“When you are loved, you can do anything in creation. When you are loved, there’s no need at all to understand what’s happening, because everything happens within you.”
Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Everything You Need to Know
About Picking a Signature Wedding Drink
Explore the Reasons for a Specialty Drink
Creating a specialty cocktail for your event is a fun way to express yourself, but it's also very practical. Paying for an unlimited open bar can be a huge expense. When you settle on serving signature drinks, you can limit the liquor that is offered at the bar and save some money without denying your guests options beyond wine and beer. This choice can also be a lot of fun, giving you the opportunity to come up with silly and clever names for your drink.
Consider Your Favorite Liquors
When going about the process of choosing your signature drink, you want to begin with the basics. Namely, you should think about your favorite liquor options. Do you enjoy clear spirits like vodka or gin? Do you prefer darker intoxicants like whiskey and spiced rum? Once you have selected the right alcoholic base, you can start looking at mixers and herbs that perfectly complement your choice.
Create the Drink Based on Your Life
One way you can create your cocktail is by having it reflect your love story. If you took a walk along the beach on your first date, then consider a bay breeze, which is made with coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of cranberry juice. If you spent a lot of time in a big city together, a Manhattan could prove to be a perfect drink choice. This simple mix is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a maraschino cherry.
Think About More Than One Choice
If you’re having a difficult time choosing just one drink for your big day, it's OK to pick more than one signature beverage. People can be particular when it comes to the liquors they prefer, meaning you don’t want to offer only bourbon to a crowd that heavily prefers vodka. However, you don’t want to go overboard and offer too many drinks. According to industry experts, you should have no more than four signature drinks. Offering too many options can put unnecessary pressure on your bartenders and defeat the purpose of serving a limited selection of drinks.
Play With Names
After you’ve come up with your cocktails, it is time to devise some cute names that describe the drink and reflect your relationship. Puns will be a lifesaver in this scenario, so get as wacky as you’d like while brainstorming ideas. If you’re doing a basic vodka and cranberry, the name could be something like “Berry Much in Love.” Any drink that incorporates mint could easily use the name “Mint to Be.”
Use Bar Menu Signs
Finally, don’t forget to have signage for the drinks. Guests will need to know what you’re offering, what’s in each cocktail, and the special significance the beverages hold to your relationship. Cute signs that feature the colors and theme of your wedding can help to tie the entire experience together.
Find the Ideal Drink
Though concocting a specialty cocktail is not a requirement for your wedding, it can be a fun way to enhance the festivities. Consider what ingredients will best encapsulate the relationship you’ve built with your partner and provide your family and friends with a delicious refreshment they will keep coming back to.
