Signature Cocktails

Signature cocktails are a great way to enhance your wedding celebration and make it more festive for your guests. Couples typically select between one and three signature drinks and serve them in a variety of ways. They can help your cocktail hour flow more smoothly and tie in your wedding style and details together. Here are several things to take into consideration when you're choosing a signature cocktail:

Flavor Preferences- Think about the type of beverages you enjoy. What liquors do you gravitate towards? Clear, dark, sweet, strong? Websites like Spiritdrinks.com allow you to find cocktails by searching for your favorite liquors and mixers. Make a list with your fiance of your top contenders and see which options would be the most practical. Look to classic favorites or current trends for inspiration.

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Your Guests- Once you've selected some options you like, decide what would be well-received by your guests. Even though you can't please everyone, it's good to consider cocktails with flavors that tend to be universally enjoyed. You can also opt to serve move than one cocktail in order to please a wider range of tastes. Having a lot of children or non-drinkers at your wedding? Include a non alcoholic option. There's no rule that a signature drink has to be alcoholic. Specialty punches, iced teas and lemonades are all great options.

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Budget- For many couples, signature cocktails are extras tacked on to an already full bar menu, but there are ways to make them more cost effective. For starters, you can limit them to the cocktail hour. Guests will still have ample time to enjoy your drink of choice, but you won't have to worry about them running up a high bar bill for the rest of the night. Instead of selecting a fancy cocktail at an extra cost, you can offer a "Bride and Groom's Choice" by simply selecting a mixed drink, wine or beer that's already included in your bar package and highlighting it for your guests. This will make the options seem more personalized without costing more. You can also use signature cocktails as a way to keep costs down. Opt to offer beer, wine and signature drinks only instead of hosting a more pricey full bar. 

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Color- You probably worked hard on choosing the perfect color scheme for your wedding day. Why not take it a step further and select a drink that matches your palette? The beauty of signature cocktails is that you can find one in pretty much any color. Visit The Knot's Signature Cocktail Finder to help you select the perfect shade. 

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Personal Significance- Is there a drink that has a special significance in your relationship? Something you drank on your first date or the night you got engaged? Or something that's always served at family gatherings or reflects your heritage? The Negroni and the Saketini are good examples of how cocktails can incorporate your culture. Choosing a drink that's personal to you will really add a special touch. 

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Season- The time of year you're getting married can provide a great basis for inspiration. Choose beverages that highlight the flavors of the season. Light and refreshing drinks like Pink Grapefruit Mojitos are perfect for summer, while richer flavors like Apple Pie Cocktails will delight your guests during the fall. 

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Location- Is the city you grew up in or the site of your wedding famous for a specific drink? Why not show it off at your reception. How about a cocktail that's representative of your honeymoon destination? Philadelphia brides can serve local wines, beers or drinks like this Limoncello-Gin cocktail made with Philadelphia's own Bluecoat Gin. 

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Theme- Signature cocktails can definitely be used to enhance the theme or look of your wedding. From elegant to kitschy, there's something to match every style. I love the idea of a Cotton Candy Martini at a carnival wedding or a S'more Martini at a cozy rustic affair. 

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Names- Names can be a really fun aspect of signature cocktails. You can choose something clever, funny or personal. There are several cocktails out there with names that are perfect for a wedding, like the Blushing Bride or Golden Groom. You can also rename a drink to be reflective of you and your fiance. Incorporate your new last name or a moniker that's personal to you both. 

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Presentation- One of the best ways to impress your guests with a signature cocktail is through its presentation. Choose a great vessel for your beverage. You don't have to be limited by traditional stemware. One extremely popular trend is serving your cocktails in mason jars. Another great way to dress up any cocktail is with a garnish. Try colorful fruits, bright sugar rims, candy or even flowers that match your reception arrangements. Add a whimsical touch with striped straws, stirrers or cute flags. These embellishments are guaranteed to impress.

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Service- Services is another important part of the presentation and experience. Discuss your options with your caterer. Will your drinks be served at the main bar or a specialty station? Hand passed cocktails or a display near the entrance are a quick way to get drinks into your guests' hands right away and avoid long lines at the bar.

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Signage- Once you've chosen and named your cocktail, make sure you add some signage to tell guests about it. It will draw attention to the effort you put into your signature drink choice and make it easier for guests to order. If you're looking for something beyond a simple sign, try printing the drink name and recipe on cocktail napkins or coasters. You can even attach the recipe to a small bottle of liquor and present it to guests as a favor.

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However you choose to incorporate them into your wedding day, signature cocktails are the perfect way to celebrate!

-Laura