When you’re planning a wedding, every detail counts. Whether you serve a signature wedding cocktail that reflects your unique style or thirst-quencher that complements your bridal colors, the following refreshments are a welcome addition to gourmet hors d’oeuvres, soothing music and comfortable seating. Cheers!
Champagne-Based Wedding Cocktails
The French 75
Named after the French 75mm artillery gun used in the First World War, The French 75 features refreshing fizz followed by the perfect combination of gin and citrus. It’s served over cracked ice in a tall glass.
2 oz. gin
1 oz. lemon juice
1 tsp. simple syrup
Top off with champagne
Garnish with a lemon twist
Source: Primer
Black Velvet
Invented in 1861 at Brook’s Club in London, the Black Velvet cocktail delivers the perfect mix of masculine stout and feminine fiz.
1/2 part champagne
1/2 part Guinness Extra Stout
Source: Esquire
The French Connection
Based on Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris, the French Connection is a refreshing cocktail that features fresh raspberries, cognac and champagne. Serve over ice in an old fashioned glass.
2 oz. cognac
3⁄4 oz. fresh lemon juice
3⁄4 oz. simple syrup
4 fresh raspberries
Top with Champagne
Source: Saveur
Vodka-Based Wedding Cocktails
The Moscow Mule
Invented in 1941 by John G. Martin of G.F. Heublein Brothers, Inc. and Jack Morgan at the Cock ‘n’ Bull, the Moscow Mule has made a comeback in a big way. Served in a chilled copper mug over ice, it’s the perfect cocktail hour refreshment to quench summer thirsts.
30 ml. fresh lime juice
60 ml. vodka
Top off with ginger beer
The Cosmopolitan
Although there are several Cosmo recipes floating around out there, the recipe below results in a refreshingly tart taste and pretty pink color. Shake well and double strain into a large cocktail glass.
1½ shot of citrus vodka
½ shot of triple sec
¾ shot of cranberry juice
½ shot of lime juice
2 dashes of orange bitters
The White Russian
Perfect for a winter wedding, the White Russian is sweet and creamy and served over ice.
2 oz. of vodka
1 oz. of coffee liqueur
A splash of light cream
Wine-based Wedding Cocktails
Red Hot Summer
The Red Hot Summer tickles the taste buds with refreshing lemon-lime soda and red wine served over ice.
¾ cup of red wine
¼ cup of lemon-lime soda
Lime wheel for garnish
Source: velvetpalate.com
Apple & Pink Julep
The Apple & Pink Julep is a crowd-pleaser with its creative mix of mint, fruity port and apple juice. Shake and strain into a glass.
10-15 mint leaves
1.5 oz. of apple juice
Croft Pink Port
Source: Croft Pink
Bourbon-Based Wedding Cocktails
Blackberry Mint Julep
Warm days and chilly nights, the Blackberry Mint Julep is the perfect summer-fall transition cocktail. Serve over crushed ice.
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1 pint blackberries
6 tbsp. sugar
1/2 cup bourbon
4 cups small ice cubes
4 sprigs mint for garnishing
Source: Martha Stewart
The Boulevardier
The Boulevardier was created in 1927 by Erskine Gwynne as the perfect pre-dinner aperitif. Serve in an old fashioned glass over ice.
1 oz. of Campari
1 oz. of sweet vermouth.
1½ oz. of Bourbon
Garnish with a twist of orange
Source: Urban Mixologist
Share your signature cocktail ideas with us below!