As you and your significant other put the finishing touches on your winter wedding festivities, one of the many loose ends you may have to tie up is deciding what signature drink you’ll be serving during your cocktail hour and reception. Of course, set against the backdrop of winter, this will alter what types of libations will be appropriate at your gathering, and some drinks will feel hopelessly out of place during this time of year if you’re not careful.
If you’re having trouble picking the perfect signature cocktail for your winter wedding, it’s never too late to take a look at these great libations from the experts at Nanina’s in the Park!
- Mulled Wine
Also known by its traditional German name “Gluhwein,” mulled wine is a winter favorite that is perfect for cold temperatures. While recipes vary based on the bartender, it typically consists of Merlot that is heated in a saucepan with orange slices, cloves and cinnamon sticks and served warm.
- Hot Toddy
The classic cold weather drink can be adapted to you and your significant other’s tastes quite easily, but most importantly it will fit into your winter wedding aesthetic perfectly. A Hot Toddy consists of a spirit (usually whiskey, rum or brandy), hot water and honey, and finished with a cinnamon stick, cloves or lemon.
- Boozy Hot Chocolate
This winter staple can be as opulent as you’d like to make it, and it may be best served as a dessert drink rather than a cocktail hour starter. Boozy hot chocolate is typically made with tequila and topped with mini marshmallows to punch up its visual appeal.
- Hot Buttered Rum
This cold weather classic is simple to make and can appeal to a wide range of palettes. This cocktail contains rum, butter, hot water or cider, sugar and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. While it is normally associated with the holidays, it can blend seamlessly into your winter festivities.
- Ginger and Bitters Cocktail
Ginger cocktails aren’t just reserved for the summer months! This simple concoction combines Prosecco, crystallized ginger and a few splashes of Bitters in a traditional champagne flute for the perfect way to whet your guests’ appetite for a night of fun!
- Winter Whiskey Smash
This year-round favorite gets a wintry twist that initially starts with bourbon, mint, lemon and special syrup. However, the taste of the season comes through with the addition of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and allspice to show a completely different side to the whiskey smash.
- Winter Mule
Are you a fan of the Moscow Mule? This excellent libation is adapted for the winter with a completely new slate of ingredients, including dark rum, amaro liqueur, ginger/raspberry syrup, lime juice and club soda and finally garnished with fresh fruit to completely reinvent this classic for the new season.
- Eggnog Martini
Not sick of eggnog quite yet? It makes the perfect backdrop for a martini! With a mixture of egg nog, brandy, sugar and nutmeg, this acts as a wonderful base for the best seasonal flavors. Simply top with a touch of pumpkin pie spice as a garnish and you’ll have a dynamic seasonal winter cocktail.
- Venus Blush Cocktail
This is a simple cocktail that is both refreshing and a welcome pop of color against a wintry backdrop. In a large wine glass, a Venus Blush cocktail is a combination of ice, Prosecco, blood orange juice, Aperol and club soda for a drink that is altogether fruity, fizzy and festive.
- Hot Whiskey Sour
Last but not least, if you or your significant other are a fan of whiskey sours, a hot version could be the perfect option for your special day. In addition to whiskey, simple syrup and lemon juice, the addition of walnut liqueur and cinnamon stick stirrers served hot will reinvent the nature of the cocktail and alter it perfectly for the cold weather.
