You’ve chosen your dress, the band and the perfect wedding cake. But, if you really want to wow your guests, try adding a personal touch to your big day by creating your own signature cocktail. Whether it’s one drink or four, a personalized bar menu is the perfect way for a bride and groom to share their story after they trade “I do’s.”
“Everybody has wine,” says Paulina Banasiak, head bartender at The Ainsworth in Hoboken, New Jersey. “Signature cocktails are an extra added touch that shows your guests you want them to enjoy your history. It shares a special connection.”
Not sure where to start? Inspiration can strike just about anywhere. Maybe your groom sent over an apple martini on your first date. Or the bride said yes over strawberry margaritas in Mexico.
“Signature cocktails should invoke a memory,” says Banasiak. “If somebody came to me, first and foremost I would ask, ‘What did they drink on their first date? What did they drink when they got engaged?'”
Other important factors to consider include the season, wedding theme, colors — and if you want a specific drink for the bride, and one for the groom. “I personally would do one drink,” says Banasiak. “I would probably pick a classic staple but it really depends on the couple. A signature cocktail can tell your story but it has to be personalized. You’ve crafted this drink for your guests to enjoy, so it should have characteristics of the two of you.”
Talk to the bartender at your wedding venue to see what they can create for you — using these five cocktails Banasiak suggests as a starting point.
The Couple: Trendy
The Drink: Moscow Mule
For the couple who always knows the coolest club, the latest viral video, and the hottest catchphrase, why not serve the trendiest cocktail? “I can’t even tell you how many times a day I make that drink when I’m working,” says Banasiak of the vodka, lime juice and ginger beer concoction. “It’s made a very big comeback [and it’s] served in copper mugs.”
The Couple: Modern
The Drink: The Brownstone
Go for a fresh take on an old classic with the Brownstone, suggests Banasiak. “It’s a mix between a Manhattan and a Mimosa, that uses rye bourbon and honey syrup and a couple of dashes of angostura bitters.”
The Couple: Hip
The Drink: Eighteen 88
The Ainsworth’s signature cocktail can add some cool cache to your nuptials. “We infuse vodka with rosemary then add agave syrup and lemon juice and top it off with Moet champagne, and garnish it with rosemary. It’s refreshing and light but flavorful and modern at the same time.”
The Couple: Adventurous
The Drink: Crooked Knife
If the happy couple goes ziplining in Mexico and enjoys the spicier side of life, then this cocktail might give them a few ideas. “This is a very fun, exciting, bold drink. We infuse tequila with jalapenos then add lime juice and agave syrup. If a couple likes adventure, this is a really interesting twist on a classic drink. It’s basically a spicy margarita.”
The Couple: Classic
The Drink: Sangria
Looking for a cocktail that’s sure to be a people-pleaser? Then go for the always-loved sangria. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old. Everybody enjoys a glass of sangria,” says Banasiak. “It’s classic and timeless.”
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