How to Choose a Signature Cocktail for Your Wedding

People love little added touches to parties and get-togethers. And what better way to give the people what they want than by incorporating a signature drink into your celebration.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A mixologist (or a friend who either used to bartend or is very interested in creating concoctions)
• A few of your favorite mixers
• A few of your favorite hard alcohols
• A garnish
• Festive glassware or barware

1. Think about your wedding's theme, color scheme and tone. Make sure to incorporate these elements into your drink.

2. Discuss with your fiancé what some of your favorite drinks are and what kinds of cocktails guests are likely to be the most pleased with and excited to try.

3. Purchase a few staple cocktail ingredients, such as Sweet and Sour Mix, Chambord, Gin and Blue Curaçao, and try out some concoctions at home. Feel free to invite a few friends over, especially if they have any bartending knowledge.

4. Narrow down what ingredients, color and type of drink you like.

5. Visit a mixologist or the bar that will be supplying your drinks during your reception and have them try making the drink. Continue to refine it until it is perfect and the staff can make it with ease.

6. Garnish the drink with something colorful that fits with the wedding, perhaps a small flower, umbrella or fruit on a toothpick.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that the bar at your reception site carries all of the ingredients your drink will need. If not, you'll need to supply these ingredients
• Determine whether you will host the drink or if guests will have to pay cash for it (which is usually frowned upon). Remember to ask your bartender how much a drink like this would cost at a wedding
• If you can, try to pick a drink that holds some sentimentality to you guys, whether it's through color or taste or garnish. Create a stand-alone sign that promos your drink, its creative name (again, try to pick something that expresses your personalities) and why you chose it

Resources

• What's Your Signature Cocktail?
• Signature Cocktails
• Bartender Magazine: Cocktails