Summer Cocktail Recipes to Create a Stir at Your Wedding

May 20, 2014
Bryan Gardner

Get your party started with one of these delicious sippers.

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Bryan Gardner

If there is one thing that has the ability to simultaneously cool down and heat up a warm-weather celebration, it’s a signature drink created with the season in mind. These favorite ideas mix unexpected ingredients to create the ultimate in refreshment.

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Negroni Swizzle

Bryan Gardner
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For a twist on a classic Negroni (gin, Campari, and a splash of sweet vermouth), we added fizzy seltzer and a smoky burnt orange peel garnish.

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Guava Mimosa

Bryan Gardner
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Instead of traditional peach purée, add guava to sparkling wine. Dipping in the rock candy will also cause a burst of bubbles.

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Plum Blossom

Bryan Gardner
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This popular Asian drink is a blend of plum wine and dry sake; we stirred in elderflower liqueur for a floral hint and an umeboshi (pickled mini plum) for a counterpoint to the sweetness.

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Sazarac

Bryan Gardner
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Throw a candied lemon peel into the usual recipe of rye whiskey with Pernod and Peychaud’s bitters for sweet-tart flair.

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Rosé Cocktails

Anything white wine or Champagne can do, rosé can do more colorfully. Just look at these summery sippers (from left): Rosé plus Crème Yvette makes a Violet Rosé. And sparkling rosé pairs with Crème de Mûre in a Blackberry Kir, or with gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a twist on a French 75.

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Bourbon Fizz

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The bold Kentucky spirit softens up when mixed with amaretto, OJ, club soda, and a dash of anise-flavored liqueur.

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Starfruit Kiwi Smash

Stephen Johnson
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Along with the two lead players in this Starfruit Kiwi Smash, green tea, grape juice, seltzer, and vodka also flavor this sweet-tart libation. Or hold the liquor; it’s just as delicious booze-free.

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The Maiden Voyage

Raymond Hom
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For your maiden voyage as newlyweds, you can kick off your cocktail hour with this tequila-based cocktail with a fitting name.

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Banana Pepper Margarita

Stephen Johnson
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This take on the Mexican classic gets a kick from tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and sliced banana peppers.

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The Old and New

Raymond Hom
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Your something old and something new could be this inventive take on a martini that adds maraschino liqueur and grapefruit bitters.

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The Victoria

Raymond Hom
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This delicious blend of dark rum and pineapple juice is just the drink for a beach wedding.

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Dark and Stormy

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Two delicious ingredients marry in this one classic crowd-pleasing cocktail.

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Hawaiian Punches

Get More Ideas for an Island Wedding

There’s no rule that says warm-weather cocktails must be served with tiny umbrellas. We updated tiki-bar faves with unexpected (and tastier) garnishes, including passion fruit seeds sprinkled into a Passion Fruit French 75, a lychee resting on the rim of a Lychee and St-Germain Fizz, and a round of dried pineapple brightening up a Pineapple Coconut Mai Tai.

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