How to Host Your Own Cozy Mystery Party this Holiday Season

Mindy Killgrove
Dec 2, 2025
2 min read

Step One: Find your inspiration. When I sat down and started writing book six in the Buenaventura Beach Mystery Series, Habanero Swigs and Hurricane Force Winds, I knew I wanted to use this story as the foundation for a murder mystery party. Because that was my intention, I created three possible conclusions. While I could have used just one—the one I liked best—when publishing the book, I decided to include them all. In this way, readers get to choose their own ending.

Step Two: Create a guest list. During the month of December, there’s always somewhere to go and somebody to see. But, if you’re hosting a party at your house (a cozy mystery party specifically), who do you invite? Co-workers, Bookish Friends, Party People, or Family Members?

Step Three: Practice making tasty cocktails (or mocktails). Each book in the Buenaventura Beach Mystery Series features a yummy drink. Sometimes, my concoctions have a dash of alcohol, but in other books, the beverages are designed to be shared by everybody. So, think about the people you’ve invited. What might they like? If you’re searching for a delicious spirit, check out this recipe for a “Habanero Swig”.

Habanero Swig Recipe

4 Servings

Two days before the party, put 16 ounces of Tequila in a jar along with two slices of habanero pepper. You may refrigerate this mixture.

On the day of the party, pour the ingredients into a blender and hit puree.

Ingredients:

-16 ounces, pepper-infused, tequila

-2 ounces Triple Sec

-3 ounces Lime Juice

-5 ounces Pineapple Juice

-Ice

While the ingredients are combining, coat the rim of four glasses with salt, sugar, or tajin.

Garnish the rim with lime, pineapple, or a slice of habanero.

Serve, sip, and enjoy!

Step Four: Determine what foods to serve. While you can host a cozy mystery party without serving food and drinks, your participants will hang around longer if you feed them. So, you’ve got some choices. Do you serve snacks, finger foods, or a full meal? (My recommendation? Go for the snacks. In the book, the characters munch on popcorn after drinking the sweet hot Habanero Swigs.)