Cheers to Signature Cocktails!

Over the past couple of years signature cocktails have become a big trend at wedding receptions.  It's a wonderful way to make your wedding reception unique and personal  while providing a fun and tasty element for your guests.

Many couples choose their signature cocktail based on color and appearance to fit with the decor of their wedding. Or they may choose a cocktail they had on their first date or when they became engaged.  Some couples decide to each have their own signature cocktail according to what is their favorite drink. We assisted with a wedding that took place on Kentucky Derby Day, so the couple chose mint juleps as their signature cocktail.

Besides wanting your cocktail to taste delicious, you also want it to wow your wedding guests with it's presentation.  You can do this with creative signage, the type of glassware or using a lovely beverage dispenser.  No matter what you decide to use as your presentation, make sure the look and feel compliments the rest of your wedding reception decor.

PINK LEMONADE COCKTAIL

1 (12-oz.) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
3 (12-oz.) bottles beer (not dark), chilled
3/4 cup vodka, chilled
Ice
Garnishes: fresh cranberries, citrus slices

Stir together first 3 ingredients. Serve over ice.

BLACKBERRY MOJITOS FOR A CROWD

Serves 50 (approx 4 ounce servings)

5-6 pints blackberries plus some for garnish

4 bunches mint leaves plus some for garnish

6 cups sugar

4 cups cold water

1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 cups fresh lime juice

6-7 cups light rum (depending on how strong you want the drinks. This is based on 1 ounce per drink which is light. Add more if you like. You can also substitute vodka if you prefer)

Ice

2 bottles of chilled club soda (to taste)

RASPBERRY VANILLA LEMONADE

Makes about two quarts but it depends on how strong you want the lemonade to be- you can stretch it to a gallon by adding more water. I like it strong because it is always diluted when you add ice. 

2 pints fresh raspberries

2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 cups sugar

2 cups water

1 vanilla bean

2 quarts cold water*

* add the water to your taste. More if you like it weak, less water if you like it strong. I used about 1 quart water and then added a splash of chilled club soda at serving time to make it a bit fizzy.

Fresh Peach Sangria

Serves 6-8

5-6 peaches, peeled and sliced

1 cup vodka (if you use peach vodka, omit the peach nectar)

1/2 cup peach brandy

2 tablespoons sugar

1 cup peach nectar (find it in the International aisle)

1 bottle chilled white wine or Prosecco

Club Soda, chilled (omit if you are using Prosecco)

Reserve 2 peaches for later. Muddle the remaining sliced peaches with the sugar in a large pitcher to release the juice. Add the vodka and brandy. Allow to sit for 1-2 hours. Crush to a puree with a wooden spoon or use an immersion blender to make into a puree. If you like, strain the puree before adding the remaining ingredients. I happen to like the pulp. Add the peach nectar, remaining peach slices, and white wine. Chill well. You can serve this immediately but it's even better if it has a chance to sit for a while so the flavors can develop. I like to chill it for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with club soda to taste at serving if you are using white wine. Omit the club soda if you are using Prosecco.  

Cucumber and Gin Wedding Cocktail

2 oz. Gin
2-3 Cucumber Wheels
Lemonade
Ginger Ale

Muddle 2-3 cucumber wheels in the bottom of a highball glass with a dash of Ginger Ale. Fill glass with ice. Add 2 oz. of gin and fill rest up with lemonade stopping an inch or 2 from the top and finish with Ginger Ale. Stir to combine flavors and garnish with a cucumber wheel.

Signature cocktails are a fantastic way to personalize your wedding day and add some fun to the festivities! Have fun with the process.

Are you planning to have a signature cocktail at your wedding reception?  Please share what you have chosen.  We love hearing from our readers.

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