Summer is the perfect season for treating your wedding guests to a refreshing signature cocktail. Whether you’re saying “I Do” on a beach, in a barn, or in your own backyard, your guests will appreciate a beverage that feels light and fresh during the warmer months! Here are a few ideas for cocktails to serve at your summer celebration.
Sparkling Spiked Lemonade
Nothing says summer like a chilled glass of lemonade, and this is one with a little extra oomph your guests will love. Simply add a dash of orange juice, a shot of bourbon, and a few fresh mint leaves to a glass of lemonade.
Cucumber Collins
“A Cucumber Collins is the perfect cocktail for a balmy summer evening,” said Alina Isambert, the president of Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design. “The cucumber juice, pressed in-house, is a cool, hydrating summer beverage and mixes beautifully with the other ingredients for a light, tangy, slightly sweet drink.”
The drink combines freshly pressed cucumber juice with fresh lemon and lime juice, Rosemary syrup, a dash of vodka and a garnish of mint, lemon and lime.
Tropical Rum Punch
Having a destination wedding? This smooth drink would be perfect to sip while watching a sunset on a beach!
Combine Malibu Red Rum with mango rum, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and lemonade. Garnish with some lemon peel twists or pineapple slices.
Grilled Stone Fruit Sangria
Hogan Popkess of Main Course Catering suggests this alternative to a heavy, hard booze cocktail. This Sangria has a base of crisp, dry Riesling followed by grilled peaches, apricots, and plums, peach liqueur, a splash of rum, and is finished with club soda to give it a bit of spritz. Anything fruity makes for a perfect summer drink!
French 75
Some guests will always prefer champagne at a wedding, but it’s easy to liven up the classic for a fun summer cocktail! Create a French 75 by adding a half-shot of gin, a tablespoon of powdered sugar and a dash of lemon juice. Garnish with a lemon peel. This refreshing twist on simple champagne would be a fun take for an upscale summer reception.
Bourbon Arnold Palmer
To bring an Arnold Palmer from a luncheon beverage to a wedding cocktail, just add a splash of bourbon and a splash of peach liqueur to the half-lemonade and half-iced tea drink. Arnold Palmer’s are already a great summer drink, so adding just a bit of alcohol will quench your guests’ thirst and bring the drink up a notch.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Claire Swinarski is a writer and podcaster based in Wisconsin. When she isn’t writing, she can be found obsessing over football, eating a burrito bowl, or hanging out with her husband and son.