Your wedding day is one of the most memorable events of your whole life. And, while there’s a lot of emotion during the ceremony, the reception is a time to celebrate. If your idea of a great time is treating your guests to delicious cocktails, you’re in luck. Want to know how to pick a signature drink for a wedding? We have experts to guide you along the way!
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Wondering how to choose a signature cocktail?
Your wedding day is a physical reflection of who you are as a couple. And every aspect—from the initial invitation to the final sendoff—is an opportunity to showcase your love story. As a result, your mind may turn to your color palette and self-written vows. However, there’s another creative way to reveal yourselves: have a professional curate a signature drink for your big day. Here’s how, according to Virginia wedding experts.
How to Pick a Signature Drink for a Wedding
Chris Webster, who owns Fairfax’s The Easy Pour Mobile Bar, thinks that having a specialty cocktail can “help guests see a bit more of the couple’s personalities.” All you have to do is take cues from your love story. Things like your first date, places you’ve traveled to, or funny quirks can all inspire you to serve up something to your guests.
As the owner of French Honey Hospitality in Staunton, one of Maegan Allen’s most memorable original cocktails featured a different type of love. “The number one request I get is to incorporate their pet into the signature drink,” she says. Recently, Allen collaborated with one of her couples to design a drink that hints at the personality traits of their dog and two cats.
The result was a combination of sweet and wholesome flavors with a hint of spiciness. Additionally, it featured a blend of blood orange juice, cucumber syrup, house jalapeno tincture, lime juice, and tequila. Although Allen initially wasn’t sure how those flavors would complement each other, they resulted in a cocktail—dubbed “The Furball”—she cites as her favorite.
How do you pick a signature cocktail?
When given a theme and a type of liquor, Lyndsey Bennet, the owner of A La Cocktail in Lynchburg, had a similar experience. “The client allowed me to let my creativity run, and I created one of the most popular signature cocktails I have had at an event,” she says. As a result, it was so well-received that guests asked for the recipe.
Signature drinks are also a creative way to provide alcohol without the guesswork. “Couples get to have drinks with meaning while saving money compared to offering a wider selection,” says Webster. Additionally, having one or two cocktails helps stave off decision paralysis while eliminating a line at the bar. “Everyone can get a high-quality, delicious drink in a very short time,” Webster adds.
When you can’t decide on a signature cocktail, Allen recommends having two—one representing each partner—to cover different palates. “If your signature drink is vodka-based, and your partner’s is bourbon, you have now hit arguably the two most popular liquor choices for the general public,” she suggests.
“Serving a familiar cocktail at your wedding is a wonderful idea, especially if it’s something you love,” Allen adds. A unique beverage crafted by a professional elevates your day and, according to Allen, can open the door to creativity. Plus, the experts can continue doing what they love while leaving a tasteful impression.
Virginia Beverages for Your Signature Cocktail Ideas
Now that we’ve covered how to pick a signature drink for a wedding, are you looking to infuse more of the Old Dominion into your big day? Include these in-state-produced craft beverages and spirits recommended by our trio of experts.
- Any Vodka from Cirrus Vodka, Richmond
- Beers from Port City Brewing, Alexandria
- Honey Habanero (or any flavor) Moonshine from Belle Isle Moonshine, Richmond
- Imagination Gin, Salsa Borracha Vodka, and several whiskey flavors from MurLarkey Distillery, Bristow
- Virago 151 Rum from Virago Spirits, Richmond
- Wines from Walsh Family Wine, Purcellville
How to Find Your Signature Cocktail
Don’t know where to start? We have a few recipes to help you if you’ve been wondering, “What should my signature cocktail be?”
- Love sake? Check out these sake cocktail recipes.
- If you enjoy sangria, try our Love Potion Cocktail, Red Wine Christmas Sangria (with a secret ingredient!), or Strawberry Lemonade Sangria. Choose one based on the time of year you’re getting married.
- Our hot spiced wine is the perfect recipe for a fall wedding warm-up.
- How do you pick a signature cocktail that’s alcohol-free? Take a peek at our Pina Colada Mocktail or Watermelon Kiwi Mocktail for summer. Our zero-proof mocktail for Halloween is also a tasty fall treat.
- For a light and airy treat, try our Citrus Spritzer to cool off.
- Having a morning wedding and need a signature drink? Try our Morning Meowmosa, which is a play on the traditional mimosa recipe.
Save our tips on finding your signature drink!
