Though much attention is paid to the menu for a wedding reception, let’s not kid ourselves: guests will spend most of the night either on the dance floor or lingering near the bar. For those who want to infuse their wedding with creativity – to make theirs stand out among the many others their guests attend during the season, pay attention to the cocktail menu.
{ Photo: Liz V }
Bartenders – also often known as mixologists – have invented many ways to spruce up the cocktail menu – from specialty drinks and barware to oversized ice cubes and unique garnishes. There are other incentives here: including a specialty wedding cocktail among a few beer and wine options could drastically reduce the bar bill (the often underestimated hefty one distributed at the end of the night). But you don’t have to find the fanciest mixologist in town to make a lasting impression; even if you’ve just hired your best friend’s cousin who is home from college to tend bar, here are few more things to keep in mind:
{ Photo: Kelly Brown }
- Create an original cocktail with a clever name: The Matrimonial Mix, The Wedded Elixir, The Nuptial Nip. Or, simply choose a crafty name for the newly betrothed’s favorite cocktail: The Spicy Smith or The Nelson Nightcap
- Embellish the cocktail with a signature feature found elsewhere at the wedding: think flags, rock candy, fresh garnishes, whimsical straws, ice cubes with flower petals, or sugar cubes. When the bartenders and floral designers team up, garnish includes everything from thyme or sage to thinly stripped cucumber and candied grapefruit. The possibilities are truly endless.
{ Photo: Garnish }
- Non-alcoholic drinks are another opportunity for color and flare. For those guests who do not imbibe in alcohol, a specialty mocktail is a way to keep the mood festive and fun.
- Signature cocktails are another way to integrate the wedding colors in to the overall theme: for spring weddings filled with peonies, for example – pink cocktails may include greyhounds (grapefruit juice and vodka), Mimosas, Bellinis, and Margaritas can all be made to order pink as well!
- Think about barware: Moscow mules look best in copper mugs. Mason jars always work well at a country or bohemian-styled wedding. Engraved silver flasks are always a great idea for wedding party gifts.
{ Photo: Via }
Planning the wedding cocktail menu is a great opportunity to include your family and friends’ opinions. Poll the people in your wedding party to see what they’ve sipped at other weddings that worked well. Be sure, though, to taste anything first before you serve it at your wedding. What looks delicious or beautiful on Pinterest might be too bitter or strong in real life.
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Liz Mathews is a Connecticut based mother, teacher, and freelance writer who blogs on children’s books and related topics at La La La. Her work has appeared in Quality Women’s Fiction, Town and Country magazine, and Literary Mama.