Signature Drinks for Your Wedding

Floral Champagne Garnish

2013-04-26T17:51:00.002-07:00

If you are a bride who wants her champagne toast to stand out from the crowd and be memorable, try this Martha Stewart trick. The addition of tiny roses add elegance to each flute of champagne and make it a look really special, just like your wedding toast should be.

To garnish, put a toothpick in the bottom of each rose blossom at an angle less than 45 degrees. Cut the rose stems cleanly about 1 inch shorter than your toothpick. Adjust the length depending on the weight of the rose. Put each toothpick inside the rim, balancing the rose bud gently on top. Your guests are sure to be wowed by this extra creativity in presentation. ¡Salud!

Guest Post: Signature Drinks for Your 2013 Wedding

2013-04-10T05:31:00.004-07:00

Recipe courtesy of Turning Stone Resort

Signature drinks are becoming very popular for 2013 weddings. Having a signature drink at your wedding is great way to save money on the bar bill, but more importantly it is a fabulous opportunity to add a touch of the personality of the bride and groom into your reception. Signature drinks are also very popular for destination weddings.

Signature drinks can be used at the shower, bachelor/bachelorette, and even rehearsal dinner. The recipe shown is an exclusive signature drink recipe from the Turning Stone Resort. Known for their outstanding resort amenities, the resort is a very popular Central New York Wedding Venue. This recipe would also make for a great signature drink for couples hosting a destination wedding, or a reception post destination wedding.

**My thanks to Michelle Pino for this drink recipe from Turning Store Resort's brochure and for providing useful information for brides planning a signature drink. Sometimes it's nice to hear another voice other than my own on Signature Drinks and my other blogs! Nancy Vecchione, Editor.

Pomosas-Perfect for Valentine's Day or Christmas

2012-11-29T04:31:00.001-08:00

Pomosa from Simply Gluten Free

Looking for a great drink to serve at a early afternoon wedding or bridal shower? How about the Pomosa. Yes, it's a take-off on the Mimosa.

All you need is 2 ounces of chilled pomegranate juice and some champagne-ta da! An easy to make and healthy drink!

If you've been keeping up with the health news lately you know that pomegranate juice is not only gluten free but it is full of antioxidants. What more could you want? A drink that tastes great and is good for you and that looks spectacular. Serve a Pomosa at your next event. No one will be able to turn it down!

Vodka and Chocolate

2012-10-11T16:28:00.001-07:00

Photo courtesy of Pinnacle Vodka

Looking for a new way to serve vodkas? Try this warm and creamy drink by Pinnacle Vodka.

Gimme Hot S’mores

1 part Pinnacle® Marshmallow Vodka

1 part JDK & Sons™ Crave Chocolate Chili Liqueur
2 part hot chocolate
Mix in a mug and top with whipped cream

Does that sound yummy? For the winter bride who wants to warm up her guests before sending them back out in the cold this is the perfect drink.

**WDW and Pinncale remind you not to drink and drive. Have a designated driver.

Photo courtesy of Pinnacle Vodkas Facebook Page

Blanc de Bleu Sparkling Wine

2012-10-07T20:59:00.001-07:00

Blue Champagne? This California sparkling wine will catch the eye of your guests and then rock their taste buds. Touted as the world's first blue champagne, Blanc de Bleu is the perfect color for a wedding, adding a little extra 'something blue.'

This blue sparkling wine comes is created and produced by Premium Vintage Cellars. It's made from 100% chardonnay grapes raised in Mendocino County in the United States. Grapes are picked when they have a low sugar level for a low alcohol content. After two rounds of fermentation, they add a hint of blueberry extract that gives it the eye catching blue color.

Currently it is only available in California (I know, I'm on the east coast and sighing!) but they will have later release dates for the rest of the United States on their web site.

If you are a bride trying to purchase items for her wedding that are made in the USA, Blanc de Bleu meets the criteria! Love buying things made in the USA.

Ruby Red Pink Grapefruit Margaritas

2012-09-11T01:32:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of There Goes The Cupcake

OK, I admit, I am a margarita junkie! These drinks not only taste good but they make fabulous signature drinks. The latest? A Pink Grapefruit Margaritas recipe by one of my favorite authors, Ina Garten, who is better known to cookbook junkies as The Barefoot Contessa.

What's the key to this wonderful refreshing drink (that packs quite a punch?) You have to use Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice. No hardship at my house, there's always some of it in my frig (the grapefruit juice not bottles of margaritas!)

Here Ina's recipe, ready for you to add to your list of favorite coolers, perfect for a signature drink for your shower, wedding or any party! Margaritas are well known for adding a tasty fun factor to any party.

Pink Grapefruit Margaritas
From: Barefoot Contessa’s How Easy Is That

1 cup ruby red grapefruit juice
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
1 cup triple sec orange liqueur
3 cups ice
1 cup silver tequila
1 lime cut in wedges, optional Kosher salt.

If you prefer to rim the glasses take a lime wedge and rim, then dip in salt, if you do not like a salted rim sprinkle a touch of salt in each glass, the salt really brings out the flavor.
Combine the ruby red grapefruit juice, lime juice, the triple sec and ice in your blender. Pour into a large pitcher (or just keep it in the blender) and pour in the tequila, stir. (I personally just added it all to the blender- I like slushy, that is totally up to you) Serve ice cold.
Makes 4 drinks.

Don't forget,be sure to use the ruby red grapefruit juice to achieve the pretty pink color as well as an added sweetness. Plain grapefruit juice just doesn't give you the same results.

Consider serving with Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs (another Barefoot Contessa favorite.) It makes a perfect light lunch or appetizer and it's a great way to combine flavors a la Ina Garten! You can get the recipe for these if you buy Ina's book on Amazon (or in your favorite bookstore.) I recommend buying the book, you'll love the other recipes as well.

Say Olé At Your Wedding

2012-09-09T13:19:00.001-07:00

Photo and recipe from Ask Chef's Forum

Margaritas, are an all time favorite for cooling off and relaxing. This take off on the margarita, called a "Mangorita" has, you guessed it, mangoes in it!

I was doubtful anything could improve on the conventional margarita, I was wrong! The Mangorita is a smooth drink that combines conventional margarita ingredients but adds a twist--mango. Yum!

Be aware, this drink has a heavy alcohol content so drink slowly and savor it!

Planning to party with this drink? Make sure you have someone who is the designated driver to keep the roads safe.

Recipe Mangorita (from Chef's Forum)

Ingredients

2 (1.5 fluid ounce) jiggers tequila
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger triple sec liqueur
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger fresh lime juice
1 mango - peeled, seeded and sliced
4 ice cubes
1/4 cup mango nectar

Directions

In a blender, combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, mango, and ice. Blend until ice is finely crushed. Sweeten with mango nectar to your liking.

Tempt Cider - Cider With A Secret

2012-08-24T01:58:00.001-07:00

Tempt Cider

Photo from The Die Line

Tempt Ciders tempt the taste buds of Danes and now Canadians. It's not available in the United States yet due to heavy taxation, but wow, those bottles really rock, I can just imagine the flavors of the ciders they make! If you know someone in one of the countries where it is distributed or are willing to take a road trip to Canada from the United States, these ciders are perfect for a wedding or shower.

Tempt Ciders also come in cans--but why waste the metal, the bottles are so pretty and you can turn them into pretty vases afterwards! To see the cans and more photos visit their web page or The Die Line.

Be sure to take the time to read all about the bottles and the product. Both at tempting and draw the buyer (and reader) in. Bottles with a secret...hmmmm....now I have to travel to get some!

Adult Capri Sun?

2012-08-13T21:12:00.001-07:00

Photo Re-pinned from recipes by Marci Ryan

Adults love their lemonade in a bag too! These are an adult version of Capri Sun--your favorite lemonade (see my other posts for lemonade in a variety of colors), a slice of fruit and frozen to slush (oh yes, don't forget to mix in the vodka!) It will keep the bags from freezing solid but keep them nice and cold.

Add a pretty straw or stickers with the Bride and Groom's wedding date! Perfect for an outdoor wedding or picnic wedding. What do you think?

Lo Scintillante - An Italian Apertif

2012-07-27T20:37:00.001-07:00

Photo courtesy of CHOW

Lo Scintillante, it's a feast for the eyes and it titillates your taste buds!

The recipe for Lo Scintillante calls for Cocchi and Prosecco. The combination results in a slightly sweet cocktail with just hints of spice and cloves. Perfect for the Italian wedding!

Where to buy: Cocchi Aperitivo Americano is a wine-based apéritif. It can be found at high-end liquor stores and online. If you can't find it, consider substituting any white/dry apperitif - your favorite vermouth or Lillet Blanc.

INGREDIENTS

1 white sugar cube
2 ounces chilled Cocchi Aperitivo Americano
2 ounces chilled Prosecco
Orange twist, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Place sugar cube in a champagne flute, add Cocchi Apertivo Americano, and stir briefly. Top with Prosecco and garnish with orange twist.

Start Muddling! Apricot Whiskey Smash!

2012-07-27T20:07:00.002-07:00

Apricot Whiskey Smash from CHOW

How rich does this Apricot Whiskey Smash look to you? CHOW sent this to my email and I immediately went to check and see if I had any apricots! Yum! Even without the whiskey this looks good, but for whiskey fans who are looking for a cool summer or spring beverage this looks very promising. Fans of Mojitos and Juleps will likely enjoy this drink as a nice change of page.

Visit CHOW for the exact recipe, but I'll give you some hints: apricots (of course), ice (it is summer after all!) Cointreau, lemon, simple syrup and rye whiskey (oh yes, and a sprig of mint of course!) For exact proportions visit CHOW. They also suggest using peaches and nectarines if you don't have apricots.

This recipe was included in a group of drinks on CHOW under the heading "Summer Fruit Cocktails." A slideshow of fruity drinks perfect for those hot days, and great to serve at a bridal shower or wedding offers you a lot of summery options for your wedding signature drink. But if you like this one? Start muddling!

Strawberry Basil Sangria

2012-07-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

Source: treehugger.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Strawberry Basil Sangria from Treehugger.com and Cooking Stoned and Jerry James Stone on YouTube--Yum! This Sangria is perfect for serving guests at a picnic wedding or a spring bridal shower. What do you think?

YouTube video of fruity sangria

Treehugger and Jerry James Stone have a variety of fruit sangrias, all well worth taste testing--a fun day for you and your bridesmaids, testing out all the varieties! Just think fruit, wine, sugar and add some club soda (and in this case basil) to the mix and you're good to go. Visit Treehugger or the YouTube video above for the exact recipe.

These look really pretty in Riedel 'O' Wine Glasses--the bigger the better!

Harvest Gold Signature Drink

2012-07-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

Harvest Pumpkin Cocktail for Fall Weddings from Daily Candy

Planning an autumn wedding? Looking for a signature drink? Daily Candy has a great cocktail for you! Their Harvest Pumpkin Cocktail is sure to go down smoothly and taste great! Not only that the rich color of this signature drink is sure to be a great accent in both color and taste.

I love food that is attractive, smells good and goes down smooth! Try it... you are sure to enjoy it. Even if you decide to serve it as the signature drink at your first Thanksgiving Dinner together, it's a great recipe to hold onto.

Harvest Pumpkin Cocktail from Daily Candy
Serves two

Ingredients
3 oz. pumpkin-infused vodka (see below)
1 oz. grade A maple syrup
½ oz. fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)

Pumpkin-Infused Vodka
2 l vodka
Roasted flesh of one small pumpkin (sugar pie variety preferred)
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole nutmegs
1 fresh bay leaf
5 whole cloves
1 vanilla bean, split

1. Combine pumpkin-infused vodka ingredients in a glass jar. Let infuse for a minimum of five days.

2. Strain solids from pumpkin-infused vodka. Filter through a coffee filter or funnel to remove remaining bits and pieces.

3. Combine vodka with syrup and lemon juice and shake over ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

4. Garnish with a lemon twist or roasted pumpkin seeds

Frozen Lime Margaritas

2012-07-01T21:24:00.002-07:00

Source: realsimple.com via PSMM on Pinterest

Fall in love with these cool and simple margaritas that originated from Real Simple Magazine. Just salt your glasses with lime and salt, add some lime sorbet and pour on the tequila! Oh yeah! What a nice cool way to enjoy your summer wedding festivities when it's hot outside!

For the exact recipe visit Real Simple's web site.

Love the 'white' wedding look! Perfect for a wedding shower or the wedding itself. Having a baby shower? You guessed it, choose a pink or blue sorbet (except for the mom to be, she might want to skip the tequila, maybe a nice smoothie for her?) Or if the expectant mom doesn't know if it's a girl or boy, choose mint or lemon colors!

Planning a 4th of July picnic? You got it, go for the red, white and blue margarita. Some in each color to suit every guest and their palate! (If you can't find blue sorbet just use some food coloring on some lemon/lime sorbet when it's soft, mix it up and refreeze)

Frozen drinks are all the rage, no matter what kind of party you are planning. Look for other frozen drinks on my blog (or at Real Simple where they have some other great ideas!)

Orange Sorbet Mimosas--The Easy Way

2012-06-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

Photo from pbpickles.com

Want a mimosa that is a little bit different for your wedding day brunch or bridal shower? Why not try this Orange Sorbet Mimosa from pbpickles.com? Thick, lucious, and ice cold, it's perfect for a spring or summer wedding. And if you adapt the recipe to the way I make it, it's simple to make too which adds to it's appeal.

pbpickles.com makes it by making their own orange sorbet, I make what I call "Lazy Days Orange Mimosa Sorbet" (better known as I purchase the sorbet premade from my local ice cream store. I know, I know, it's not quite as 'gourmet' and I don't have any control over the calories, but when I'm drinking mimosas I don't worry about calories anyway!

Now the most time consuming thing I have to do is scoop the sorbet and open the champagne bottle and pour--this is my idea of an easy and fun drink, and a way to enjoy my time with my guests. If you want to make the Orange Sorbet Mimosa the pbpickles.com way they have a recipe for making your own sorbet. Whichever way you make it, you're guests are sure to enjoy it! Or even if you're just making it for a girls brunch, everyone is sure to be begging for your recipe.

Brides Love Bellinis!

2012-06-19T14:53:00.002-07:00

Source: skinnytaste.com via Michael on Pinterest

Planning a wedding shower or breakfast? Try these mango bellinis! Yum! They not only look good they taste good too! Sipping one now! Like one?

And if you're on Weight Watchers, they're only 2 pts! Perfect! Click this link for mango bellinis to get the recipe.

Of course if you prefer the peach bellinis or any of the other assorted choices serve those instead!

Rainbow Citrus You Make Yourself

2012-06-14T18:48:00.002-07:00

From Darla Woods' Pinterest Page; no attribution

I found these pretty rainbow lemons and limes on Darla Woods' Pinterest page. What bride and groom who are looking for a way to add some color to lemonade or fruit juice that isn't a bright color wouldn't love to add these?

Try these easy to make rainbow color lemons, limes or other citrus fruits. Experiment to get just the colors you want! So cool.

Everyone's drink will stand out by the color of the fruit floating in it or perched on the edge of the glass. Great for a wedding or for a shower! All you have to do is let the citrus soak up your favorite color of food coloring.

You'll use this trick for your wedding or shower but it's one of those tricks that you'll keep using over and over!

Peach Lemonade Cooler

2012-06-09T22:30:00.001-07:00

Peach Lemonade Cooler from Cook Au Vin

Cook Au Vin made this great Peach Lemonade Cooler from some ripe peaches, 1/2C lemonade and the addition of either some of their favorite vodka or champagne. While it's not necessary to add the alcohol, you have the option.

Personally I think I might add some shredded fresh coconut, a shot of coconut cream and use some rum instead of champagne or vodka, but to each their own!

For the exact way Cook Au Vin made the peach lemonade cooler above visit their web site.

Sassy Pink Lemonade

2012-06-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

Sassy Pink Lemonade Photo From Food Network;

Adapted from an Original Recipe by Hungry Girl

shown on Food Network

Pink lemonade is a great option to serve at a wedding or bridal shower. Not too sweet, not too tart, this recipe has a kick with the addition of some vodka. Make without alcohol if you have a group who either doesn't drink or if you have concerns about people drinking and driving.

Sassy Pink Lemonade adapted from Hungry Girl

6 Cups Club Soda
2 C Cranberry Juice (Ocean Spray)
10 oz Vodka
2 teaspoons powdered sugar free pink lemonade drink mix (like Country Time Pink Lemonade)
8 packets of Sweet n Low
Juice from 4 Lemons
Slices of lemons as needed for garnish
Ice

In a glass pitcher mix club soda, cranberry juice, vodka, lemonade powder, Sweet n Low and the juice from 4 lemons and stir well. Pour out over ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with slices of lemon or lime.

This drink can be made with lower calories by using low cal cranberry juice and by skipping the vodka all together. For more kick, up the amount of vodka to taste.

Summer's Here and It's Time For Lemonade!

2012-06-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

While one of the most popular posts here has been Watermelon Lemonade, I thought I'd link you to my other lemonade ideas, just in case you aren't really into watermelon. (OK, I admit, I don't know too many people who aren't into watermelon, especially if it's seedless!) But I thought you should see what some of your other lemonade options are, as well as some ways to add some dash to your lemonade.

Colorful Lemonades gives you multiple kinds and colors of lemonade to serve at your wedding. Looking For Non-Alcoholic Drinks For Your Wedding? also gives you great ideas for assorted ades. So if you're planning a lemonade juice bar this is your post!

You might also want to check out the posts about decorating your bottles of lemonade, Vintage Lemonade Labels For Your Wedding gives you an easy DIY way to upgrade purchased bottles of lemonade, while Summer's Here And Your Drinks Should Reflect It! shows multiple lemonades as well as garnishes.

Peaches and lemonade? Must admit I'd never thought of the combo until I found this recipe for Peach Lemonade. Strawberry Lemonade was more my personal style (but only until I found all these other options! Now I have a hard time deciding among all the choices!

8 Different Ways To Give Your Lemonade A Boost is just what it says! An informatic that gives you 8 basic ways you can add some zing to your ades, but don't stop there! Add your own personal touches as well.

Strawberry Lemonade Sparklers are made with strawberry infused Svedka vodka, try them out! Great for weddings, picnics or anytime you are looking for a cool drink with a kick.

Sassy Pink Lemonade is a new recipe that adds some cranberry juice to pink lemonade mix and real lemon juice, and that gets it's kick from some vodka! Try it out!

Use Lavender to Garnish is one of my favorite ways to pump up my lemonade in the summer. It not only looks good, it smells good too! Want your lemonade with a kick? Read Lavender Lemonade, you'll find out how to doctor up your lemonade so it packs a bigger punch.

Visit all the links and design your own personal juice bar to quench the thirst of your summer wedding guests! Lemonades are also great for showers and engagement parties too so be sure to keep the links on hand.

Do You Love Red Velvet Cake?

2012-06-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

Source: vegaswithlove.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Do you love red velvet cake? How about a red velvet cake martini? A martini that tastes like cake? Try it, you'll like it!

How to make it?

Photo from Stoli® Website

2 oz. Stoli® Vanil vodka
1oz. Godiva White
1 spoonful Red Velvet Powder
Dash of simple syrup
Dash of heavy cream

Photo from Godiva web site

Shake it up, and strain into a martini glass after you swirl it with white and red chocolate syrups. Quite a sight!

Recipe from: Vegas With Love

Skittle Bombs?

2012-05-19T03:57:00.001-07:00

Source: a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net via Lisa on Pinterest

Not sure who would want to drink these but they are pretty! Skittle bombs! Take bottles of unflavored vodka and packs of Skittles. Pick a Skittle color and put them all in a bottle. Shake until they dissolve. Freeze to chill before serving. OK, who wants the first taste? Not a Skittle lover...not sure if the vodka would cancel out the flavor of the Skittles or not. What do you think? Is it worth trying?

Ice Shot Glasses

2012-05-16T11:11:00.001-07:00

From OpenSky.com

I found these on Open Sky and thought I'd share them with you. Fred Cool Shooter Shots. (OK the name is kind of dorky!) They were recommended by Zane Lamprey and I'll add his quote about these incredible new ways to flavor your drinks!

Zane says: "I was at the Ice Bar in Denmark when I first did shots out of glasses made of ice. Then recently, I found some shot glass molds stateside. That’s when things really got interesting! I quickly forgot about pouring plain old water into the molds and experimented with other other beverages. Here are some of my summer favorites:
*Freeze Orange-Pineapple Juice and pour in Vodka: It makes for a tropical-tasting screwdriver.
*Freeze Mango-Coconut Water and pour in White Rum: Coconut water seems to be the “it” drink judging by the amounts piled high in grocery stores. It's supposed to be good for you. Luckily it also pairs well with rum!
*Freeze Limeade and fill the shot with Cachaca: This made for an instant caipirinha. Saúde!
Here’s another tip when making shooter cocktails: As the shot glass slowly starts to melt, drop it in a glass and pour in another shot of spirits over and club soda--now it's a flavored ice cube!"

Wow huh? Even if you think they might be a little messy for your wedding, think of all the fun you could have with them for a shower or bachelor or bachelorette party, or an after party from the wedding! Or think about giving them as a gift complete with your own list of fun drinks concoctions! Let me know what you'd put in them as combinations.

Watermelon and Cucumbers

2012-05-05T18:36:00.002-07:00

Source: soc.li via Nikki on Pinterest

I am just lovin' this juicy watermelon and cucumber plus a shot of vodka! It all adds up to a refreshing summer wedding cocktail. The added lime juice and honey provide you with the right balance of tart to sweet to this festive wedding drink. A perfect choice for a signature drink for a summer wedding or shower.

Lavendar Lemonade with Vodka and Lillet Blanc

2012-05-04T23:50:00.001-07:00

Source: designsponge.com via Hollie on Pinterest

This Lavendar Lemonade from Designsponge is not only worth the effort, it is gorgeous to look at and the taste is incredible! I love using lavendar at weddings, use it as garnish in drinks, tie a tiny bouquet at each placesetting, or have your guests toss lavendar instead of confetti (or all of the above).

Lavendar is eco-friendly and smells oh so good!

Recipe below is from Designsponge. Be sure to visit their site for other great ideas for your wedding.

Not up to making your own lavendar lemonade? Head to your local Wegman's and buy some Adina Organics French Inspired Lavender Lemonade Juice (14 fl oz) ready made, just add some organic lavendar. Not quite as pretty as the above mixture and without the kick, but you can alwasy add those yourself too! Just be sure any lavendar you use is organic, you don't want to ingest pesticides!

Lavendar Lemonade Recipe from Designsponge.com:

INGREDIENTS:

Glass:

1.5oz Vodka (Ciroc seems appropriate but we used a local Pennsylvania vodka)
1.5oz Lillet Blanc
1oz Lavender Syrup (recipe below)
1oz Lemon Juice
2oz Chilled Soda Water
French Lavender Flower for Garnish

OR

Pitcher (makes 4 glasses):

3/4 Cups Vodka
3/4 Cups Lillet Blanc
1/2 Cup Lavender Syrup
1/2 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Chilled Soda Water for each glass
French Lavender Flower for Garnish

Lavender Syrup:
Add equal parts sugar and water to a medium saucepan and bring to boil. Add fresh organic French lavender to taste (or 1/2 cup dried food grade lavender for every 4 cups water/4 cups sugar) and boil for one minute over medium/high heat. Remove from heat and let steep for an hour.
Drink:
Mix first four ingredients with spoon, pour over ice, add chilled soda water and garnish with lavender flower (or lemon wedges if you can’t find fresh organic lavender).