Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding reception can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding what alcohol to serve. While some couples opt for an open bar, allowing guests to have unlimited drinks throughout the reception, this option can be very expensive. A more cost-effective alternative is a limited or soft bar, where specific drinks are served at certain times. When it comes to liquor, it's a good idea to provide a range of options, including vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and tequila. Couples can also choose to serve beer and wine, with the recommended mix being 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount to buy | Enough to serve 1 drink per guest per hour or about 5 drinks throughout the evening |
| Mix of drinks | 50% liquor, 25% beer, 25% wine |
| Types of liquor | Vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, tequila, Triple Sec, vermouth, etc. |
| Other drinks | Wine, beer, champagne, cider, soft drinks, water |
| Glassware and garnishes | Depends on the type of reception; an elegant cocktail reception might feature more spirit-forward options with thought-out garnishes and glassware |
| Budget | Buying liquor and mixers can be expensive; consider the venue's "well" brands of liquor and "house" wines and champagne, or skip the hard liquor and only serve wine and beer |
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What You'll Learn
Basics: vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and tequila
If you're looking to keep your wedding reception liquor options simple, you can't go wrong with the basics: vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and tequila. These spirits are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails or on their own.
Vodka is a clear liquor with a neutral flavour that pairs well with various mixers, making it a popular choice for cocktails like martinis, gimlets, and mules. It's also a key ingredient in the ever-popular vodka tonic. Gin, a distilled spirit that has been gaining in popularity, is often paired with vodka and is essential for cocktails like the gimlet, the classic gin and tonic, and the Pimm's Cup. Both vodka and gin are considered top-tier options for a wedding bar.
Whiskey, a dark liquor, is a highly requested spirit at events and pairs well with other beverages, though it offers less flexibility in cocktails. Bourbon, a type of whiskey, is a popular choice as it tends to be easier to drink on its own. Rum, a great liquor for mixed drinks, adds variety to your bar options. It can be used in a variety of cocktails, from the classic rum and coke to more elaborate drinks like the daiquiri or the mojito.
Tequila is another clear liquor that can liven up your reception. It is a key ingredient in the popular margarita and can be used in other cocktails, but it is often associated with shots, which are not encouraged at weddings as they can bring out the wild side of guests.
When stocking your wedding bar, it's a good idea to include a mix of liquor options to cater to different tastes. Separating your liquor selection into clear and coloured options ensures a broader range of drinks for your guests. You can also add liqueurs like triple sec and Bailey's to create signature wedding cocktails. While liquor is essential, don't forget that a wedding also calls for bubbles, with a traditional Champagne (or sparkling wine) toast.
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Signature cocktails
Choosing Your Signature Cocktail
Firstly, consider the number of signature cocktails you want to offer. It is recommended to serve no more than two or three signature drinks. These drinks are meant to be specifically tailored to your tastes, so it's okay if they don't appeal to everyone—that's what the standard bar is for! You could offer one cocktail designed by each partner and a third one that you create together, perhaps inspired by your pet or relationship.
Matching Your Wedding Theme
If you have a wedding theme, you can get creative and match your signature cocktail to it. For example, if you're hosting a wedding in the south of France, a refreshing lemonade cocktail would be perfect. Or, if you're celebrating Mexican traditions, a Mezcal cocktail with tamarind would be a delicious choice.
Paying Tribute to Your Wedding Location
Using local ingredients or flavours is a great way to pay tribute to your wedding location. For instance, opt for whiskey and bourbon-based drinks for a Southern wedding or fruity flavours for a beach location.
Incorporating Your Story
Make your signature cocktail memorable by using your love story as inspiration. Model your drink after a significant event, such as your first date—if you had tacos and margaritas, why not offer a margarita as one of your signature drinks?
Popular Choices
Some popular choices for signature cocktails include the Aperol Spritz, a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail with a bright orange hue that will fit right in with your summertime wedding décor. Another option is the Santa Margherita cocktail, which combines Prosecco with hibiscus syrup and a hibiscus bloom at the bottom of the glass, making it truly Instagram-worthy.
Creative Names
Add a touch of whimsy with creative names for your signature cocktails. You can incorporate your pet's name, such as "The Bella" or "The CosmoPAWlitan." Or, play with wordplay, such as "Mai Tai The Knot" or "Mint-To-Be Mojito."
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Bubbles and champagne toasts
If you are catering to a younger crowd, keep in mind that younger drinkers often have a sweet tooth. Italian bubblies tend to be much sweeter than traditional Champagne. Another very popular Champagne alternative is Cava, from Spain. If your group has Spanish heritage, look into this delicious bubbly!
Whatever you go for, it is recommended not to grab the cheapest bubbly available. The toast is one of the most photographed parts of any event, so it is important that the drink matches the occasion. Champagne flavours can vary wildly, just as different wines have different flavours. Do a few taste tests and determine which Champagne or bubbly has the right match of flavour and price for your budget.
If you want people to be able to ask for a second glass, make sure you plan appropriately and get a few more bottles than you need for the toast. Also, assume that some people will spill their glasses by accident and need more before the toast happens. If you are looking to cut costs, a fun idea is to mix up simple champagne cocktails for everyone.
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Beer and wine
If you're looking to serve beer and wine at your wedding, there are a few things to consider. First, calculate how much you'll need. The general rule of thumb is to have enough alcohol for two drinks per person per hour of your wedding. This includes all alcohol served, so if you're only serving wine and beer, you'll need enough of those for two drinks per person per hour.
Next, consider the variety you'll offer. While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, like Coors Light, you can spice things up with different flavours for your craft beer drinkers. Depending on your guest count and the number of cases you need, you can provide as much variety as possible. Instead of buying multiple cases of the same beer or wine, buy several different cases to cater to different tastes. This is also a great way to personalise your wedding by offering drinks that you and your partner enjoy.
When it comes to wine, it's important to factor in spillage, especially if you don't have a bartender. More bottles than needed will likely be opened, and pours may be heavier. It's always better to have more than enough than to run out of alcohol during the reception. If your reception is fairly short or doesn't have many wine drinkers, planning for half a bottle per person is adequate.
While liquor is a common choice for weddings, serving only beer and wine is a standard and cost-effective option. It can help maintain the expectation that alcohol is meant to supplement the celebration of the newlyweds rather than an excuse to get drunk. It's a generous gesture to offer plentiful free drinks, and guests who complain about the lack of liquor can always get their preferred drink after the reception.
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Open bar vs limited bar
When it comes to wedding receptions, there are a few options for bar setups, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here is a detailed look at the open bar versus the limited bar option:
Open Bar:
An open bar means your guests can order any drink, including beer, wine, or liquor, without paying for each drink individually. This option is typically the most expensive, but it is a great choice if you want your guests to have unlimited access to drinks without worrying about the tab during or after the wedding. There are a few ways to approach an open bar. You can pay a flat fee upfront, based on an estimate of how much your guests will drink, which is cost-effective and stress-free. Alternatively, you can pay a tab upfront, and once it runs out, you have the option to add more money, switch to a cash bar, or close the bar. The open bar is ideal if you anticipate your guests will drink a lot, and you want to ensure they have unlimited access without them having to pay.
Limited Bar:
A limited bar typically involves serving only beer and wine, rather than a full range of liquors. This option is more cost-effective if you want to provide drinks without the expense of a full bar. Some venues will allow you to add 1-2 signature cocktails to a limited bar, giving your guests some variety. A limited bar is a good middle ground if you want to offer drinks without the potential high cost of an open bar. You can also consider having a limited bar for a specific period, such as Cocktail Hour, or for a set number of drinks per guest, which can help control costs.
Liquor Recommendations:
If you choose to have a full bar or include spirits in your limited bar, there are some recommended liquors to consider. Vodka, rum (including spiced rum), and gin are popular choices. You may also want to include whiskey, which is often considered a "manlier" option. Tequila is another option, and for liqueurs, consider triple sec or Bailey's, which are great for creating signature wedding cocktails.
Other Considerations:
When deciding between an open and limited bar, it is essential to consider your guest's preferences and your budget. If your guests are big drinkers, an open bar may be more suitable, but it will likely increase your costs. You can also offer a mix of beer, such as lager and pilsner, and include sparkling wine or champagne for toasts and a more elegant feel. Additionally, some venues charge extra for bar services, so be sure to inquire about any additional fees.
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Frequently asked questions
Standard liquors to serve at a wedding reception include vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila, and scotch.
The recommended mix is 50% liquor, 25% beer, and 25% wine.
Here are some ways to save money on liquor for a wedding reception:
- Serve wine and beer only.
- Opt for less expensive "well" brands of liquor and "house" wines and champagne.
- Have a “limited” or “soft” bar, where specific drinks are offered at certain times.
- If your venue is a hotel or banquet hall, liquor is usually included in the per-person fee or total price for alcohol.
Here are some creative liquor ideas for a wedding reception:
- Set up a whisky tasting or tequila shots.
- Offer signature cocktails with garnishes and glassware.
- Include liqueurs such as triple sec and Bailey's.
