Whether you decided to go for a mellow, sophisticated vibe or throw a proper party to celebrate your eternal love, these instant crowd-pleasers will make your wedding the talk of the town! We have asked these specialists which cocktails are a must in order to both impress and loosen up the guests, and these are the fun, boozy mixes they picked.
Spiced Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
2 1/2 oz. Van Gogh Double Espresso 1/4 oz. Spiced Rum 1/4 oz. Simple syrup
Why Is This Wedding-Perfect?
“Coffee cocktails are often overlooked but they’re so popular with guests. Plus, serving them is a great for late night parties and receptions because of the caffeine. And it’s not necessary to have an espresso machine to be able to serve our sweet energizing beverages. The coffee is cold-pressed (cold brew) and can easily be prepared in advance. As for conservation, it can go up to 14 days without actually losing its aroma.” — Fabien Maillard, mixologist at Bar Le LAB in Montreal, Quebec
Strawberry Gold Rush
Ingredients:
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice 3/4 oz. honey syrup (combine and stir two parts honey, one part water) 2 oz. bourbon 2-3 fresh strawberries
Why Is This Wedding-Perfect?
“It can appeal to those who like a strong whiskey cocktail, as well as to those who prefer something fruity and light. It’s an all-around crowd pleaser.” — Becky McFalls-Schwartz, the beverage director at Bar Moga in New York City
Basil-Blueberry Tom Collins
Ingredients:
2 oz. gin (or vodka) 1/2 oz. lemon juice A heaping teaspoon of powdered sugar Basil and blueberries, to taste
Why Is This Wedding-Perfect?
“I think the perfect wedding cocktail is a Tom Collins. It is an incredibly versatile drink. This version here includes basil and blueberries. You can even make a DIY station with a variety of add-ins. It is a great classic and a crowd-pleaser that you can truly make your own with just a few fun changes.” — Alejandro De La Parra, manager at Teardrop Lounge in Portland, Oregon
Norwegian Wood
Ingredients:
1 oz. Hayman’s Old Tom Gin 1 oz. Mizu lemongrass shochu 1/2 oz. ginger demerara syrup 2 dashes 1821 Earl Grey bitters Lime or lemon Top with Indi & Co strawberry tonic
Why Is This Wedding-Perfect?
“This spirit-forward cocktail is refreshingly light and has great balance in being tart and sweet with delicate herbal tones. If you want to impress your guests during cocktail hour, but make sure they’re not over-boozed before the reception, this should be your summer go-to.” — Andrew Dissen and Taylor Katz, bartenders at Sugarvale in Baltimore, Maryland
