Sophisticated Cocktails
Photo: Trevor Dixon
We tasked master mixologist Nicolas O’Connor of Manhattan’s Apotheke Lounge with crafting rosy cocktails that are irresistible to gourmands and beer guzzlers alike. From left: Fresh blueberries meet vodka and ginger in a Pink Manther. Though it also contains watermelon, our vodka Coconut Castaway gets its ruby color from prickly cactus pear. A riff on the classic vodka fizz, the Blushing Ingénue combines strawberries, vodka, ginger, bitters, and egg whites, which create the concoction’s frothy top.
Skip a pricey open bar and let guests help themselves to this spiked punch served in a striking bowl instead.
Anything white wine or Champagne can do, rose can do more colorfully. Just look at these summery sippers (from left): Rose plus Creme Yvette makes a Violet Rose. And sparkling rose pairs with creme de mure in a Blackberry Kir, or with gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a twist on a French 75.
Fresh watermelon and a hint of orange zest makes this vibrant margarita sweet with a twist.
A sprinkling of the fruit's juicy seeds adds bright flavor to vodka, lime, seltzer, and sugar.
The bold Kentucky spirit softens up when mixed with amaretto, OJ, club soda, and a dash of anise-flavored liqueur.
Introducing a delicious concoction of gin, lime juice, and Champagne topped off with a splash of grenadine for a pink glow (we dipped the rim in lime juice and fine sanding sugar for a 1-inch-wide band of sparkle).
Classic and beautiful, this Champagne cocktail puts a twist on straight Champagne and is easy to multiply, making it the perfect signature drink for a cocktail hour or wedding reception.
Delicious on its own or served with your wedding cake, dessert buffet, or the sweet treats served on your Viennese table, this Viennese coffee float will be talked about long after guests have taken their last sip.
Try this decadently creamy White Russian that is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. It's perfect for a winter wedding.
Homemade lavender syrup transforms this classic whiskey cocktail into a distinctive and memorable drink.
Offered as an aperitif or for a toast, this aromatic drink evokes the romance of the South of France with each sparkling sip.
When this icy, foamy frappe is poured into glasses, it separates into layers that intensify in flavor from top to bottom. A cloud of cotton candy gives a jolt of sweetness when stirred into the drink. You or your caterer can buy cotton candy premade or use a machine to make it. These are ideal after dinner at warm-weather weddings; they'd also be stars at the cocktail hour, even without alcohol.
Serve the ultimate country-club libation: gimlets. Swap out vodka and Rose's lime juice for cucumber gin, fresh lime, and simple syrup tinged with mint, and then serve with tea sandwiches. Polka-dot napkins in a shade that matches the drink pack a coordinating graphic punch.
Greet guests arriving for a chilly-weather wedding with a warm cocktail, like this spiced cranberry drink fortified with port. A cinnamon stick is a flavorful stirrer.
Having a pink wedding? Or maybe even a cherry-blossom-themed one? Carry the color palette and the theme all the way to the bar with this pinkalicious cocktail.
For this delicious and refreshing rose punch, use a big rose from Spain or South America, like Bodega Inurrieta's Mediodia Rosado from Navarra, Spain. Made from 100 percent garnacha grape, this wine has bold, ripe flavors of strawberries and raspberries, as well as heady aromas of rose petals, and makes for a wonderful base for practically any mixed drink, including our rose punch, concocted from sparkling lemonade, Chambord, raspberries, pineapple, and, of course, rose wine.
In Greek mythology, the pomegranate represents the bond of marriage as well as fertility. What better symbol for your Champagne toast?
Perfect for celebrating the season and complementing a soft color palette, this spiced drink in wintry white is a twist on traditional eggnog.
With a burst of bright berry puree and just a tickle of effervescence, this warm-weather quencher -- a bold update on the old-fashioned gin fizz -- lets guests drink in the essence of summer.
A welcome offering on a brisk fall evening, this twist on mulled cider will spice up your party with its full flavor and enticing aroma.
Inspired by a classic dessert, this sunset-hued drink blends the flavor of autumn pears with fresh raspberries and a splash of vodka.
Decades ago, the cosmo, sidecar, and sloe-gin fizz ruled happy hour. Recall the romance with tumblers of cherried whiskey.
Is anything more refreshing than a minty mojito? Yep -- just add ruby-red grapefruit to the mix for a sweet-and-sour twist.
Concord grapes and deeply fragrant elderflower mingle in a vibrant drink worthy of celebration.
The name of this classic drink makes it quite fitting for a wedding. A mix of apple brandy, Benedictine (an herb-and-spice-based spirit originally made by monks), and lemon juice, it's shaken over ice and served in martini glasses. Garnish with fruit leather cut into a crescent shape; serve with printed cocktail napkins or coasters.
Carrying your colors through to the drinks and food is unexpected and elevates simple refreshments to wedding fare. A display set up either at the reception -- or before it -- lets guests help themselves. Mint limeade and pink lemonade in glass containers are identified with computer-printed labels, attached to ribbon with double-sided tape.
This refreshing drink is great for an outdoor summer wedding. And if your color palette is yellow, you'll not only have the perfect drink but it also will match your decor!
This fruity cocktail combines raspberry with the traditional flavors of a cosmopolitan. Its beautiful color and delicious taste will have guests asking for more.
A bottle of icy vodka makes a dramatic bar decoration when it's encased in a frozen layer of colorful flowers and fruit.
Sangria originated in Spain, and it takes its name from the word sangre, which means "blood." It should be served as cold as possible. This wedding sangria is a twist on the original and is sure to be remembered by your guests.
Offer your guests a signature drink that takes its cue from the season. Made with citrus-flavored vodka and triple sec, these citrus martinis celebrate winter, when citrus fruits are at their peak -- although their color and light flavor would make them refreshing in the summer, as well.
These signature drinks dedicated to the bride and groom are a fun way to start off the cocktail hour. Serve the Golden Groom and Blushing Bride in highball and martini glasses.
Make two versions of each of your drinks. Seltzer can replace vodka in the nonalcoholic version.
Give signature drinks proper fanfare by flagging them with colorful swizzle sticks. The flourishes are a breeze to make: With gardening shears, trim a wooden skewer so it is a few inches taller than the glass you'll put it in. Cut a 9-inch length of 15-millimeter grosgrain ribbon. Fold in half and make a loose knot. Slip knot over skewer and tighten. Notch ribbon ends.
For a contemporary twist on a classic libation, pour some bubbly into a stemless flute and garnish it with a single golden raspberry. Serve with a napkin that bears your married monogram in rich gold ink. Try ForYourParty.com monogrammed cotton napkins.
Old-school drinks that fit into a blushing palette (from left): a virgin cherry limeade, a raspberry martini, and a sweet Negroni.
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