as early as 1938, even before it was given the name "Moonlight Serenade." Miller's "Moonlight Serenade" recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1991.

The melody is nostalgic and melancholy, making it ideal for a farewell cocktail party. "Moonlight Serenade" will help set the tone for a bittersweet farewell, whether you're saying goodbye to a friend, family member, or coworker!

Classical Music

1. Piano Sonata No. 12 in F major, K. 332: II. Adagio - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Maria João Pires

Mozart published this timeless sonata in 1784. Maria Joo Alexandre Barbosa Pires, a Portuguese classical pianist widely regarded as one of the best Mozart interpreters, performed this piece and included it in her album Piano Chill, which was released in 2020.

This is made up of strings and percussion instruments playing at the same time. This music is ideal for royal family-themed wedding cocktail hours, where guests can dress up in their best royal attire.

2. Four Seasons, Violin Concerto No. 4 in F Minor, RV 297 "Winter": II. Largo - Antonio Vivaldi, Dmitry Sinkovsky, La Voce Strumentale

Antonio Vivaldi, an Italian priest and composer, composed The Four Seasons, a musical collection of four violin concertos. This is the fourth concerto, which represents the season of winter. Dmitry Sinkovsky, a Russian violinist and concertmaster, recorded and released it in 2015.

This music is ideal for a lavish cocktail themed party. This cocktail themed party is ideal for extravagant business success celebrations and is especially designed for superiors.

3. Ave Maria - Charles Gounod, Yo-Yo Ma

"Ave Maria" is a well-known and widely recorded setting of the Latin prayer Ave Maria, first published in 1853 as "Méditation sur le Premier Prélude de Piano de J.S. Bach." The album features a melody by Charles Gounod, a French composer, overlaid over a very slightly changed version of Bach's Prelude No.

String instruments, particularly the soothing sound of the violin, enhance the romantic melody in this song. This is perfect for cocktail ball events with a waltz dance in a large main hall or chamber.

4. Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140 (arr. G. Bantock) - Johann Sebastian Bach, Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Dvořák

Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140, also titled Sleepers Wake, is a church cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach that is recognized as one of his most mature and beloved religious cantatas.

5. Gnossienne No. 5 - Erik Satie, Nicolas Horvath

Gnossienne No. 5 - Erik Satie, Nicolas Horvath - Image by open.spotify.com

The Gnossiennes are a collection of piano pieces produced in the late nineteenth century by the French composer Erik Satie.

The pieces are mostly in free time (no discernable beat and a free-flowing rhythm) and very experimental in terms of form, rhythm, and chordal structure. Gnossienne No. 5 differentiates itself from the other compositions with its more upbeat characteristic.

6. Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 27, No. 2 (2005 Recording) - Frédéric Chopin, Maurizio Pollini

Frédéric Chopin's Nocturnes, Op. 27 are a pair of nocturnes for solo piano. The works were written in 1836 and published in 1837. This opus's two nocturnes are written for Countess d'Appony.

The Nocturne in D-flat major, the second one, is among Chopin's most famous compositions and has been featured in several films.

7. Consolations, S. 172: No. 3 in D-Flat Major (Lento, placido) - Franz Liszt, Daniel Barenboim

Franz Liszt's Consolations is a collection of six solo piano compositions. The pieces are in the Nocturnes musical style, each having its own particular style. E major is a key that Liszt frequently uses for religious themes.

The third Consolation of the second version (S. 172), marked as Lento Placido, is the most famous of the Consolations and is even implied to be inspired by Chopin's Nocturne Op. 27 No. 2.

8. Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight” in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto - Ludwig van Beethoven, Paul Lewis

Piano Sonata No. 14 “Moonlight” in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto - Paul Lewis - Image by deezer.com

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, titled Quasi una fantasia, Op. 27, No. 2, is a piano sonata. The famous nickname Moonlight Sonata derives from a comment made by a critic after Beethoven's death. The piece is among Beethoven's most successful piano pieces, and it was a big favorite even in his day.

Hip-Hop Music

1. Jay-Z, I Just Wanna Love U

2. DMX, Party Up

3. T-Pain, Bartender Feat. Akon

4. Snoop Dog, Ain’t No Fun Feat. Nate Dogg, Kurupt, and Warren G

5. 50 Cent, In Da Club

6. Joe Budden, Pump It Up

Pump it up by Joe Buden was mostly played at proms. This is Joe Budden's only real "hit" record, making him an iconic figure in hip-hop culture up to this day.

7. Chief Keef, Faneto

Sure, Keef’s “Don’t Like” is his most successful single. This is mostly played for a college night cocktail party.

8. Drake, In My Feelings

"In My Feelings," a newer song in Drake's catalog, is undeniably one of his better "party" songs, rather than the club anthems for which he's better known. "In My Feelings" gets you in the knees, inducing an irresistible desire to bounce like the New Orleans bop Drake sampled.

9. De La Soul , Me Myself And I

Rock Music

1. Back In Black-, AC/DC
2. We Will Rock You, Queen
3. I Saw Her Standing There, The Beatles
4. Don’t Stop Believin, Journey
5. Livin’ On A Prayer, Bon Jovi
6. Pretty Fly, The Offspring
7. Faithfully, Journey
8. Walk This Way, Aerosmith
9. Sweet Child O’ Mine, Guns N’ Roses
10. Hard To Handle, The Black Crowes
11. Sultans of Swing, Dire Straits
12. Joan Jett, I Love Rock N’ Roll
13. Feel Like Makin’ Love, Bad Company
14. Long Train Runnin, The Doobie Brothers
15. Every Breath You Take, The Police
16. Breaking The Chains, Dokken
17. Cherry Pie, Warrant
18. Brown Eyed Girl, Van Morrison
19. Roadhouse Blues, The Doors
20. Jumpin Jack Flash, Rolling Stones

Reggae

1. Pressure Drop, Toots & The Maytals

Rolling Stone magazine ranked this song 453rd out of 500 on their list of the greatest songs of all time. This song also aided the band's success outside of Jamaica.

2. Pass The Dutchie, Musical youth

This song was released in September 1982 and was one of the first iconic music videos to appear on MTV. If you liked The Wedding Singer, you might remember this song from the soundtrack.

3. Close to You, Maxi Priest

This song first appeared on the radio in the summer of 1990, and it quickly became popular on MTV. "Close To You" peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard charts as summer gave way to fall.

4. I Can See Clearly Now, Jimmy Cliff

Jimmy Cliff, a reggae musician, did an amazing "reggae-infused" cover of Johnny Nash's 1972 smash hit "I Can See Clearly Now" in 1993. The song was featured on the soundtrack of the film Cool Runnings and is extremely relaxing. Put this song on if you're feeling down and depressed, and you'll start to feel better.

5. Could You Be Loved, Bob Marley & The Wailers

6. Black Roses, Barrington Levy

After achieving success with his band the Mighty Multitude in the late 1970s, Levy rose to prominence as one of Jamaica's biggest stars in the early 1980s.

7. Red Red Wine, UB 40

This song was written by the great Neil Diamond in 1967, and UB40 did an excellent reggae cover of it in the fall of 1988, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

8. I'm Free, Soup Dragons With Junior Reid

9. Wild World, Maxi Priest

Great cover of the classic 1970 song by Cat Stevens with a reggae vibe to it. It only hit the Top 25 in America, but went all the way to the Top 5 in Great Britain.

10. Boombastic, Shaggy

We go back to the mid 90s for this next song. It samples Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On", and reached all the way to Number 3 on the Billboard charts. I'll play the original Marvin Gaye toward the end of the night for you.

11. "Rude, Magic

This was their debut single, which had a reggae vibe and reached Number 1 in America but only Number 6 in their home country of Canada.

12. Get Busy, Sean Paul

This is a great reggae-inspired party song to play during your cocktail hour to help your guests relax after the wedding ceremony. Definitely a song to listen to while sipping a tasty reggae cocktail.

Conclusion

Music is one of the most important aspects of any party. It is important in that it sets the tone for your guests and can make or break the atmosphere at your cocktail party.

You're Beautiful by James Blunt is considered the most romantic song in the pop rock genre, with a gentle and calming melody that is ideal for intimate cocktail parties with the people you care about the most. If you're looking for a song that will get you up and moving, Poker Face by Lady Gaga is a must-listen because the lyrics are catchy and empowering, and it's perfect for costume parties, especially Halloween.

If you want to remember the good old days, the Backstreet Boys' pop song "I Want It That Way" is something for reunions for people you wanted to keep forever, and it is emotional and timeless because it gives you a feeling remembering those days when your pals weren't as busy and had more time to catch up. If you want to unwind without having to think about errands, Amazing by Kanye West is the best hip-hop song that will make you feel cool while also being intense, making it ideal for Coachella cocktail themed parties or music festivals.

If you want to feel the most confident and sexy on a girls night out, listening to Womanizer by Britney Spears is the best dance pop that can make your inner diva dance all night, and is best if you want to be playful and alluring with your partner on the dance floor.