Your wedding cocktails shouldn’t just taste good: they’re an opportunity to infuse your theme and personality into the celebration. Whether you’re channeling old-school glam or craving a refreshing, sunny vibe, your drink menu is an easy way to make the night distinctly yours. From sophisticated martini towers to playful Palomas, these signature cocktails will elevate your wedding and give guests something to toast about. Here are seven standout drinks, perfectly paired with every wedding aesthetic.
Hay Design, Monika Versavskaja
Aperol Spritz
for a Garden Party
For an alfresco or summer wedding, an Aperol Spritz is the ultimate cocktail, evoking sunshine-filled afternoons and the charm of an outdoor celebration. Perfectly suited for garden weddings, it effortlessly pairs with floral-filled tablescapes and a breezy, romantic atmosphere. Keep it classic with Aperol, prosecco, and soda, or add a twist with blood orange or elderflower. Served in oversized wine glasses with slices of citrus and plenty of ice, this bright, bubbly drink is the perfect toast to a sunlit celebration under the stars.
Dos Mas En La Messa, Kirthanaa Naidu, Cam Dever,
Disco Cubes, Cam Dever, Pinterest
Mojito
for a Beachside Toast
A seaside soirée calls for elements that reflect the ocean’s charm, and a classic mojito fits right in. It’s a refreshing and light option that exudes effortless sophistication, perfectly complementing an elegant coastal celebration. Elevate the classic with unique twists—think cucumber or lavender-infused mint. The combination of white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water is a crowd favorite. Its cooling, citrusy flavor is perfect for a spring or summer celebration in the sand, offering a laid-back yet refined vibe.
The Lynden Lane, Grey Linen Collection, Pinterest,
Pinterest, Cara Mia, Amari
Classic Martini
for a Glamorous Evening
Martinis are back in the spotlight, making them the perfect signature drink for an elegant, city-inspired wedding. Think sleek venues with dramatic skylines, black-tie attire, and a martini tower taking center stage. Picture tiers of coupe glasses filled with expertly crafted martinis—dirty, dry, or with a lemon twist—adding a sophisticated edge to your celebration. Elevate the vibe with a garnish station featuring olives, citrus peels, and edible flowers for a personalized touch. It's the ultimate drink for a wedding that’s equal parts timeless and cosmopolitan.
Nawaphon, Jenna Powers, Jackson and Company Catering,
Natalie Gray, Jack Henry Photo, Mumu Weddings
Kir Royale
for a Romantic European Affair
Nothing says romance quite like a champagne-based cocktail. The Kir Royale, made with crème de cassis and champagne, is the perfect companion for an opulent wedding that feels like stepping back in time. Picture a venue adorned with dramatic drapery, moody candlelit tablescapes, and frescoed walls that transport guests to the elegance of a bygone era. With its deep berry hue and effervescent finish, the Kir Royale mirrors the refined yet dramatic aesthetic of a wedding that celebrates timeless romance and sophistication.
Irina and Matej, Studio Chacha, Pinterest,
Omer Gilony, Jason Lloyd Evans, Pinterest
Negroni
for an Italian Seaside Escape
Transport your wedding guests to the rocky coastlines of Italy with the timeless allure of a Negroni. Born in Florence in the early 20th century, this classic cocktail—made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth—embodies sophistication and authenticity. Its bold, bittersweet flavor is the perfect pairing for a wedding inspired by sun-drenched terraces, Mediterranean breezes, and views that stretch to the horizon. Whether served at a seaside venue or a rustic Italian villa, the Negroni evokes a sense of effortless charm. Garnish with a slice of orange to capture the spirit of la dolce vita in every sip.
Pia Riverola, La Dichosa, Luca Restaurant,
Lato Photography, Piotr Niepsuj, Giaconda & August
Old Fashioned
for a Vintage Soirée
Straight out of Mad Men and into your wedding, the Old Fashioned is a cocktail that effortlessly transports you back in time to an era of glamor and cool. Perfect for a wedding with a nostalgic, vintage vibe, this whiskey-based classic is crafted with bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus, delivering a flawless balance of smooth and bold flavors. Add a contemporary and playful touch by freezing cherries into ice cubes—an unexpected detail that’s as functional as it is chic. Whether served during cocktail hour or as a late-night toast along side your vintage tiered-cake, the Old Fashioned brings timeless sophistication to any celebration.
Stephanie Stamatis, From the Daisies, Disco Cubes,
Rachel Santos, Matilda Goad, Pinterest
Paloma
for a Tropical Celebration
If your wedding vibe leans tropical, vibrant, and joyfully festive, the Paloma is the cocktail to match. Its refreshing blend of tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime, and a splash of soda water captures the essence of a tropical getaway. Add a spicy twist by rimming glasses with chili salt and garnishing with a grapefruit wedge or sprig of rosemary. Pair this zesty drink with decor that’s as bold and lively as its flavors—think colorful Birds of Paradise floral arrangements, lush greenery, and pops of coral and citrus tones. This cocktail brings the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and bubbly to a setting filled with sunlit joy and tropical elegance.
Kirthanaa Naidu, Austin Trenholm, Join Jules,
Maria Amaria, Pinterest, MC Weddings
