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From agonising over the flowers to deliberating over the menu, the modern couple pours so much energy into planning the details of their wedding - but the bar can all too often become an afterthought. While the wine and beer may be flowing throughout proceedings, a signature cocktail is just the ticket for bringing a creative, tasty and celebratory twist to your reception.
To get the low-down on signature cocktails, we spoke to Ian Vasey, the cocktail specialist at the Bedruthan Hotel & Spa (bedruthan.com). While he's noticed an increase in the trend for signature cocktails at weddings, Ian believes that many brides and grooms still want to stick to something they have sampled before: "It's down to us to advise brides and grooms on different options that take them away from mainstream cocktails and spirits," he says. "We show them how creative you can be with great ingredients." So when it comes to creating your signature cocktail, a dash of panache can transform your drinks into a real tasting extravaganza. If you're keen to wow your guests, a creative cocktail is certainly something your guests will remember (hopefully for the right reasons and provided they don't have too many!). "We run through the flavours and spirits the couple enjoys, then we make four or five different drinks that work to these profiles," says Ian. "So the brides and grooms can then taste and choose their bespoke drink." Now doesn't that sound like a fun way to spend an afternoon? But before you pick your cocktail of choice, here are a few points to help you decide.
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Cost considerations
We've all heard the phrase 'champagne taste on a beer budget', right? Well it can be taken quite literally when choosing your cocktail. It's worth exploring the different variations and flavour profiles of your chosen base spirit. According to Ian, this will help you understand how the drink subtly changes in flavour. "Just as good restaurants use the best ingredients for their dishes, it's important to remember that the quality of what you put in a drink also has an impact on how it tastes," he says. If you're on a budget, Ian's top tip is to opt for a Prosecco-based cocktail, as they tend to be cheaper.
Add it up
The same budget can be spent very differently according to guest numbers. A smaller guest list means you can spend more per drink. "Take into account how many people are coming to your wedding and how quickly you want them to be served," advises Ian. "Guest numbers really dictate how extravagant and creative you can be." It's also worth thinking about the serving size - usually 125ml, 175ml or 250ml. Ian gave us his top tip on keeping costs down. "If you really like a certain drink from the tasting but it's out of your budget, ask if it can be served in a smaller glass or with a different garnish to reduce the cost," suggests Ian.
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Cool crowd
So you might happen to love 74% absinthe, but we very much doubt it'll go down a storm with your more conservative guests. So if you want to keep your guests smiling - and conscious! - it's worth opting for a cocktail with mass appeal so stick to crowd pleasers. Tastes vary, of course, so if you've got your heart set on having your favourite-but-quirky cocktail at your wedding, Ian suggests perhaps just having it made as a speciality drink available to order at the bar so your guests have a choice. It's also worth thinking about when your guests will want a cocktail. It could be a welcome drink or, as Ian suggests, an after-dinner cocktail while your party watches the sunset. If you do opt for the latter, a classic Tequila Sunset should fit the bill.
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Serve with style
How do you want your cocktail to look? If Pinterest is anything to go by, jam jars are the must-have drink vessel of the moment. Teamed with stripy straws, they're perfect for a country-chic wedding. Saying that, you might also want to let your drink do the deciding: James Bond certainly wouldn't stand for a martini served in an old jar! "We're planning old-school crystal punch bowls for this summer," says Ian. Charming, practical and retro - we love it!
In the summertime
Ian's top pick for a warm wedding day is The Occidental, one of his favourite cocktails served at Bedruthan, which he predicts will be popular for its summer flavours: "A long zesty affair with lychee and rhubarb liqueurs, rhubarb cordial, Portobello Road gin and fresh lemon and lime juices over crushed ice and topped with elderflower presse, a sprig of mint and a twist of pink grapefruit for a gloriously refreshing cooler." Now that is a cocktail!
Copyright Wed magazine 2016
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