Building the Perfect Beverage Menu for Your Wedding Reception

When planning a wedding, the beverage menu can be just as important as the food. Choosing the right types of alcoholic drinks to serve at your wedding can help set the tone and make your big day even more memorable for your guests. Here are some tips to help you select the right drinks for your wedding.

Create a Signature Cocktail

One fun way to make your wedding even more unique is by creating a signature cocktail that matches your wedding theme. A signature cocktail is a drink that represents the couple and the theme of their wedding. For example, if you are having a beach wedding, you might create a cocktail that includes tropical fruits and a beachy name, such as the "Island Sunset."

To create your signature cocktail, start by selecting a liquor that you and your partner both enjoy. Then, add mixers and garnishes that match your theme. Consider incorporating colors that match your wedding palette as well.

Some popular ingredients for signature cocktails include fruit juices, herbs, and flavored syrups. You can also add unique touches, such as edible flowers or custom drink stirrers. Signature cocktails are a fun and inexpensive way to distinguish your wedding from all the rest.

Include Traditional Cocktails

While a signature cocktail can be a fun addition to your wedding, it's important to also include some classic drinks that your guests will expect to see. Here are some of the most popular cocktails that are perfect for a wedding:

Margarita - This tequila-based cocktail is a crowd-pleaser, especially if you are having a summer wedding. Margaritas are among the most popular cocktails in the world, and you can easily serve more than 1 flavor variation without changing the tequila.

Old Fashioned - Whiskey lovers will appreciate this classic cocktail, which includes whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of orange.

Moscow Mule - This refreshing cocktail includes vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. It's perfect for a summer wedding.

Champagne Cocktail - A simple but elegant option, a champagne cocktail includes champagne and a sugar cube soaked in bitters.

Offer Beer and Wine

While cocktails are a popular choice for weddings, it's also important to offer beer and wine. Beer and wine are more affordable options that can help keep your overall beverage costs down.

When selecting beer for your wedding, consider offering a range of options, such as light beers, IPAs, and stouts. You can also choose local or craft beers to add a unique touch to your menu. When purchasing beer for your wedding, aluminum cans are always a safe way to go. You can assume at least one drink is going to take a fall at some point during the evening and it’s much easier to clean up if there is no glass included in the mess. Cans can also be better than a keg because the unused beer will not be wasted.

For wine, consider offering both red and white options. You may also want to consider the flavor profiles of the wines, such as dry versus sweet, to ensure that there is something for everyone.

Serve Up Some Shots

While shots are not typically a mainstay at weddings, they can be a fun addition to your beverage menu. If you do decide to offer shots, it's important to choose options that are easy to consume and won't result in guests getting overly intoxicated. Some popular shots for weddings include tequila shots with a salt and lime, lemon drop shots, and Jell-O shots. Keep in mind that shots should be served responsibly, and it's a good idea to have a limit on how many each guest can consume to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for all.

Overall, the key to selecting the right types of alcoholic drinks for your wedding is to consider your guests' preferences and the theme of your wedding. With a little planning, you can create a beverage menu that will be enjoyed by all and make your wedding day even more special!

We’ve been fortunate to work alongside The Social Sip who provide customized drink menus for

several of our wedding parties. If you’re in need of a mobile bar service, do yourself a favor and

give them a call: (417) 629-7443. You can also learn more on their website.