Why not get your reception started with style, by offering your guests a fabulous specialty wedding cocktail? Here are a few ideas to get you started, with something for every taste and budget. If you are looking to conserve a few bucks on the bar bill but still want to serve up a little finesse, consider the following tips:
- While providing a fancy signature drink may sound like a sure way to increase your liquor tab exponentially, it can actually have the opposite effect if you offer only your drink of choice, as well as wine, beer and Champagne in lieu of having an open bar.
- Some of the following recipes are for Champagne cocktails instead of liquor drinks. This can prevent headaches for you and your guests, both figuratively and literally: Champagne is far less expensive than liquor, and also it packs less of a punch so there is a slightly better chance that your friends will behave themselves throughout the celebration…but don't count on it.
- To save even more money but still offer tantalizing toasting fare, consider using sparkling wine, Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) or Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine). These generally cost less than Champagne, but are equally festive and delicious. I am speaking from extensive taste testing and subsequent empirical fun-measuring here…all done in the name of research, of course.
- You can make any cocktail match your décor by rimming the glass with colored sugar. Who says you can't dress up a gin and tonic?
With those tidbits in mind, here are the recipes for a few delicious wedding cocktails. Cheers!
Wedding Belle Cocktail (This is a throwback to 1940's style cocktails…ideal if your wedding has a classic or retro theme.)
1 1/2 tsp orange juice
1 1/2 tsp cherry brandy
3/4 oz dry gin
3/4 oz Dubonnet
In a mixing glass, stir well with cracked ice. Strain into a cocktail glass.
Giddy Bridesmaid (This is a Wedding Punch, which is a great time-saver because it can be prepared ahead of time for a large group.)
750 ml extra-dry champagne
6 oz Cointreau or triple sec
6 oz orange juice
3 oz lime juice, unsweetened
4 oz brandy
1/2 cup sugar syrup
16 oz citrus-flavored club soda (optional)
Chill all ingredients. Dissolve sugar in orange juice. Combine everything except champagne and soda in large pitcher or bowl. Stir well. Add champagne and soda just before serving. Garnish with lemon, lime and orange slices.
Kir Royale (A timeless classic, which is elegant in its simplicity…and darn tasty I might add.)
1 part creme de cassis
5 parts Champagne
Pour the creme de cassis into a champagne flute. Gently pour champagne on top.
Caribbean Champagne (Pretend that you're already on your sunny honeymoon…only your in-laws are still there! Better have another Caribbean Champagne!)
1/2 tsp white rum
1/2 tsp creme de bananes
5 1/2 oz chilled Champagne
Pour the white rum and creme de bananes into a champagne flute. Fill with champagne, and stir lightly. Garnish with a slice of banana.
If you feel like dishing up an adult-strength liquid dessert, try the Wedding Cake Cocktail (Tastes just like wedding cake…but is more likely to cause bad dancing.)
3/4 oz gin
3/4 oz Amaretto
1/4 oz orange juice
1/4 oz pineapple juice
1/4 oz cream
Blend ingredients with ice, and serve in a highball glass.
Enjoy!
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