A signature cocktail is an easy way to take your reception to the next level. While your guests marvel at your decor, your beautifully presented beverages in special glasses will only add to the ambiance of your special day. When deciding on a drink that reflects your theme and reception, the options can seem overwhelming. To help you narrow down your search, here are our top 8 picks. These delicious recipes are sure to be a hit on your big day. Don’t forget to enjoy the process. Plan a date night with your fiancé or a tasting party with your bridesmaids to test your top picks.
1. The Southern Mule
Bourbon is the epitome of southern gentry and a necessary staple at any southern wedding. A refreshing twist on a classic, the southern mule is sure to be a hit, even with your Yankee guests.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 4 oz Ginger beer
Mint sprigs
Fill a copper mug with crushed ice.
Combine all ingredients in mug.
Garnish with mint sprigs.
2. The Bijou
This drink is perfect for the quintessential Knoxville wedding . Sure to leave your guest’s taste buds dazzled, the Bijou is the perfect beverage to accompany any Knoxville reception.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Gin
- ½ oz Sweet vermouth
- ½ oz Green Chartreuse
- Orange bitters
- Cherry
Combine bitters, vermouth, gin, and chartreuse in a mixing glass.
Fill with ice and stir until chilled.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a cherry.
3. The Sidecar
Get ready to transport your reception back to the roaring 20’s. The Sidecar’s light citrus flavors are sure to quench the thirst of even your pickiest guest and pair perfectly with your vintage themed wedding.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Whiskey
- ¼ oz Triple Sec
- 2 oz Sweet & Sour Mix
- Lime Wedge
Combine whiskey, triple sec and sweet and sour mix in a shaker.
Shake over ice.
Strain into a sugar rimmed cocktail glass.
4. The Memphis Queen
This drink is perfect for the classic Memphis wedding. Sure to remind your guests of Graceland and Beale Street, the Queen of Memphis is sure to be a crowd pleaser at any celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Midori
- 1 oz Peach Juice
- Maraschino
- Peach Wedge
Combine bourbon, midori, peach juice and Maraschino in a shaker.
Shake over ice.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a peach wedge.
5. The Lavender Cosmopolitan
Lavender cosmopolitans served in sparkling glasses will add a modern twist to your Black Tie Wedding. Watch as your guests ooo and ahh over your sophisticated décor and intricate drinks.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Lemon Vodka
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Lavender sprig
- 1 Tbsp Simple Syrup
- Lavender Sprig
Muddle lavender & simple syrup in a shaker.
Add ice and other ingredients.
Shake.
Strain into chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lavender sprig.
6. The Cumberland Fizz
This drink is perfect for the paramount Tri-Cities wedding. The Cumberland Fizz is a refreshing beverage sure to remind your guests of their favorite parts of the Tri-Cities area, including your wedding venue.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Pisco
- 1 oz St. Germain
- 5-6 green grapes
- ½ oz fresh squeezed lime juice
- Club soda
Muddle grapes in the base of a shaker.
Add Pisco, lime juice, St. Germain and ice.
Shake vigorously, strain into an ice filled Collins glass and top with club soda.
7. The Bohemian
What better cocktail to serve than one named after your theme?! Light and elegant, the Bohemian is the perfect cocktail to reflect your Boho-Chic reception.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz gin
- 1 ½ oz elderflower liqueur
- 1 oz grapefruit juice
- Dash of bitters
- Garnish of your choice
Combine all ingredients and shake over ice.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a fresh flower or sprig of rosemary.
8. The Rock City Sour
This drink is perfect for the exemplary Chattanooga couple. The Rock City Sour is a twist on a classic favorite sure to remind your guests of the best views Chattanooga has to offer.
Ingredients
- 3 Blackberries
- 1 ½ oz Simple Syrup
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Whiskey
- Rock Candy
Combine blackberries, simple syrup, lemon juice and whiskey in a shaker.
Shake vigorously over ice.
Strain into a cocktail glass over ice.
Garnish with a rock candy stick.
