The cocktail selection sets the tone for the event, and there is a lot that goes into this decision. While you can choose a wine, cocktails are typically preferred as they are easy to customize (in both color and flavor) to match the party’s atmosphere. It’s also a fun way to capture the unique personalities of the bride and groom. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some fun cocktail ideas for summer weddings.
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Champagne and Fruit
If you want something simple yet celebratory, consider selecting champagne and fruit as your cocktail. It’s classic and elegant and can set the tone for an intimate celebration or a large, sophisticated wedding.
Here’s one of our favorite recipes– just champagne with fruit to garnish.
The Jeio Prosecco Brut and (if you have a little more budget) the Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne are our favorite champagne selections.
Raspberry Fizz
Another excellent option for those that want something a little more fruity and bubbly is a raspberry fizz. These cocktails are the epitome of a summer wedding cocktail and relatively easy to make, involving vodka, lemon-lime soda, and fresh raspberries for garnish.
Mint Juleps
Another excellent summer wedding cocktail idea is a mint julep. Everyone at the party can appreciate mint juleps, and they are also easy to make and inexpensive. Most recipes only involve mint sprigs, sugar, and bourbon whiskey.
This drink was also initially designed for the Kentucky Derby in May, so it’s ideal for a spring or summer wedding.
Watermelon Sangria
The watermelon sangria is an excellent choice for summer weddings as it sets the mood for the celebration and is also easy to make. Most recipes call for watermelon, white wine, vodka, and various fruits (such as apples, oranges, and more). For the wine, you can use a Moscato or prosecco.
These cocktails should be chilled for about four hours before serving, so keep that in mind as you’re planning the wedding.
Coconut Margarita
This list simply wouldn’t be complete without a margarita, and the coconut margarita is one of our absolute favorites. You can make this recipe with coconut milk and water, and for alcohol, you can use tequila blanco combined with triple sec. You can also top the cup’s rim with salt or toasted coconut for the finishing touch.
Strawberry Gin Smash
If you love fruity drinks, this strawberry cocktail will delight you. It’s relatively easy to make as most strawberry cocktail ingredients include sugar, gin, club soda, lime, and strawberries. You can garnish it with strawberries and mint for the ultimate presentation, and it only takes about 10 minutes to make.
Choosing The Perfect Cocktail for Summer Weddings
Choosing a cocktail is one of the exciting elements of wedding planning, though it is also tricky. If you’re still torn between cocktails, ask the groom to taste test with you at a bar and get his opinion. Some cocktails are more gender-specific than others, so it’s always good to have a second opinion. You may also have to consider constraints such as how long you’ll have to chill your cocktails and how easy they have to be to make.
Above all, while the cocktail is a crucial element of your wedding, you shouldn’t stress yourself over it as it is only one small part of a much larger meaning.
About the Author
Jon Notarius is the Vice President of Premier Gourmet Corp. which operates the store’s online business via WineDeals.com.