After the vows are read, the attention shifts to the reception. Wedding guests are notoriously enthusiastic about visiting the bar, whether or not the reception features a separate pre-meal cocktail hour. To keep guests in a celebratory mood, serve a few of the most popular cocktails to serve at any wedding.
Cocktails are mixed drinks, and we’ll focus on those here—but you’ll certainly have beer and a selection of red, white, and rosé wines available, plus non-alcoholic beverages for guests who abstain.

Table of Contents
Champagne Cocktail
Since wedding hosts will probably have champagne on hand for toasts anyway, why not offer a champagne cocktail? The traditional recipe involves a sugar cube at the bottom of the champagne flute, a dash of bitters, and a squeezed lemon twist (the squeezing releases oils from the rind that give a zing of lemon flavor).
Signature Cocktail
More and more couples are choosing to serve a “signature” cocktail as the main offering at the bar, along with the usual beer and wine. This can save money by limiting the choices offered, while still ensuring all guests get something to drink they’ll like.
Signature cocktails also save time if the cocktail chosen can be mixed in batches in advance. The selection of a signature cocktail usually meshes with the “theme” of the event, the season of the year, or the time of day of the nuptials.
Casual weddings on the beach might feature Mai Tais, Margueritas, or rum daiquiris. More formal, indoor affairs can go for something more traditional and elegant, like an Old Fashioned, a Manhattan, or the couple’s favorite flavored Martini. The Moscow Mule is a versatile drink that can be customized with seasonal garnishes like lime or berries.
Did you know you can make dessert drinks? Use disposable mini plastic dessert cups to serve sweet, creamy after-dinner drinks like Mudslides, Grasshoppers, or Brandy Alexanders to add a fun touch to your signature cocktail.
Gin or Vodka Tonic
You can’t go wrong by having these popular cocktails available, and the basics are usually included in any bar package your reception venue offers. Both gin and vodka can serve as the basis for martinis, but you’ll need some vermouth and garnishes like olives, cocktail onions, and lemon twists at the bar.
Whiskey and Ginger Ale
Some wedding guests will prefer their whiskey straight, neat or on the rocks, or with just a splash of water. But keep some ginger ale available for a tasty, easy, and quick mixer to use with whiskey.
The cocktail universe has expanded well beyond the most popular cocktails to serve at any wedding in the past few years, as interest in mixology increases. But at a wedding, it’s important to keep it simple, and avoid drinks with lots of ingredients, that need blending or shaking as they’re made at the bar. Wedding guests are usually happy with something simple to wet their whistle and help them loosen up and get out on the dance floor.
Other Articles
Food Truck Catering Tips for Wedding & Events
Food truck catering has seen tremendous growth over the years. This is…
BBQ Catering Ideas for Your Next Event
BBQ catering has a way of bringing people together, turning any occasion…
A Guide to Choosing the Best Disposable Tableware (Plates, Forks, Spoons) for Catering
Eco-friendly disposable tableware is a smart choice for catering events, offering convenience…
Helpful & Creative Catering Tips for Beginners
Catering nightmares can range from running out of food to handling unexpected…
Tips for Professional & Eye-Catching Appetizer Presentation
There’s nothing quite like walking into a party and spotting a beautifully…
Catering Trends in 2025: A Blend of Innovation and Global Flavors
It’s becoming more and more apparent that many people want more personalized…
Wedding Catering Food Tasting: Tips and Advice to Help You Prepare
Your wedding food tasting is so much more than just sampling dishes….
Best Wholesale Food Storage Containers
Although it might seem like food storage containers are not something you…
Thanksgiving Catering Menu Ideas
No Thanksgiving feast would be complete without the classic dishes that have…
Plastic Or Glass: Which Food Storage Container Is Better?
When looking into food storage, you’ll have to decide what containers you…
Bridal Shower Catering Ideas Everyone Will Love
Planning a bridal shower is a special way to celebrate the bride-to-be…
Guide to Chafing Dishes (Types, Size & More..)
If you’re planning on starting a catering business or throwing a large…
Pingback: Trends in Wedding Reception Menus for 2022 – Camden Chronicle
Pingback: Tips for Successfully Planning a Catered Event
Pingback: Tasty New Cocktail Trends To Look For in 2022