Laughter, dancing and something to hold in your hand and enjoy as you nibble on wedding cake – a few signature words that go hand in hand with a signature cocktail.
“Distinctive and characteristic indicative of identity” – a short sentence with some very big words explaining the essence of individuality. Your wedding day is a celebration of you and your new husband and everything experienced by your guests, everything is a representation of the both of you from the napkins on the table to the food being served. Now it’s time to focus on the beverages, after all what is a wedding without the bubbly and a special glass of encouragement that can coax your guest toward the dance floor.
Think about a cocktail that might represent you as a couple. Make it a personal drink with something that reflects you as a couple focussing on your personalities and traits. Combine two different flavours and create something magical. Sweet and spicy can work for a bride with a sweet disposition and a groom with an adventurous side. Maybe work with some of your old favourites and mix it up by combining the two, for instance, a bride known for her love of cranberry mixers and a groom who might have a soft spot for Gin.
Seasons are very important to remember and can be a good guideline when deciding on your drinks. Crisp winter colours with and expensive crystal feel. Autumns’ dark vibrant yellows, see through browns and warm colours are all interesting incorporation to consider for your beverages, maybe a bliss of spring or even a tropical summer taste will make it memorable and relevant. It’s important to do a little research especially on fruit based mixers. Serving your guest fresh ingredients is a top priority and you’ll have to make sure that all the ingredients needed are in season.
Speaking of guests, this is your big day – but the people you invite should also have a good time. There’s no point in dancing alone. Instead of a signature cocktail, have a punch bowl with a little “punch” (couldn’t resist the pun) for guests to help themselves. It’s also wise to test your drinks before the actual reception, try it with a group of friends beforehand and rate your cocktail just to make sure they are as perfect as your special day ought to be.
Cocktails with a signature colour are always very fun and interesting. It’s also so easy to do and incorporate with today’s blues, pinks, purples, green or any colour you can think. What are your wedding colours and can they determine what colour your cocktails might be? If you have a special wedding theme like a vintage feel go and do a little research on the drink choices during that time period.
Remember to not play it safe – this according to expert mixologist and author of “Craft Cocktails” and “Vintage Cocktails” Brian van Flandern “A great Gin based or even Tequila based cocktail with fresh juices and herbs will be a hit.” Be different, bold and original. Not only should you focus on your ingredients but how you’ll be serving them.
Some more useful tips from the cocktail guru is to always use fresh ingredients and balanced flavours, add a unique twist and you’ll end up with a memorable signature drink for your guest to enjoy and remember. A balance of acidity, sugar and alcohol can also make or break your drink. Take careful consideration as to what garnishes you’ll use in your cocktails, not only should it look beautiful, but keep the garnishes you’re using relevant.
Some simple suggestions curtsey of Martha Stewart’s signature wedding cocktail ideas are:
Rosemary Citrus Punch:
- Sugar
- Rosemary spring
- Fresh lemon juice
- London dry Gin
- Orange juice
- Orange slices & Rosemary springs for garnish
Watermelon Margarita (Perfect for a wedding in summer)
- ½ Cup of sugar
- ½ Cup of Water
- 3 Orange zests
- 12 ounces Watermelon cubes
- ¼ Cup white or silver Tequila
- Lime wedges
Starlight Royale (Crisp, modern and clear for a winter wonderland)
- ¼ Cups freshly squeezed Lime juice
- 1 ½ Cups Gin
- ½ Cup super fine Sugar
- 1 Bottle Brut Champaign or Sparkling wine.
Lavender Whiskey sour (This could be a representation of the couple, lavender for the Bride and Whiskey for the Groom)
- Ice cubes
- 1 Tbsp. Lavender syrup
- 2 ounces Whiskey
- Fresh lavender spring for garnish
Sour Cherry old-fashioned (When your theme is vintage or old-fashioned, this mixture might just be a winner)
- Frozen sour cherries
- ¾ Cups Whiskey
- ½ Cup sugar
- ¼ Cup and 2 tsps. Kirsch
- Thin Lemon zest strips.
Images credit: www.snippetandink.com;sweetlifebake.com;www.marthastewartweddings.com;www.signaturecollectioninc.com; mycraftaffair.blogspot.com; theweddingroom.co.nz ;www.bridelicious.hk