Cocktail (2021) Board Game
Cocktail is a party game designed by Magdalena Fernández and released in in 2021. It is a bluffing and deduction game that is perfect for gatherings with friends and family. The game features unique artwork by Editorial SJS and Mal Hijo Games, adding to its appeal.
Game Components of Cocktail
– Game board with inset components
– Marbles representing ingredients
– Customer cards
– Drink recipe cards
– Tips tokens
– 14 cocktail cards
– Ingredient cards
– Bartender token
– Mixologist reference sheet
How To Setup Cocktail
For **On the Rocks**, the game board is set up with the inset components ensuring all marbles and tokens stay in place. Players start by drawing customer cards and setting up the ingredient marbles. Each player chooses a starting hand of ingredients.
For **Cocktail Party**, the game involves placing a tableau of cocktail and ingredient cards at the center of the table. The player who is the bartender for the round starts the drafting process.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– Players mix drinks by collecting and counting marbles to match drink recipes.
– The goal is to earn tips by serving drinks without spills.
– Each player competes to serve drinks efficiently and accurately.
– Players collect ingredients to create cocktails listed on the cards.
– The bartender drafts an ingredient or reserves a cocktail card, followed by other players drawing ingredient cards.
– Players create cocktails by combining their cards, with non-bartenders tipping the bartender with an ingredient card.
– The first player to reach 25 points wins.
Player Experience
**On the Rocks** provides a tactile and visually appealing experience with its marble-counting mechanic, making it engaging and fun. The game’s aesthetic and graphic design enhance the gameplay, ensuring components stay organized.
**Cocktail Party** is a set collection game that, while not original, offers a mechanically sound and easy-to-play experience. Players must make strategic decisions on when to create drinks and when to tip the bartender, adding a layer of social interaction and tactical thinking.
Pros
– Tactile and engaging gameplay with marble counting.
– Beautiful and organized game design.
– Suitable for a variety of players, including those who enjoy set collection and strategy.
– Easy to learn and play.
– Promotes social interaction through the tipping mechanic.
– Can be a fun alternative to traditional drinking games without the need for actual drinks.
Cons
– Limited complexity for experienced gamers.
– May not be as engaging for those who prefer heavier strategy games.
– The tipping mechanic can feel a bit disjointed from the actual act of making drinks.
– Not highly original in its mechanics.
Personal Thoughts on Cocktail
**On the Rocks** is ideal for those who enjoy light to medium-weight strategy games with a fun, tactile element. It is suitable for families or casual game nights where the focus is on enjoyment rather than deep strategy.
**Cocktail Party** is a great option for those looking for a game that is easy to understand and play, with a theme that might appeal to both gamers and non-gamers alike. It is particularly good for social gatherings where players can enjoy some light competition and strategic thinking without the need for complex rules.
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