By: Terry Kaye
Whether you’re serving a mocktail or a cocktail, your signature drink is a fun way to set the tone of your event and accentuate your theme. There are many ideas and options available and it’s easy to choose the first beverage that catches your eye, but I always encourage my clients to put some thought behind their signature drinks. Remember, love is in the details and the details will really help make your special day even more special (if that’s possible). Share flavors from your heritage, add some seasonal flavors, or match your wedding colors. Or, and this is one of my favorite ideas, simply serve what you enjoy drinking and give it a new name that ties in with your story.
It doesn’t have to be complex. I typically design cocktails with 3-5 ingredients (remember, the more ingredients needed the more expensive your libations become), with the goal of keeping it simple and making it personal and fun.
Spread the word of your signature drink by creating a custom “His & Her” bar menu. Personalized bar menus allow you to get creative and introduce your specialty cocktails to your guests. I recently spotted a cocktail menu where the bride and groom added their names to the mix. The groom took his favorite Jack & Coke and named it Jake & Coke after himself.
His bride, Melissa, re-named a classic mimosa a Mel-mosa. They used simple, common cocktails but gave them a signature twist.
Finally, don’t forget to add some extra flair with a unique garnish, colorful paper straws and some personalized drink stirrers.
HIS: BOURBON ROSEMARY LEMONADE
Directions for the Rosemary Simple Syrup:
- 3 sprigs of rosemary
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup local honey
- 3/4 cup water• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (place lemon peels in mixture for extra lemon flavor)
To Make the Lemon-Rosemary Simple Syrup:
- Place rosemary on cutting board and gently hit sprigs with back of knife to release their flavor and aroma.
- Transfer rosemary to small saucepot; stir in sugar, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice and water. Cook over medium heat 4 to 6 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. • Transfer to container and refrigerate until completely cool, or up to 5 days.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces Bourbon
- 1/4 cup lemon-rosemary simple syrup
- Ice cubes, for service
- Fresh sprigs of rosemary, for garnish (optional) • Lemon peel, for garnish (optional)
To Make:
- Fill glass with ice
- Add 1 ½ ounces of bourbon
- Add ¼ cup lemon-rosemary simple syrup • Garnish with rosemary sprig & lemon rind
HERS: COTTON CANDY CHAMPAGNE MARTINI
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces cotton candy flavored vodka
- 2 ounces Rose Brut
- Teaspoon of Chambord liqueur
- Pink or white sugar sprinkles, to sugar-rim the glass
- Pink cotton candy for garnish • Ice cubes, for shaking
To Make:
- Dip rim of glass into Chambord liqueur and then into sugar crystals; set glass aside
- Fill martini shaker with ice and cotton candy vodka and a teaspoon of Chambord; shake
- Pour into martini glass
- Fill with Rose Brut • Garnish with cotton candy
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