Wedding Signature Cocktails
From classic recipes to creative his & hers drinks - everything you need to create memorable cocktails for your celebration.
Calculate Your Cocktail Quantities
Know exactly how much liquor and mixers you need for your signature drinks.
Quick Summary
- How many: 1-2 signature cocktails is ideal
- Batching: Mix day before, add carbonation at service
- Quantity: Plan 1 cocktail per guest per hour of cocktail service
- Don't forget: Always include a mocktail option
Why Have Signature Cocktails?
Personal Touch
Signature cocktails tell your story. Name them after where you met, your honeymoon destination, or inside jokes only your friends understand.
Faster Service
Pre-batched cocktails can be served in seconds versus minutes for custom drinks. Your guests spend less time in line and more time celebrating.
Conversation Starter
"Have you tried The Honeymoon?" gives guests something to talk about and a shared experience. Great for mixing friend groups who don't know each other.
Cost Effective
A signature-cocktail-focused bar requires fewer bottles and less variety. Buy in bulk for your recipes and skip stocking rarely-ordered spirits.
Popular Wedding Cocktails
These crowd-pleasers work for most weddings. Choose based on your season, venue, and personal taste.
Timeless and universally loved. Perfect for outdoor weddings.
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec
- Salt rim
Light, refreshing, and Instagram-worthy orange color.
- 3 oz prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz soda water
- Orange slice
Ginger kick with beautiful copper mug presentation.
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- Lime wedge
Elegant champagne cocktail perfect for celebrations.
- 1 oz gin
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz champagne
Sophisticated whiskey classic for the spirit lovers.
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes bitters
- Orange peel
After-dinner energy boost that keeps the party going.
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz fresh espresso
- Coffee beans
Tequila and grapefruit - lighter than a margarita.
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz grapefruit soda
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- Salt rim
Sweet, sour, and smooth - crowd pleaser for whiskey fans.
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Cherry garnish
How to Batch Cocktails
Batching Formula
Multiply your recipe by 20-25 for one batch. For 100 guests during a 1-hour cocktail hour, prepare 4-5 batches.
Example: Margarita for 25 servings
- • 50 oz (1.5L) tequila
- • 25 oz lime juice
- • 25 oz triple sec
- • Mix in dispenser, add ice at service
Do Batch
- Spirits, juices, syrups
- Mix day before event
- Store in fridge overnight
- Use clear dispensers for display
Don't Batch
- ✕Carbonated mixers (add at service)
- ✕Ice (dilutes the batch)
- ✕Egg whites (don't hold well)
- ✕Fresh herbs (add as garnish)
Creative Naming Ideas
Location-Based
- The Brooklyn
- Santorini Sunset
- Central Park Fizz
Love Story
- First Date
- The Proposal
- Meet Cute Martini
Pet Names
- Max's Mule
- Luna's Lemonade
- The Good Boy
Frequently Asked Questions
How many signature cocktails should we have?
One or two signature cocktails is ideal. More than two can slow down bar service and confuse guests. Choose one refreshing/light option and one spirit-forward option to cover different preferences.
Should we have a his and hers cocktail?
His and hers cocktails are a fun personal touch but not required. If you do them, choose drinks you actually enjoy - guests will order based on taste, not gender. Consider naming them after your pets, honeymoon destination, or how you met instead.
Can signature cocktails save money?
Yes! Batch cocktails reduce bartender workload (faster service) and let you buy specific ingredients rather than stocking a full bar. A signature-cocktail-only bar can cut alcohol costs by 30-40% compared to a full open bar.
How do you batch cocktails for a wedding?
Mix everything except carbonated ingredients in large dispensers or bottles the day before. Add ice and sparkling mixers just before service. One batch recipe typically serves 20-25 drinks. Prepare 1 drink per guest per hour of cocktail availability.
What about non-drinkers?
Always offer a signature mocktail alongside alcoholic options. Use the same glassware and garnishes so non-drinkers feel included. Sparkling water with fruit is elegant and easy.
When should guests get signature cocktails?
Offer signature cocktails during cocktail hour for maximum impact. You can continue offering them at the main bar during the reception, or switch to beer/wine only to simplify service.
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