You have the menu for your reception all set, you have picked out the perfect wedding decorations and wedding accessories. You’ve finished the seating chart and finalized the wedding present list. Now it is time to turn your attention to another crucial element of the majority of wedding receptions; the drinks.
The Rise of the Signature Wedding Cocktail
One idea that is growing in popularity, and for good reason, is the signature wedding cocktail. You can pick one that matches your decor scheme, your personality, your venue or just downright tastes delicious.
There is a potential bonus in the idea for the budget conscious as well as rather than forking over for a full open bar you could simply opt to offer soda, beer and wine and then as a bonus, your stunning signature drink. Serve it all in the appropriate wedding glassware and it should all go down very well.
Open up any bartender’s companion book and you will find that there are hundreds of great cocktail ‘recipes’ out there and the very adventurous could even consider creating their own. To provide you with a little inspiration though these are some of our favorite choices.
Ciroc Lola
Flowers are a big part of any wedding and so the fact that not only does this cocktail contain a rather flowery element but is also customarily garnished with a flower means it will fit right in. Its light pleasant taste should make it universally popular as well.
Ingredients
- 1-ounce Cîroc Vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces pomegranate juice
- 1 teaspoon elderflower liqueur
- 1 splash champagne
- 1 food grade flower
Combine all of the ingredients, with the exception of the champagne, together in a cocktail shaker. Shake, pour over ice the glass and top of with champagne and your beautiful bloom.
Cranberry Kiss
This dark pink concoction is both sweet-tart and spicy and provides as much of a visual spark as it does a kick to the tastebuds.
Ingredients
- 3/4 ounces Spiced Rum
- 2 ounces collins mix
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- Lemon or lime wedge (according to personal taste)
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, stir and serve over ice adding a lemon or lime wedge for garnish. The green of the lime against the cranberry colored cocktail does offer the biggest visual impact but may not be to everyone’s taste.
Cuervo Especial Oasis
Perfect for the university sweethearts who originally bonded over shots of tequila, this grown-up take on the ever-popular white spirit is a sophisticated stunner.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Cuervo Especial Gold
- 1/2 ounces triple sec
- 2 ounces cranberry juice
- 1-ounce orange juice
- 1 slice lemon, for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, serve in a martini glass garnished with lemon.
The Craft Beer Option
Not sure that all of your guests will be persuaded to trade a cold beer for a cocktail? Then why not consider the craft beer option instead, served in appropriately personalized bottles of course. Those feeling ambitious and crafty could consider brewing their own or you can tap the local brewpub instead.
