The sun is shining, the weather is perfect and flowers are blooming. And, if that’s not enough, you’re getting married in the midst of it all. You’ve probably already drawn inspiration from spring/summer, whether you picked pastel bridesmaids dresses or bouquets that feature seasonal blossoms. Don’t stop there — spring/summer can also inspire the flavors in and colors of the cocktail(s) you’ll serve at the wedding. Below are ten potential libations for your big day:
1. Strawberry Basil Ginger Cocktail
A 2013 study showed that berries were the most popular fruit in America, so this strawberry-centric cocktail will undoubtedly be a crowd pleaser. But there’s more to it than just a fruity flavor: your bartenders will also whip in fresh basil and ginger ale to give the vodka-based beverage even more of a kick. View full recipe.
2. Whiskey Smash
A spring cocktail doesn’t necessarily have to be fruity. This whiskey-based cocktail does have a bit of sugar, mint and lemon, but it’s just enough to counteract the weight of the alcohol. Even those who don’t necessarily go for whiskey will appreciate the softened version, and the liquor’s biggest fans will love the twist on their go-to. View full recipe.
3. Blood Orange Gin and Tonic
This bright and beautiful cocktail is so simple to piece together — your bartenders will have no problem whipping up a tall order of blood orange gin and tonics. The layered beverage starts with gin at its base, then fresh blood orange juice, then orange bitters. A splash of tonic water tops finishes the drink, while a slice of blood orange makes it look picture-perfect. View full recipe.
4. Pimm’s Cup
The Pimm’s Cup is the quintessential English summertime cocktail, and for good reason — it’s not too sweet, too fruity or too plain. It does require a bit more prep than some of the options on the list, but the reward is a fresh-tasting cocktail thanks to ingredients like cucumber, rosemary, mint, lemon and strawberries. See? There’s something for everyone in a Pimm’s Cup. View full recipe.
5. Spring Rosé Cocktail
Whether you’re ordering bottles at brunch or sipping a frozen version poolside, you already know that Rosé is the wine of spring. For your wedding, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying the best, and in springtime, that’s either a Spanish Rosado or Pinot Noir Rosé.
Of course, you want cocktails for your wedding, so your chosen Rosé will pair with an ounce each of vodka and homemade peach simple syrup, plus an added splash of grapefruit juice. That fruity combination will make your warm-weather go-to even more special for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. View full recipe.
6. Kentucky Sweet Tea
Any Southerner will tell you that sweet tea is the warm weather drink of choice — it’s crisp and refreshing and, of course, sweet. So, imagine how perfect it’d be to have a pitcher full of (bourbon-spiked) tea on your big day. You can serve the finished product in lemon-garnished mason jars to up the adorable-ness factor. View full recipe.
7. Matcha Green Tea Gimlet
Flowers aren’t the only thing blooming in spring — trees have regrown their leaves, too. If you’ve incorporated these lush, seasonal greens into your wedding day décor, you might consider a bright green cocktail. A gin-based matcha cocktail has just enough earthiness to it to fit into your theme, although a splash of simple syrup sweetens the flavors just enough to make them work. View full recipe.
8. Lavender Lemonade Mojito
Once upon a time, soft pink was the pastel to end all pastels. Now, though, there’s a new hue in town — lavender is the top color this year, which means you might have incorporated the pretty, subtle shade into your wedding theme.
If so, round out your vision board with this lavender cocktail, which not only matches visually but in its flavor, too. The recipe incorporates homemade lemonade, as well as homemade lavender simple syrup, which means it will be extra fresh — just what you want in the midst of the year’s freshest season. View full recipe.
9. Vodka – Thyme Lemonade
Warm weather always calls for lemonade, and, because it’s your wedding day, you should definitely spike the pitcher. And, if you want something slightly more sophisticated than a simple vodka-lemonade, this one features a lemon-thyme syrup for added flavor — and a sprig of thyme and a slice of lemon to make the finished product look fancy. View full recipe.
10. The Honeysuckle Cocktail
Is there anything springier than honey? This three-ingredient cocktail brings together honey, rum and a splash of lemon, a sweet but refreshing combination, especially when shaken and served over ice. Plus, the finished product has a whitish hue, meaning it can fit with just about any wedding theme — and a splash won’t stain anyone’s spring-colored outfit. View full recipe.
Choose Your Cocktail
These are just 10 of the truly countless ways to incorporate springtime colors and flavors into your wedding’s signature cocktail. If you’re in doubt, try whipping up a few at home and choosing from there — you’ve been wedding planning, so you deserve a drink anyway.
Written By: Kacey Bradley
She is the lifestyle and travel blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she frequently writes for sites like US Travel News, Thought Catalog, Porch.com, Tripping.com and more! Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!