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Wedding Cocktail Trends for 2022
What's new for 2022? Now that weddings are back and in full-swing, this year is looking like it's going to be filled with creativity and cocktails!
Studies have shown that serving cocktails at your wedding gets more guests get through the line faster and allows for less waiting times. And the best part is that you get to choose from so many different and exciting cocktails to serve. Whether that's a specialised cocktail (or mocktail) you've created with your partner just for the occasion or you've opted for ready-to-drink options, there are tons of options for your big day. Here are some of the best cocktail and mocktail trends for weddings this year:
Simplicity at its finest
Champagne Cocktail
IMAGE CREDIT: LIQUOR.COM/ TIM NUSOG
This champagne cocktail is perfect for finding a middle ground between cocktails and traditional alcoholic drinks. I chose this recipe because it is perfect for any wedding guest, even the picky ones or some from the older crowd. The bitters and sugar elevate the champagne but also feels very classic.
Rather than shaking or stirring your way to a finished cocktail, just build the drink in the glass! The bitters-soaked sugar cube mixed with the champagne will quickly colour the drink a beautiful pale pink, and the bubbles from the champagne will make your drink come to life!
INGREDIENTS:
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1 sugar cube
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2 to 4 dashes Angostura bitters
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Champagne (or other sparkling wine), chilled, to top
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Lemon twist, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
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Place a sugar cube on a bar spoon and douse with the bitters.
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Drop the cube into a chilled champagne flute or similar glass.
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Fill the glass with champagne or other sparkling wine.
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Garnish with a lemon twist.
Convenient Cans
Sipful
Single-serve drinks are effortless, requiring no time or fuss mixing or cleaning up. There’s also the consistency factor. Everything is pre-mixed, so every drink will taste the exact same for every guest. Plus, cans are safer than having glasses everywhere, depending on how much dancing you’ve got planned! And cans are allowed in so many more places that bottles aren’t, like beaches and nature parks that don’t allow glass!
As far as which cocktails to choose and how to serve them, there are no rules! I suggest for casual weddings, just pop the top and serve! But for more formal affairs, to make things feel more luxe and elevated, pour them over ice and add a simple garnish.
My favourite company for ready-to-drink canned cocktails is Sipful, a sustainable company that doesn't skimp on flavour. Using 100% organic fruit and zero waste packaging, Sipful offers delicious drinks like orange bellini and blood orange mimosa. Can't decide? Get a box of mixed drinks and give your guests a few options!
Twist on the classics
New York Sour
CREDITS: PHOTO BY JENNIFER CAUSEY / FOOD STYLING BY MELISSA GRAY / PROP STYLING BY HEATHER CHADDUCK HILLEGAS
When I think of classics, I think margaritas, old-fashioneds, martinis, negronis, and spritzers. But how boring for 2022! Nowadays, consumers have become cocktail connoisseurs who know what they like and have raised the bar on expectations, and weddings will be no exception!
The trends seen for cocktails this year involve experimenting with different flavours and looking for unique ingredients to incorporate into classic drinks, from honey to chili peppers. For an easy yet elevated wedding cocktail, try a New York Sour, a delicious take on the ever-so-classic whiskey sour.
INGREDIENTS:
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¼ cup (2 ounces) bourbon
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2 tablespoons (1 ounce) fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) simple syrup
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2 tablespoons (1 ounce) fruity red wine, such as Zinfandel or Gamay
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1 stip lemon zest
INSTRUCTIONS:
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup; seal lid on shaker and shake until chilled and frost forms on shaker, about 15 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes.
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Gently and slowly pour the wine over the back of a spoon held just above the cocktail’s surface, letting the wine float at top of glass (this is crucial for the separate look of this drink).
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Pinch lemon peel over the cocktail and run around the rim of the glass, then add the peel to the glass as a garnish. Serve immediately.
Mighty Mocktails
1. Shirley Temple
Named after child star Shirley Temple, these drinks are one of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks in America.
Legend has it that when Shirley was out to dinner at a nice restaurant with her parents and other Hollywood locals who were all enjoying cocktails, the bartender made her a special nonalcoholic drink so she could feel fancy too.
I grew up in a small town in Illinois, and I remember ordering these drinks as a kid in restaurants and even bowling alleys! Even now, I'll still order a Shirley Temple but I've learned to make them at home- they're that good to drink and that easy to make!
Ingredients
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1/4 cup 7UP® or ginger ale
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1-1/2 tbsp. grenadine syrup
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Ice
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Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
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Mix together 7UP® or ginger ale and grenadine syrup.
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Pour over ice.
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Top with cherries.
Big Batch Moscow Mules
If you’re going to be making your own wedding drinks, it’s definitely best to keep things as simple as possible and try going for big-batch drink recipes. Choose cocktails that have around three or less ingredients and can easily be thrown into a pitcher/ drink dispenser and mixed together. You don’t want anything that requires effort- especially on your wedding day! Try going for a Moscow Mule- it's a refreshing classic that's super simple to throw together. What Charlotte Baked has some more big batch mocktail recipes in case you're looking for a few different options to serve.
Ingredients:
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250ml (1 cup) vodka
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125ml (½ cup) lime juice
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500ml (2 cups) ginger beer
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2 limes, chopped into wedges
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Ice
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Fresh mint sprigs
Instructions:
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Pour the vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer into a 1 litre jug or pitcher.
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Give the mixture a stir, then add the lime wedges and ice.
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Serve in copper mugs or tall glasses with mint sprigs.
So... what cocktail do you fancy serving at your wedding? Are you more of a traditionalist and require glasses at your wedding or are you opting for a more modern take with canned cocktails? Let us know! Have a great weekend!
Emily x
