Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom (2024)

Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom (1)

One easy way to elevate your wedding reception and quench your guests' thirst? A good mixed drink—especially one personalized to you and your groom's tastes. Everyone loves a signature co*cktail, and they're a great way to tell your guests a little something about who you two are as a couple. But we know that choosing the perfect signature drink can be hard. To help you select the right sip, we rounded up some crowd-pleasing co*cktails wedding guests love—plus the recipes you'll need to share with your bartenders.

These super-fun (and super-delicious) signature drink recipes are guaranteed to be a hit on your big day. Go for beverages with your favorite spirit, or search for sippers that complement your wedding colors. Choose one or two as custom co*cktails for your reception, or offer guests a variety of creative co*cktails all weekend long. Remember to also offer an nonalcoholic, or "mocktail" option. No matter which co*cktail (or co*cktails!) you pick, make sure to give them a fun, inventive name. That's half the fun, isn't it?

Another great way to personalize your signature co*cktail? Serve them with custom co*cktail napkins or swizzle stick bearing clever turns of phrase, nods to the time of day best enjoyed, or your new monogram. Cheers!

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Magic Hour co*cktail

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Kick off your wedding brunch with this Champagne co*cktail, created by Tom Macy of Clover Club bar in Brooklyn, New York, which swaps the usual OJ for grapefruit juice and Lillet Rose.

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New York Sour

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Here's a whiskey-based co*cktail fit for East Coast brides and grooms, by Tom Macy of Clover Club bar in Brooklyn, New York.

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Clover Club

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This frothy signature drink by Tom Macy of Clover Club bar in Brooklyn, New York, balances sweet (raspberry syrup) with sour (lemon juice).

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Sbagliato Rosa

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If you like Campari, try this wedding co*cktail made from a similar slightly bitter liqueur, Cappelletti, by Tom Macy of Cover Club bar in Brooklyn, New York.

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Port of Call

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Mixed with gin, ruby port, lemon juice, cinnamon-bark syrup, and cranberry preserves, this signature drink is delicious after a meal or as a nightcap. Tom Macy of Clover Club bar in Brooklyn, New York, created the co*cktail.

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Sophisticated co*cktails

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We tasked master mixologist Nicolas O'Connor of Manhattan's Apotheke Lounge with crafting rosy co*cktails that are irresistible to gourmands and beer guzzlers alike. From left: Fresh blueberries meet vodka and ginger in a Pink Manther. Though it also contains watermelon, our vodka Coconut Castaway gets its ruby color from prickly cactus pear. A riff on the classic vodka fizz, the Blushing Ingénue combines strawberries, vodka, ginger, bitters, and egg whites, which create the concoction's frothy top.

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Rosemary-Citrus Punch

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Skip a pricey open bar and let guests help themselves to this spiked punch served in a striking bowl instead.

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Rose co*cktails

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Anything white wine or Champagne can do, rose can do more colorfully. Just look at these summery sippers (from left): Rose plus Creme Yvette makes a Violet Rose. And sparkling rose pairs with creme de mure in a Blackberry Kir, or with gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a twist on a French 75.

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Watermelon Margarita

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Fresh watermelon and a hint of orange zest makes this vibrant margarita sweet with a twist.

Get the Watermelon Margarita Recipe

Pomegranate Caipiroska

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A sprinkling of the fruit's juicy seeds adds bright flavor to vodka, lime, seltzer, and sugar.

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Bourbon Fizz

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The bold Kentucky spirit softens up when mixed with amaretto, OJ, club soda, and a dash of anise-flavored liqueur.

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Starlight Royale

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Introducing a delicious concoction of gin, lime juice, and Champagne topped off with a splash of grenadine for a pink glow (we dipped the rim in lime juice and fine sanding sugar for a 1-inch-wide band of sparkle).

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Classic Champagne co*cktail

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Classic and beautiful, this Champagne co*cktail puts a twist on straight Champagne and is easy to multiply, making it the perfect signature drink for a co*cktail hour or wedding reception.

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Viennese Coffee Float

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Delicious on its own or served with your wedding cake, dessert buffet, or the sweet treats served on your Viennese table, this Viennese coffee float will be talked about long after guests have taken their last sip.

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White Russian

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Try this decadently creamy White Russian that is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. It's perfect for a winter wedding.

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Lavender Whiskey Sour

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Homemade lavender syrup transforms this classic whiskey co*cktail into a distinctive and memorable drink.

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Lavender Champagne

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Offered as an aperitif or for a toast, this aromatic drink evokes the romance of the South of France with each sparkling sip.

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Iced Coffee Frappe with Cotton Candy

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When this icy, foamy frappe is poured into glasses, it separates into layers that intensify in flavor from top to bottom. A cloud of cotton candy gives a jolt of sweetness when stirred into the drink. You or your caterer can buy cotton candy premade or use a machine to make it. These are ideal after dinner at warm-weather weddings; they'd also be stars at the co*cktail hour, even without alcohol.

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Cucumber-Mint Gimlet

Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom (20)

Serve the ultimate country-club libation: gimlets. Swap out vodka and Rose's lime juice for cucumber gin, fresh lime, and simple syrup tinged with mint, and then serve with tea sandwiches. Polka-dot napkins in a shade that matches the drink pack a coordinating graphic punch.

View Recipe

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Mulled Cranberry Cider

Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom (21)

Greet guests arriving for a chilly-weather wedding with a warm co*cktail, like this spiced cranberry drink fortified with port. A cinnamon stick is a flavorful stirrer.

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Cherry-Blossom Tea and Pink Lemonade

Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom (22)

Having a pink wedding? Or maybe even a cherry-blossom-themed one? Carry the color palette and the theme all the way to the bar with this pinkalicious co*cktail.

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Rose Punch

Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom (23)

For this delicious and refreshing rose punch, use a big rose from Spain or South America, like Bodega Inurrieta's Mediodia Rosado from Navarra, Spain. Made from 100 percent garnacha grape, this wine has bold, ripe flavors of strawberries and raspberries, as well as heady aromas of rose petals, and makes for a wonderful base for practically any mixed drink, including our rose punch, concocted from sparkling lemonade, Chambord, raspberries, pineapple, and, of course, rose wine.

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Pomegranate Champagne

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In Greek mythology, the pomegranate represents the bond of marriage as well as fertility. What better symbol for your Champagne toast?

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Eggnog co*cktail

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Perfect for celebrating the season and complementing a soft color palette, this spiced drink in wintry white is a twist on traditional eggnog.

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Blackberry Gin Fizz

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With a burst of bright berry puree and just a tickle of effervescence, this warm-weather quencher -- a bold update on the old-fashioned gin fizz -- lets guests drink in the essence of summer.

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Ginger Apple Cider with Brandy

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A welcome offering on a brisk fall evening, this twist on mulled cider will spice up your party with its full flavor and enticing aroma.

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Pear Melba Martini

Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom (28)

Inspired by a classic dessert, this sunset-hued drink blends the flavor of autumn pears with fresh raspberries and a splash of vodka.

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Sour Cherry Old-Fashioned

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Decades ago, the cosmo, sidecar, and sloe-gin fizz ruled happy hour. Recall the romance with tumblers of cherried whiskey.

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Grapefruit-and-Mint Mojito

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Is anything more refreshing than a minty mojito? Yep -- just add ruby-red grapefruit to the mix for a sweet-and-sour twist.

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Grape-Elderflower Fizz

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Concord grapes and deeply fragrant elderflower mingle in a vibrant drink worthy of celebration.

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Honeymoon co*cktail

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The name of this classic drink makes it quite fitting for a wedding. A mix of apple brandy, Benedictine (an herb-and-spice-based spirit originally made by monks), and lemon juice, it's shaken over ice and served in martini glasses. Garnish with fruit leather cut into a crescent shape; serve with printed co*cktail napkins or coasters.

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Lemonade and Limeade

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Carrying your colors through to the drinks and food is unexpected and elevates simple refreshments to wedding fare. A display set up either at the reception -- or before it -- lets guests help themselves. Mint limeade and pink lemonade in glass containers are identified with computer-printed labels, attached to ribbon with double-sided tape.

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Frozen Ginger Lemon Drop

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This refreshing drink is great for an outdoor summer wedding. And if your color palette is yellow, you'll not only have the perfect drink but it also will match your decor!

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Rasmopolitan

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This fruity co*cktail combines raspberry with the traditional flavors of a cosmopolitan. Its beautiful color and delicious taste will have guests asking for more.

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Frozen Vodka

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A bottle of icy vodka makes a dramatic bar decoration when it's encased in a frozen layer of colorful flowers and fruit.

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Red-Apple Sangria

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Sangria originated in Spain, and it takes its name from the word sangre, which means "blood." It should be served as cold as possible. This wedding sangria is a twist on the original and is sure to be remembered by your guests.

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Citrus Martini

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Offer your guests a signature drink that takes its cue from the season. Made with citrus-flavored vodka and triple sec, these citrus martinis celebrate winter, when citrus fruits are at their peak -- although their color and light flavor would make them refreshing in the summer, as well.

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A Couple of co*cktails

Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom (39)

These signature drinks dedicated to the bride and groom are a fun way to start off the co*cktail hour. Serve the Golden Groom and Blushing Bride in highball and martini glasses.

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Serve Two Drinks in Two Ways

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Make two versions of each of your drinks. Seltzer can replace vodka in the nonalcoholic version.

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Pear-Lemon Fizz

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Give signature drinks proper fanfare by flagging them with colorful swizzle sticks. The flourishes are a breeze to make: With gardening shears, trim a wooden skewer so it is a few inches taller than the glass you'll put it in. Cut a 9-inch length of 15-millimeter grosgrain ribbon. Fold in half and make a loose knot. Slip knot over skewer and tighten. Notch ribbon ends.

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Champagne co*cktail

Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom (42)

For a contemporary twist on a classic libation, pour some bubbly into a stemless flute and garnish it with a single golden raspberry. Serve with a napkin that bears your married monogram in rich gold ink. Try ForYourParty.com monogrammed cotton napkins.

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Sweet Pink and Red Drinks

Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom (43)

Old-school drinks that fit into a blushing palette (from left): a virgin cherry limeade, a raspberry martini, and a sweet Negroni.

Wedding Signature Drink Recipes for Every Bride and Groom (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular signature drink for a wedding? ›

10 Wedding Favorites: Which Drinks Are Most Popular?
  • Negroni: Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
  • Whiskey Sour: Whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  • Old Fashioned: Whiskey, bitters, sugar, and orange peel.
  • Margarita: Tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
  • Sangria: Red or white wine with fruit and brandy.
Nov 8, 2023

How to choose a signature drink for a wedding? ›

Keep Your Guests' Taste in Mind

Of course, you want your co*cktail to be interesting and unique, but remember that your guests may have different tastes. Aim for something that is universally appealing think spirits like rum and vodka versus more intensely flavored ones like gin and whiskey.

What is the old fashioned signature co*cktail at a wedding? ›

Old Fashioned Signature co*cktail Sign. A true classic – an Old Fashioned. Simply put, this co*cktail is a combination of sugar, bitters, whiskey, and a little water that's been around since the 1800's. If you like fruity or super sweet drinks, this isn't for you.

How many signature co*cktails per person? ›

Total Wine & More gives an easy-to-use rule of thumb: assume your guests will drink two drinks in their first hour and then one drink for each following hour. So for a two-hour reception, you'd want three drinks per guest, for a four-hour reception, plan for five.

What is a good signature drink for the groom? ›

Fig Old Fashioned

One of the best groom signature drink ideas. Infused with rich fig, this bourbon co*cktail encapsulates your elegant new life. Muddle figs with simple syrup, bitters, and bourbon. Garnish with an orange twist.

What are the most ordered wedding drinks? ›

Here are ten of the most popular wedding co*cktails to make your big day even more memorable.
  • Champagne co*cktail. Brides and grooms love this classic co*cktail. ...
  • Moscow Mule. ...
  • Margarita. ...
  • The Old Fashioned. ...
  • Aperol Spritz. ...
  • Prosecco co*cktails. ...
  • Elderflower Collins. ...
  • Daiquiri.
Jan 20, 2023

How do you come up with a signature drink name? ›

Base your name on the drink's ingredients

Fourthly, consider basing your drink name on its ingredients. It's a foolproof way to come up with fascinating drink names that capture the heart of the drink. There are two ways to go about it. You can build a name based on the drink's chief ingredient.

What are the top 10 most popular drinks? ›

The 10 Most Popular co*cktails In The U.S.—According To NielsenIQ...
  • Margarita. Alcoholic Lime Margarita with Tequila and Sea Salt. ...
  • Martini. Simple and classic, the Martini continues to be [+] ...
  • Moscow Mule. The Moscow Mule continues to be a favorite with [+] ...
  • Espresso Martini. ...
  • Old Fashioned. ...
  • Mojito. ...
  • Long Island Iced Tea. ...
  • Spritz.
Apr 3, 2024

What is the best signature co*cktail in the world? ›

Signature co*cktails from around the world
  • Cosmopolitan: New York. A delicious concoction of cranberry juice, vodka, orange and lime juice - the iconic cosmopolitan co*cktail is enjoyed around the world. ...
  • Cuba: Mojito. ...
  • Puerto Rico: Pina Colada. ...
  • Spain: Sangria. ...
  • Italy: Negroni. ...
  • Thailand: Siam Sunray. ...
  • Canada: Caesar. ...
  • Hawaii: Mai Tai.

How many signature co*cktails for a wedding? ›

Signature co*cktails Quantity

The number of co*cktails to offer can be a challenging decision. While variety is good, too much can be overwhelming. But how many signature co*cktails at a wedding is too much? Generally, a selection of two to four different co*cktails keeps the choices rich yet manageable.

What is difference between classic co*cktail and signature co*cktail? ›

By definition, a signature beverage embodies the personality and style of a restaurant. Anyone can follow a recipe and mix up a classic drink, but the impact of a signature co*cktail comes from its uniqueness. When creating a signature co*cktail, consider the drink's ultimate goal and what function it's serving.

What is the rule of thumb for alcohol at a wedding? ›

The general rule of thumb is to have enough alcohol for two drinks per person per hour of your wedding. This includes all alcohol: wine, beer, and liquor. A typical ratio of alcohol to serve at a wedding is ⅓ beer, ⅓ liquor, and ⅓ wine per guest.

How much alcohol to buy for 100 guests? ›

For a 4 hour party with 100 guests, you will need approximately 400 drinks: 160 beers, 144 glasses of wine (29 bottles) and enough liqueur for 96 individual co*cktails (amounts will depend upon what type of co*cktail you serve). If you aren't serving wine, plan on 240 co*cktails.

What alcohol do people drink at weddings? ›

The basics to stock any wedding bar are beer, wine, and many times liquor is added. However, each of those categories has many different variations to choose from and can become quickly overwhelming and costly!

What is the most requested co*cktail? ›

The 10 World's Most Popular Classic co*cktails Guide
  • Margarita. The classic Margarita co*cktail has been one of the most popular co*cktails in America for years and still remains on top. ...
  • Cosmopolitan. ...
  • Daiquiri. ...
  • Gimlet. ...
  • Manhattan. ...
  • Negroni. ...
  • Old Fashioned. ...
  • Sex on the Beach.

Should I do a signature drink at a wedding? ›

A Signature Drink Will Make Your Event Stand Out

But if you really want an added memorable element to your event, a signature drink will do the trick. Signature drinks are exclusive to a particular event and guests will remember how much of a treat it was to have such a special drink that's not available anywhere else.

What alcohol is best for wedding reception? ›

Just for fun, here is our ultimate wedding alcohol list power rankings:
  • Champagne. You can't have a wedding without it.
  • Red Wine. You can have it during co*cktail hour, it will be served with dinner, and it pairs well with chocolatey desserts. ...
  • Vodka. ...
  • Beer. ...
  • Bourbon. ...
  • White Wine. ...
  • Gin. ...
  • Whiskey.

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