In today’s blog post, I’m going to give you some signature cocktail inspiration. I mean, seriously who doesn’t love a good cocktail? They’re so fun to experiment and get creative with. If you have followed Verve Event Co. for a while, you know I (Desiree) LOVE a good list. After all, as a New York wedding planner, I love a good checklist and inspiration post as much as the next person – but I also appreciate quality over quantity. No matter the season, spring, summer, or fall, there’s a cocktail for you.
So today, instead of listing 87 signature cocktails I've found across the internet, I've collected just a few of my favorites so you can start to drool over your own signature cocktails. You don't need another super-sized list to aimlessly scroll, right? If you are new around here (and also believe in quality > quantity), make sure you check out all of the wedding inspiration and planning tips we share over here on the blog (and on our podcast!).
Oh, and have a favorite cocktail you think deserves a special mention? DM me on Instagram and let me know!
If you prefer to listen to these on the podcast (including 2 bonus winter cocktails), click here.
Favorite Spring Wedding Signature Cocktails
This was a tough one, but when I think back to my favorite spring wedding signature cocktails, my mind instantly goes to Holly & Dan's winery wedding in the Finger Lakes. We offered their guests two refreshing options, as well as a full bar to get creative with! First, we had the “Udon,” lovingly named after their cat, and was a Tart Cherry Smash. This is your permission to get a little creative with your cocktail names even if you are choosing something more classic! The second was a refreshing Cucumber G&T, which they lovingly called Kismet, named after the town where they met. It also means “fate”!
Recreate these Spring Wedding Signature Cocktails:
Tart Cherry Smash
- 2 oz. El Dorado 8 Year Rum
- 0.5 Red Jacket Orchards Tart Cherry (Red Jacket is a local orchard here in the Finger Lakes)
- Lime wedge
- Sprig of Mint
Cucumber Gin & Tonic
- 1.5 oz Seneca Drums Gin (Seneca Drums is a local distillery here in upstate NY)
- ⅔ cup of Tonic Water
- Cucumber slice
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
You can create these cocktails a couple of different ways but trust me, these combinations were a huge hit! If you want a little extra winery wedding inspiration in the Finger Lakes, make sure to read more about this gorgeous wedding here.
If you want to hear this on the podcast, click here.
Favorite Summer Wedding Signature Cocktails
When the sun comes out here in Upstate New York, we make the most of it. For summer wedding signature cocktails, I always love to choose something classic with a little twist. If I had to choose 2 favorites (and I didn't want this list to get too long where the options start to lose their punch!), I'd go with an Aperol Spritz or a Paloma every time. For real wedding inspiration for these summer wedding cocktails, make sure to check out Caleb and Eddie's wedding at the Lake House on Canandaigua. Not only do these two signature cocktails taste amazing, but they look amazing too!
Aperol Spritz
- 3 0z. Aperol
- 3 oz. Prosecco
- A splash of Club Soda
- Slice of Orange
Paloma
- ¼ cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup mescal or tequila
- ¼ cup club soda
- Add 1 grapefruit wedge as a garnish
Favorite Fall Wedding Signature Cocktails
Lastly, Fall. Fall drinks can be super fun to craft. There are so many fall flavors and spices that you could infuse into a cocktail. As the weather starts to get a little cooler (especially here in Upstate New York), I always like something a little cozier for fall weddings. One of my absolute favorites was a Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte from Amanda and Tim's country club of Rochester wedding, (it was the perfect nightcap) but I've included a couple of other options that are sure to keep your guests happy and hydrated.
Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte
- 8 oz strong brewed coffee
- 1/2 oz. vanilla vodka
- 1/2 oz. cinnamon vodka
- Pumpkin creamer to taste
- Whipped cream and cinnamon for topping
The Rosemary & Grapefruit Margarita
If you want a more classic cocktail (that still feels a little cozier for fall!), I love this rosemary & grapefruit margarita inspired by Food52.
- 2 oz. Tequila
- 2 sprigs rosemary, plus 1 extra for optional garnish
- 1/2 oz. Agave in the Raw
- 1 and 1/4 oz. fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1/4 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 tsp. flaky sea salt or cocktail salt for rimming the glass (optional)
Easy Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
I snagged this one from tidymom and trust me, it's nice for even the non-bourbon drinkers out there (including me)! On top of that, we are known for our apples here in Upstate New York! This counts if you want to add a little local flair to your signature cocktail.
- 3 oz. apple cider
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
- 2 oz. ginger beer or ginger ale
- Apple slice, thyme sprig, and cinnamon stick for garnish
Choosing your Wedding Signature Cocktails
I hope you're feeling inspired by one (or two!) of these signature cocktails. I know my mouth is watering reliving some of my favorite wedding days! If I could give you just one last piece of advice as you go about choosing your signature cocktails (I can't help it – it's the wedding planner in me!), it would be this: if you can choose something personal, do that. It's okay to want something unique (I love helping my couples personalize their wedding days – and surprise and delight their guests!), but make your life a little easier by ensuring that at least a majority of the ingredients are standard in a bar! It sounds simple, but trust me when I tell you that your wedding is made up of a million tiny details and this is just the beginning.
If you are looking for a wedding planner to help you manage it all, find out ways we can work together here. Choosing your Signature Cocktails are such a fun part of wedding planning, and my goal is to make each and every moment just as exciting. Let's plan your heirloom occasion!
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