46 Signature Cocktails by Spirit

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Have your pick of the liquor: There are so many ways to stir up a signature wedding drink.

Start Slideshow

1 of 47

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Choosing a signature cocktail (or two) may be the most fun you'll have during the wedding-planning process. But how do you pick a drink that you and your guests will love? Upgrade your favorite drink with seasonal syrups and garnishes. If you're beer drinkers, try a Lime Shandie. If you like anything bubbly, choose a classic champagne cocktail. Or if your standby is a gin and tonic, go for a gin-based cocktail. We rounded up nearly 50 cocktails based on spirits to help inspire your own wedding signature drink. Pro tip: Don't forget about the next day! If you're serving one cocktail with a high ABV (like a boozy Old Fashioned) balance it out with a cocktail that is less likely to turn your next-day brunch into a next-day nightmare (consider spritzes or beer cocktails).

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 47

BEER

Marcus Nilsson

A cold one tastes even better when mixed up into a fizzy beer cocktail! Our favorites are sure to be a hit with everyone at your wedding.

Sparkling Black + Tan Beer

Sparkling cider makes up the other half to allow the Guinness to float atop! Get the cocktail recipe here.

3 of 47

Cherry Beer

Elevate your pale ale with a hint of cherry. Make this cherry beer cocktail.

Advertisement

4 of 47

Lime Shandies

A little sweetness from the sugar and a little sour from the lime rounds out this beer cocktail. Get all the steps here.

5 of 47

Micheladas

This beer cocktail acts as Bloody Mary's younger, tarter cousin—and it's equally delicious. Check out the easy recipe here.

6 of 47

Sweet + Spicy Beer Punch

Andrew Purcell

Think of this as a manly version of the mimosa. But instead of sparkling wine, you'll use pale lager—with a little lime and hot sauce! Make this sweet and spicy cocktail.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 47

BRANDY + COGNAC

Our favorite brandy- and Cognac-based cocktails.

Classic Sangria

Fruit slices and wine and brandy, oh my! This recipe is the perfect blend for your classic sangria. 

8 of 47

Cognac Sparklers

Cognac has met its soulmate: sparkling cider. Make these Cognac sparklers.

9 of 47

CHAMPAGNE + ROSÉ

Rosé (and Champagne) all day! Everyone is bound to love these Champagne and rosé cocktails. 

Blood Orange Cocktail

This recipe is as easy as 1, 2, 3—squeeze blood orange into your flute, add a bit of bubbly, and enjoy!

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 47

Champagne Gelee Cocktail

YASU+JUNKO

Add a little gelatin to grape juice to serve as tasty "ice" cubes in this pretty Champagne cocktail. Check out the full recipe here.

11 of 47

Elderberry Spritzer

David Malosh

This easy breezy elderberry and Champagne recipe is sure to please! 

12 of 47

Kir Royale

DANA GALLAGHER

Champagne can stand alone, but add a little crème de cassis and you'll never be the same! Find the recipe here.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 47

Prosecco Sangria

Peach and nectarine make this deliciously fruity punch recipe easy to drink all night long. 

14 of 47

Pear Cranberry Bellini

This Champagne cocktail recipe is not only tasty, but the beautiful pink hue makes it a great statement drink for your evening!
 

15 of 47

GIN

Chris Court

Reliable and classic, you can never go wrong with a gin cocktail.

Bombay Fizz

There can't be a more refreshing drink out there! The lime and the effervescent seltzer water mingle perfectly with gin in this easy recipe. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 47

Celery French 75

Jonathan Lovekin

A classic cocktail with a tasty twist! This recipe calls for an added celery garnish, giving you a subtle hint of the versatile veggie. 
 

17 of 47

Chartreuse Martini

YASU+JUNKO

Three easy ingredients make up this simple yet invigorating gin cocktail. Make this charteuse martini.

18 of 47

Lillet-Basil Cocktail

Shake things up with this aperitif-based cocktail recipe, made with orange juice, basil and tonic. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 47

Lillet Rose Spring Cocktail

This blush-colored drink is as delicious as it is beautiful! Get the recipe here.

20 of 47

Olive Rosemary Martini

Revamp your standard gin martini with this recipe, which calls for a rosemary sprig for an added herbal layer.

21 of 47

Plum Negroni

Randy Harris

Muddled cherries with an orange twist make this classic negroni recipe extra special!

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 47

RUM

Sang An

Rum: the perfect spirit for a summer wedding, or just for when you want it to feel like summer.

French Quarter Cocktail

This recipe mixes light and dark rum with sweet fruit juices to help you cool off on those warm summer nights.

23 of 47

Ginger Caipirinhas

Marcus Nilsson

Add a little pep in your caipirinha step with peeled fresh ginger! Get the full recipe here.

24 of 47

Grapefruit Mint Mojito

Here's a fresh new take on the mojito: add grapefruit zest in addition to the classic ingredients! Make this mojito cocktail.
 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 47

Perfect Storm

Jens Mortensen

Vanilla bean, apple cider, and dark rum are a perfect storm of warm flavors. Make this perfect storm cocktail.

26 of 47

Pineapple Mint Daquiri

Marcus Nilsson

Blend some pineapple and lemon juice, spike it with a little rum, and you've got yourself a delightful drink! Get the full recipe here.

27 of 47

Pineapple Rum Cocktail

Take a trip to the tropics with this spiced rum and fruity pineapple adult beverage recipe! 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 47

Rum Punch

Hosting a barbecue rehearsal dinner or backyard wedding? This punch recipe allows you to serve a big crowd, without sacrificing taste!

29 of 47

SAKE

Simon Watson

All of the best cocktails featuring the Japanese rice wine.

Natural Sake Cups

Serving cold sake in these perfect cucumber cups is creative and fun! Make these sake cups.

30 of 47

Litchi Martini

The dryness of sake and the sweetness of the litchi make these sake cocktails so good you can't have just one. Make this litchi martini.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 47

TEQUILA

Charles Maraia

Tequila can turn any gathering into a full-blown party. Here are our favorite iterations of the ever-popular spirit.

Grapefruit Margarita

A salty brim plus tangy grapefruit equals one delicious version of the classic Margarita. Make this grapefruit margarita.

32 of 47