How to Serve Signature Drinks at Your Wedding

Whether you’re planning a wedding (or even just a special dinner party) there are so many things to keep in mind, from the guest list and music to the food and drinks. One way to simplify your event — and make it extra special — is to offer some signature cocktails at the celebration.

What Is a Signature Cocktail at a Wedding?

A signature cocktail is a special, predetermined drink or two that you can serve at the wedding reception or during cocktail hour (the time right after the ceremony but before dinner). This drink can be one special serve that represents the happy couple together or individually. Get creative — it could be related to where you met, your favorite season, your pet, etc. And the name of the cocktails can be equally as creative.

Signature cocktails are sometimes made in batches, which means pre-mixed and put in one container, like a large glass beverage dispenser. They often have placards nearby with the name and ingredients of the drink listed.

Why Should You Serve a Signature Drink?

There are a few reasons why you might opt to serve a signature drink at your wedding or dinner party.

First, it lets you customize your celebration even more and gives it a more personal touch. These drinks can offer your guests a glimpse into your relationship and personality. They also just feel special. A thoughtful touch could also be to print it as a recipe card and include it with your thank you notes.

Second, it may speed things up at the bar. Signature cocktails are often pre-made in batches so service is quick and easy. Your guests can spend less time waiting in line and more time on the dance floor or enjoying their meal.

And third, it may be more cost-effective. Instead of offering your guests an open bar where a bartender will make anything their hearts desire, you can limit your liquor options to the signature cocktails. Offering a predetermined selection of beer, wine and cocktails can help you save a little bit more for the honeymoon.

How to Pick a Signature Cocktail

Determining the exact cocktail you want to serve can be a fun and exciting process. Below are some thought-starters to help you brainstorm.

1. Complement the Venue

Your wedding location can be a great inspiration for your cocktail of choice. Take cues from the local surroundings for a fitting drink. For example, someone in Georgia may want to serve the Piedmont Peach, while a Kentucky couple may choose the Watermelon Julep. If you’re tying the knot by the sea, you could serve the Smooth Sailing. If you’re going all out with a black tie event, you can’t go wrong with a Classic Martini Cocktail. The fun-sized Short Martini Cocktail is sure to please a larger crowd.

2. Complement Your Color Scheme

Matching your signature cocktail with your event’s color scheme is an elegant and thoughtful idea. You can match many things at your event, from your invitations and the flowers, to the linens and decor… and your signature drink, of course. For something in the pink family, choose a summery drink like the Berry Lemonade Pitcher. For events with greenery and nature-inspired hues, try the Cucumber Fizz. For an event that incorporates purple and lavender hues, try the Don’t Gentian It, a fizzy yet refreshing blueberry cocktail.

Keep in mind there are ingredients that can mimic practically any color of the rainbow. If you need extra ideas, you can always ask your local bartender.

3. Fit the Season

Another creative way to bring your signature drink to life is to coordinate it with the season of your event. For spring or summer, you’ll want something light and refreshing like the Strawberry Lemongrass & Soda. The Lemon Drop is a great cocktail for spring, due to its bright color.

If you’re throwing a wedding near a national holiday, like the 4th of July or Labor Day Weekend, try something like the Sparkler Spritz. And when the weather starts to turn chilly, you’ll want something warm and comforting like Winter Scarves or Warm Apple Cider Punch.

As the holidays approach, try the Yuletide Mule or the Countdown to ring on the new year. Take a look at all our cocktail collections and find something inspiring for your festive event, no matter the time of year.

4. Say “I Do” to Romantic Drinks

Of course you can lean in on the general theme for any wedding: love. Try featuring drinks that already have romantic vibes like the Amour Rouge, a colorful Kiss from a Rose or the 1970’s classic Flame of Love. These cocktails also pair well with other dinner party celebrations that could benefit from a signature drink, like Valentine’s Day or anniversary parties.

5. Can’t Go Wrong with Popular Signature Cocktails

When it comes to choosing crowd-pleasing cocktails, you can always turn to the classics. Choose a popular drink like the GREY GOOSE® Old Fashioned, perfect for an evening soirée. If you want something fruitier, Tommy’s Margarita marries vodka and tequila in this refreshing take. For something floral and crisp, try the Thyme and Lavender Lemonade. Don’t forget to elevate your drinks with a garnish, for an added wow factor to your special day.

Ultimately, It’s Up to You

You can also just pick your favorite drinks and share those with guests. If you can make it a play off your name, or off a wedding theme, even better. Here are some ideas to get you started: Martin’s Martini Cocktail, The Couple’s Cosmo, Married Mule or the Blushing Bride, which is just a more creative name for the popular vodka and cranberry cocktail.

No matter which signature cocktail you choose, you really can’t go wrong. A special drink can add a personal touch to your celebration, and whatever you serve will be icing on the (wedding) cake for a day to remember.