Regardless if you’re deeply familiar with the intricacies of a wedding planning checklist (it’s not your first rodeo) or you’ve never been hitched before, getting married is a momentous occasion and should be celebrated. For those of you aiming to step up your reception game up a notch, providing wedding-themed drinks is an excellent way to make it happen.
Having something nice for your guests to sip is essential if you want to get people out on the dance floor later in the evening. Here’s a quick overview of some of our favorite signature cocktails for weddings, all of which can help you get the ball rolling at your reception & beyond.
Champagne and Fruit (The Champagne Papi)
Sometimes keeping it simple is best. Especially in the case of a wedding reception, you will want to make sure there is a little bit of something for everyone. Although everyone may not like mixed drinks, most enjoy the occasional champagne cocktail. To create this drink, simply add slices of your favorite fruit (typically pears, apples, strawberries and so on) and then garnish with a few berries on the rim or on a decorative toothpick.
Blueberry Mojito (The “Something Blue” Cocktail)
Next, who doesn’t need something blue at their wedding? The something blue cocktail is a classic mojito with a fruity twist. To make this drink, simply make a classic mojito (muddle mint leaves with lime juice and sugar; add rum and ice; top with club soda) but include fresh blueberries with the mint-lime mixture. This is a simple, fun cocktail that also ensures all those pesky wedding-day superstitions are checked off the list.
Strawberry Peach Ginger Ale Party Punch (The Bridesmaid Bowl)
You will definitely want a beverage or two for guests of all ages to enjoy at your wedding. One nice option is the “bridesmaid bowl.” To make this punch, use a half gallon of sherbet, 16 ounces frozen strawberries and 16 ounces frozen sliced peaches to 64 ounces white grape juice and 2 liters of ginger ale. That’s it! This drink is amazingly tasty and completely booze-free. However, if you’d like to add some liquor into the equation, a little vodka (of your choosing) is the way to go.
The Perfect Piña Colada (Wedding Night Jitters)
Another nice non-alcoholic option for children, pregnant women and those who simply wish to abstain from alcohol is a virgin pina colada, or “wedding night jitters.” To make this drink, simply add ½ part coconut cream to 1½ parts pineapple juice to a container (or glass) of your choosing. This can then either be blended or added to a shaker with ice. For a summertime treat, add in some vanilla ice cream, top with pineapples and/or add silver rum for an extra kick.
Black-and-White Martini (The Suit-and-Tie Martini)
You are also going to need a great drink for the liquor aficionados who are not very fond of fruit-forward cocktails. For those guests, the suit-and-tie martini is an excellent option. To create the drink, simply add gin and vermouth to a shaker filled with ice. When finished, pour into a martini glass and garnish with black olives.
Mini Rum and Cokes (The Black Tie-Tini)
Another simple cocktail for those who dislike themed drinks, the black tie-tini is a fun way to put a twist on an old classic. To create this visually attractive beverage, neatly tie a small plastic shot glass and a straw to a small bottle of coke. Then, put a mini bottle of rum inside the shot glass. By doing it this way, you allow guests to mix the cocktail to their preferred degree of booziness.
An alternative method is to pour the coke from the bottles into a pitcher (or anything easy to pour from), add 1 parts rum to 4 parts coke, stir, pour the drink back into the bottles and top each with a straw. Your drink is ready to be served!
Grapefruit Infused Martini (The Blushing Bride Martini)
This drink is a great choice for toasts based on name alone. Moreover, it does have a refreshing and unique flavor that many enjoy. To make the blushing kiss martini, simply add 2 parts gin to 1 part St. Germain and 1 part grapefruit juice to a shaker. Pour into martini glass, then garnish with a sprig of thyme or grapefruit wedge. This results in a drink that’s not only colorful but refreshing and great-tasting as well. Most of your guests will be delighted to have a toast with this lovely cocktail, especially during a summer wedding.
Mr. and Mrs. Themed Drinks
While this is technically not one particular drink, simply having a “Mr. and Mrs.” theme bar can be a fun way to celebrate. Rather than poring over cocktail menus and trying to perfectly match food or atmosphere to classic cocktails, simply serve the bride’s and groom’s favorite drinks. It is a celebration of you, right? This is a fun way to commemorate the occasion while sharing your favorite drink with friends & family.
Looking to deck out your wedding even further? Check out these fun & fabulous wedding favor ideas to find more inspiration!
Overall, finding the perfect wedding drinks is all a matter of preference. However, when in doubt, one good tip is to have at least one simple drink and one signature cocktail. This way, you will have simple options for the more traditional drinkers as well as an exciting option for those who enjoy the novelty of themed drinks and events. By being creative and taking a few risks, you are sure to come up with a drink menu that you and your guests will love!
Do you have a go-to cocktail for weddings? What was your favorite adult beverage at your own reception? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below! Or if you’re seeking out more wedding inspo, you can visit our Facebook and Pinterest pages — we’re constantly adding new pictures and content for our readers!
