Wedding Night Cocktails: A New Take On The Classic Manhattan

Add glamour as well as flavor to your wedding
reception with creative  cocktails

While the main attraction at your wedding  will undoubtedly be your beautiful gown, gorgeous bouquet and impeccable hair and makeup, you don't want to miss any opportunity to impress your guests at every junction of your nuptials. Perhaps the best place to start is at the bar.

Whether you're having a cocktail hour before you walk down the aisle or plan on keeping the bartender at your reception pumping out drinks all night long, if you have an impressively stocked bar serving up creative combinations of spirits, your loved ones will surely have fond memories of your big day.

The Huffington Post recently polled the top mixologists from around the country to find out their favorite wedding cocktails. Pick your favorites from their list and put together a menu that your guests can look over at the bar, so that they will step out of their comfort zones and sample delicious drinks they wouldn't likely find anywhere else.

Ryan Smith of Fluid Bar in Burlington, Vermont, proposes that you serve the groomsmen at your wedding a Maple Manhattan. Like the regular bourbon-and-sweet-vermouth concoction, Smith adds a hint of maple syrup to his Manhattan to give it an added sweetness that complements the whiskey by taking off some of the edge without diminishing any of the smokiness connoisseurs crave.

Serve these drinks with a customized plastic tumbler and drop in a swizzle stick to create a cocktail that's a step above your average Manhattan. Top it all off by dropping a fresh cherry in every cup.

Photo Credit: Catherine Hall Studios

Stirred, Not Shaken - Personalized Wedding Swizzle Sticks

Not quite sure what a swizzle stick is? It's just another term for a drink or cocktail stirrer. These practical tools aren't only necessary for mixing up your beverage, they also dress up your drink in a unique and sophisticated way. Because swizzle sticks can be personalized, using them at your wedding is a great way to showcase the bride and groom's monogram or a special greeting to guests. Also, if you are serving a signature cocktail at your wedding, personalize the swizzle sticks with the special name you came up with for the drink.

The styles of swizzle sticks that are available range from chic and sophisticated to rustic and cutesy. So whether you are serving cosmos and martinis or chilled lemonade or coffee there is an appropriate accessory to accent your drink. Consider using swizzle sticks in alternative ways like to skewer fruit or cheese to make adorable kabobs to be served during cocktail hour. Your guests will love the unique touch of a personalized message or design that coordinates with the theme of your wedding. Another unique way to showcase swizzle sticks at your wedding is to personalize them with the table numbers for your reception. As guests arrive have a server consult a master list with the guest's names and table numbers and have them hand the guest a welcome cocktail with their coordinating table number personalized on the swizzle stick! The options are endless with this fun drink accessory!

Check out our selection of Personalized Swizzle Sticks to find the perfect finishing touch to your wedding cocktails!

Photo Credits: My Wedding Reception Ideas.com

Mouth Watering Summer Wedding Cocktails

The heat is almost here and it's time to cool off with a mouthwatering cocktail at your summer wedding! Lovely lemonades, sinful strawberry drinks and grown-up root beers will have guests coming back for more. These tasty summer cocktails are not only wedding appropriate but can be used at any wedding related summer bash. Bridal showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners and morning after brunches are perfect places to showcase these delightful drinks as well! Take a look at our selection of summery cocktail recipes and prepare to get thirsty! You should probably make each of these recipes ahead of time to find your favorite. Have the girls over for a cocktail party, I'm sure they won't mind helping you out!

Strawberry Sparkler
This lovely cocktail is not only scrumptious but also a sight for the eyes! It's pretty pink color and fruity garnish make for a beautiful display. Consider serving this drink as the bride's cocktail at your reception or as a girly treat at your bachelorette party or bridal shower.

Recipe: (For one cocktail)
- 2 ounces of strawberry infused vodka
- 2 ounces of simple syrup
- 2 ounces of fresh lemon juice
- Top with sparkling wine and garnish with strawberries and mint

Peach Lemonade
Here is a summer treat that even the kids can enjoy. Fresh peaches and lemons pair up in this sunny drink and pack a punch everyone will love. This cocktail can be served with or without alcohol. How perfect would this drink be served in mason jars at your backyard wedding reception or rehearsal dinner?

Recipe: (For 4 cocktails)
- 2 to 3 fresh peaches or nectarines
- The juice from 5 lemons
- 4-5 tsp. sugar (to taste)
- Water
- Crushed ice
Squeeze the lemons and set aside the juice. Peel peaches, remove pit and roughly chop. Puree peaches in a food processor with the sugar until smooth. Mix the lemon juice with this mixture. Add water and ice to your taste. More sugar can be added for sweetness as well.

Voot Beer
This playful cocktail offers the taste of a childhood favorite with a grown-up twist! The classic root beer recipe gets a pick-me-up with vanilla flavored vodka. This quick and easy thirst-quencher will be a crowd pleaser!

Recipe:(For one cocktail)
- 2 ounces vanilla flavored vodka
- 5 ounces root beer
- Whip cream for garish
- Maraschino cherry for garnish

Serve with a straw in an ice cold mug

Drink up more delicious summer wedding cocktail ideas on our Signature Drinks Pinterest page!

Photo and recipe credits: Main cocktail image, Strawberry Sparkler image and recipe from Valley and Co. Lifestyle Blog, Peach Lemonade image and recipe from the Mirch Masala Blog, Vootbe from 303 Distillery, found on Creative Culinary.com