DIY Wedding Cocktails

DIY Wedding Cocktails: what is a cocktail? To use David Renton’s (Cocktail Bar Manager at the Dorchester) definition it is, “a mixture of two or more drinks that complement each other in taste and appearance.” He goes on to say that it should “be pleasing to the nose, with a pleasant bouquet”. I totally agree with him that cocktails have never been out of fashion and are here to stay. It’s certainly an excellent way to kick off the start of your wedding reception.

DIY Wedding Cocktails: Why Choose To Have Them?

I can think of several reasons why to have cocktails at your wedding, but here are a few:

- they are fun, special and give a party atmosphere
- you may choose a cocktail to continue your theme wedding
- you may choose a cocktail to reflect your wedding colour scheme
- you may simply have a penchant for cocktails
- you may wish to have a special cocktail made and named after you to celebrate this auspicious occasion

DIY Wedding Cocktails: Tips

If following my DIY theme, in order to cut down on your expenses and dependent upon your knowledge of your guests, you may wish to consider the following:

- ask your guests to bring a bottle of spirits instead of a wedding present
- ask everyone you know passing through duty free to buy some bottles of spirits for you (obviously you would repay them)
- investigate wholesalers, or sale or return possibilities
- bulk buy and insist upon a discount, or free loan of cocktail glasses & cocktail mixers
- stick to one cocktail or cocktails with a similar base and ingredients
- work your costing for a maximum or three cocktails per person then have a cash bar
- having chosen your cocktail, use the cocktail glass as a wedding favour and if your costs run to it have them engraved, or make your own “charms” to go around the base

If making your own, ensure you practice/have a trial run through. DIY for a small wedding works well, but for a large gathering it is better to have nominated cocktail makers.

DIY Wedding Cocktails: Shopping List

First you will need to decide upon the cocktail you wish to offer i.e. alcoholic and non-alcoholic alternative. Then your shopping list will reflect this as follows:

- non-edible decorations, e.g. plastic “spoons”/stirrers, umbrellas, cocktail sticks, etc.
- edible decorations, e.g. strawberries, oranges, pineapples, cherries, celery, olives, etc.
- sugar and/or salt for frosting the glasses
- spirits, champagne, liquors
- syrups, e.g. grenadine (pomegranate), gomme (plain sugar), citron (lemon), etc.
- fruit juices
- cream
- bags of crushed ice – unless hiring an ice making machine
- straws – short for alcoholic cocktails and long for non-alcoholic cocktails

If required try and borrow as many cocktail shakers you need. Hire the appropriate glasses.

DIY Wedding Cocktails: Ideas

Dependant upon your finances your may wish to consider the following:

- have a champagne fountain
- hire a slushy ice machine to make the cocktail of your choice
- hire an ice-making machine
- hire a cocktail barman
- if money is not a problem let guests create their own cocktails and have a professional make them

DIY Wedding Cocktails: Non-alcoholic Cocktails

I believe it is a nicety not to be able to distinguish between those guests who choose alcoholic drinks and those who are not. Here are some suggestions:

- if offering bucks-fizz, offer plain orange juice as an alternative
- if offering kir royal, offer cranberry juice as an alternative
- if offering a strawberry or pineapple coladas, offer the same minus the alcohol
- if offering alcoholic iced tea, offer non-alcoholic iced tea or coca cola/pepsi max
- if offering a strawberry or banana daiquiri, offer non-alcoholic daiquiris minus the alcohol or milkshakes
- if offering an alcoholic punch, offer a non-alcoholic fruit punch
- if offering a bloody mary, offer a straight tomato juice

DIY Wedding Cocktails: Alcoholic Recipe Suggestions

One of my wedding favorites is the classical Kir Royal.