Determining which signature wedding cocktails you’ll serve is just the first step.
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On the hunt for creative, crowd-pleasing signature wedding cocktails? When planning a wedding, we know there are a lot of decisions to be made - drinks being one of the biggest for your special day. If you’re thinking about serving up signature wedding cocktails, whether in big batches or on tap to guests, here’s everything you need to know in order to get it right.
3 Reasons Why You Should Serve Signature Wedding Cocktails
1. Large Batch Wedding Cocktails Will Save You Cash
Serving your own kegged cocktails is cheaper than hiring a bartender or mixologist for the night. Sticking to three ingredient cocktail recipes or less will also help reduce the bill.
2. Signature Wedding Cocktails Are A Memorable Reflection Of The Couple
Long after the wedding is over, most guests won’t remember your first dance song or what was served for dinner - but signature wedding cocktails are certainly memorable for most, especially for the bride and groom. Naming a signature drink after the couples' dog or where they met is a great way to add a personal touch.
3. Guests Will Totally Enjoy Trying Your Signature Wedding Cocktails
Having signature wedding cocktails give your guests options for the night of what to drink. For those who normally don’t have your ‘signature drink’ it’s a nice, no pressure way for them to enjoy trying one or two.
What Cocktails Are Best To Serve On Tap?
Serving your cocktail on tap is an ideal way to make large quantities of your signature wedding drink that will stay fresh all night.
Most mixed drinks (minus frozen) can be kegged in order to be served up as your signature wedding cocktail. Some popularly kegged cocktails are moscow mules and gin & tonic, but if you’re at a loss or are looking for something more unique to serve at your wedding, check out our Signature Wedding Cocktail flowchart below for some guidance.
Signature Wedding Cocktails Quiz
Need help deciding what are your signature wedding cocktails? Here’s a handy flowchart we found to help get you started.
Image via thebudgetsavvybride.com
Once you’ve decided what cocktails you’ll be serving the only thing that will differ from cocktail to cocktail is the equipment needed in order to serve large batch drinks that are still vs. carbonated. We’ve outlined all the equipment you will need to serve either on tap below as well.
Still (Non-Carbonated) Signature Wedding Cocktails on Tap
Equipment Needed:
Stainless Steel
- Requires all stainless steel contacts (including shank and faucet); chrome-plated brass is not recommended
Barrier Tubing
- Barrier tubing required, as opposed to standard vinyl tubing
Cornelius Keg
- Must be sterilized with Star San before serving
- Requires ball lock quick disconnects
Gas Tank
- 100% food-grade nitrogen is required for serving still cocktails
Carbonated Signature Wedding Cocktails on Tap
Equipment Needed:
100% Stainless Steel Contact Components
- Requires all stainless steel contacts (including shank and faucet); chrome-plated brass is not recommended
Barrier Tubing
- Barrier tubing required, as opposed to standard vinyl tubing
Cornelius Keg & Carbonation Lid
- Must be sterilized with Star San before serving
- Requires ball lock quick disconnect
Gas Tank
- CO2 gas should be used for serving any carbonated cocktails
- If you are carbonating at a pressure of 40 PSI or higher, a Perlick flow-control faucet and inline flow restrictor is also necessary
For any type of cocktail, prior to serving, be sure to place your cocktail keg in an ice bath for several hours in order to serve it chilled. Also, be prepared to have clean ice cubes on hand if your cocktail is served over ice. For more information on serving cocktails on tap view our full guide here.
How much alcohol do you need at your Wedding?
How much alcohol you serve at your wedding will depend on how many guests you will be having. In general, the rule of thumb for buying alcohol for your wedding is plan for each guest to consume (2) drinks at the cocktail hour, and then (1) drink every hour after that. Take into consideration the day of the week of your wedding is happening (weekends will likely have your guests able to drink more). Also consider the time of day of your wedding, daytime vs nighttime may change what or how much you want to serve.
Refer to our keg sizes guide or our quick reference chart below if you plan to serve from a keg.
How Much Liquor To Buy For Your Signature Wedding Cocktails
For 100 guests, 150 servings of your signature cocktail should be sufficient – as most people will not only be drinking your cocktail. Depending on your signature cocktail of choice, your serving size will vary. If you are only serving your signature cocktail, 300 servings will be needed to last you through a 3 hour reception.
How Much Beer To Buy For Your Wedding
For 100 guests, 7 cases of beer (168, 12oz bottles) or a half barrel keg (165. 12oz bottles) should be sufficient – as most people will not only be drinking beer.
You may want to purchase more if you know your guests are beer lovers.
How Much Wine To Buy For Your Wedding
For 100 guests, 12 bottles of white (60, 5oz glasses) and 12 bottles of red (60, 5oz glasses) should be sufficient – as most people will not only be drinking wine. If purchasing a wine keg, a Cornelius Keg (640oz) will work best for this serving size.
If you are having an evening reception, your guests may be likely to drink more red wine than white, so adjust your wine purchasing accordingly. You also may want to purchase more if you know your guests are wine lovers.
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