It’s an intoxicating fact that momentous celebrations throughout time have been marked by a well-loved libation. Now, today’s wedding couples are taking a page from the history books as they plan to celebrate their love with a signature cocktail at their destination wedding!
Great people throughout history have been linked to a drink of choice.
The actor, George Clooney, has a favorite liquor. His enjoyment of it prompted him to create his own Casamigos tequila!
Founding Fathers, Ben Franklin and George Washington had a fondness for Madeira, a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of Madeira. It was said to have been present at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a literal “signature drink”!
British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, was known for his love of strong spirits and was often seen with a glass of whiskey or brandy in hand.
Even the fictitious character, James Bond, had a preference. His martinis had to be “shaken, not stirred”. His iconic affection for Vesper Martinis was his calling card, his personal statement, his style.
So, as you begin planning a destination wedding, let’s give some thought to how offering a signature cocktail at your celebration can be a great way to illuminate your personal style and unique story.
Infuse your personality and style into the wedding celebration by presenting your favorite drinks to guests as a way to remind them of the good times you’ve all shared together! Maybe you’ve been known to unwind with the occasional margarita alongside coworkers after a long day at the office, relish a good bloody mary at a tailgate or weekend brunch, or sample flights of IPAs with friends at your corner pub. If you and your crew have had some fun with a drink in hand, bask in those mixed-drink memories on your wedding day, as well!
And don’t forget to add your creativity to some fun garnishes and drink glasses! You can even add your happy faces with some edible custom photos like these from Etsy artist, TheEdibleDesignCo. A small detail like this can highlight your style in a big way!
Or, do as the locals do. Feature a popular drink from your destination as your signature cocktail!
The Piña Colada is said to have originated in Puerto Rico! It was born from the passion of its creator in the 1950’s as he spent months looking to find the perfect blend of the unique flavors of the island.
Mexico has tequila, of course. A lovely fizzy Paloma would be a feminine and refreshing way to highlight this colorful country.
In Italy, they love their wine. Or, offer an Italian beer at your reception like Peroni or Moretti.
And no celebration in Jamaica would be complete without what the country is famous for: rum!
Leaning into the culture is a perfect opportunity y to stretch your destination’s vibe. This Etsy artist creates gorgeous seashell martini glasses. Or, continue embracing the tropical climate by offering your guests an opportunity to cool off with an alcohol-infused push pop! This list of tropical cocktails by Real Simple gives some suggestions on how to infuse the island aura into your signature drinks.
Tell your unique love story through the cocktails you offer.
Bring the origins of your love story front and center as you remind all your guests where you first met, or where you went on your first date. Did you meet your soulmate in New York City? Maybe consider making the Appletini or a Manhattan your signature drink! Went for ice cream on your first date? How fun would it be to serve boozy root beer floats? Got engaged in Italy? Did you fall in love with the aperol spritz while there? Making it your signature cocktail would be the perfect reminder of the day you said “yes”! The Knot lists the aperol spritz as number one on its list of 36 signature cocktails to be obsessed with.
Or, honor your heritage with a signature drink that represents your ancestry. Feature an Italian Negroni, a white or black Russian, an Irish Guinness, Ouzo from Greece, or the Mojito from Cuba. A wedding reception is cause enough to celebrate, but when you bring your family into the story, especially when your destination wedding has you celebrating far from home, you’re sure to feel the high spirits!
Your wedding toast puts a spotlight on your love and your commitment to forever. With signature drinks in hand, your destination wedding will undoubtedly be another momentous occasion for the history books!