A Guide to 48 Signature Cocktails—Arranged by Spirit or Wine Type

Set the festive tone for any celebration with a special drink featuring your favorite liquor, wine, or beer.

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THAYER ALLYSON GOWDY

Choosing a signature cocktail (or two) may be the most fun you'll have when planning a wedding or celebration. A special tipple can symbolize a wonderful shared memory or hint at your honeymoon or wedding destination. It should also be festive, appeal to your guests, and taste out of this world—which is a lot to ask from just one drink.

The best starting point: consider the cocktails you enjoy the most, plus the time of year, upgrading your selection with seasonal syrups and garnishes. If you're team bubbly, go for a classic Champagne cocktail. If tequila represents celebration to you, then make it a margarita. Whatever spirit speaks your name, we've got nearly 50 cocktails to jumpstart inspiration.

Pro tip: If you're serving one cocktail with a high ABV, have a backup like a spritz. Cheers to you on your special day!

01 of 48

Sparkling Wine: Blood Orange Champagne Cocktails

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Nothing signifies celebration quite like a bit of bubbly, especially when combined with rosé and distinctive blood orange juice. Think of this signature cocktail as a next-level mimosa.

02 of 48

Sparkling Wine: Champagne Gelee Cocktail

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YASU+JUNKO

Boozy gelatin cubes flavored with white grape juice and St-Germain liqueur stand in for ice cubes in this unique Champagne cocktail. Top it off with a splash of sparkling wine and a handful of pomegranate seeds.

03 of 48

Sparkling Wine: Elderberry Spritzer

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David Malosh

Elderberry cordial is the "secret" ingredient in this effervescent spritzer. Combined with sparkling white wine, it's the perfect way to get your big day off the ground.

04 of 48

Sparkling Wine: Kir Royale

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DANA GALLAGHER

A blend of distinctive crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur) and Champagne, this French classic was made for special occasions. Oh, and it tastes as good as it looks.

05 of 48

Sparkling Wine: Prosecco Sangria

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Johnny Miller

Fruity and fizzy, this delicious sangria gets its kick from peach brandy and Prosecco. Peach, nectarine, and apricot slices put it over the top.

06 of 48

Sparkling Wine: Prosecco Cocktails With Red Vermouth and Blackberries

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The famous Prosecco cocktail—a simple concoction of sparkling wine, sugar, and Angostura bitters—gets all dressed up with a touch of Italian red vermouth and fresh blackberries. Serve in Champagne flutes, and let the good times roll!

07 of 48

Sparkling Wine: Pear Cranberry Bellini

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Sweet and tart, thanks to pear nectar and cranberry juice, this riff on the classic Bellini makes a great statement drink, It’s light on the alcohol, so you may wind up sipping one, two, or a few.

08 of 48

Sparkling Wine: Venetian Spritz

Venetian Spritz
Lennart Weibull

A stylish aperitif-style signature cocktail is a wonderful way to launch your reception. Case in point: this delightful combination of Prosecco and Cerasum Aperitivo, a unique infusion of cherries, sakura blossoms, and herbs and spices.

09 of 48

Red Wine: Ginger Red-Wine Spritzer

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Romulo Yanes

Wine may be more versatile than you think. While we always enjoy it all on its own, when mixed with ginger ale and cherry-flavored liqueur, it's a joyful occasion.

10 of 48

Red Wine: Classic Sangria

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Some sangria lovers may not realize that this Spanish sensation typically contains brandy. Mix the spirits with a bottle of red Rioja and fruit chunks, and chill, allowing the flavors to mingle.

11 of 48

White Wine: Limoncello Spritzer

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Limoncello, a sweet Italian liqueur, made by steeping lemon peels in vodka, takes center stage in this refreshing libation. Balance out the citrus punch with chilled white wine and a pour of fizzy seltzer.

12 of 48

Gin: Bombay Fizz

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Chris Court

A class act, this refreshing gin and lime juice cocktail is inspired by nimbu pani, a lemonade or limeade popular in India. A hint of orange blossom water lends a delicate aroma and intriguing finish.

13 of 48

Gin: Celery French 75

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Jonathan Lovekin

The French 75 gets an herbal boost from celery-infused syrup, underscoring its classic appeal. Smooth and sophisticated, it's a fantastic choice for toasting your new life together

14 of 48

Gin: Chartreuse Martini

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YASU+JUNKO

Chartreuse, the French herbal liqueur, pairs up with gin and dry vermouth for a spirited take on the martini. The green tint is also easy on the eyes.

15 of 48

Gin: Lillet-Basil Cocktail

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You wouldn't be wrong in calling this cocktail a gin and tonic. Still, with the addition of the aperitif Lillet, plus orange juice and basil leaves, this bracing drink is all that, and so much more.

16 of 48

Gin: Lillet Rose Spring Cocktail

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Lillet Rose, a fortified wine blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscatel, teams up with gin and grapefruit juice for an eye-catching blush-colored drink that's flirty and flavorful. Garnish with edible flowers.

17 of 48

Gin: Olive Rosemary Martini

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The very definition of classic with a twist, this recipe takes the martini in a new direction. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary threaded with black olives, plus another sprig to drive the herbal accent home.

18 of 48

Gin: Plum Negroni

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Randy Harris

Another play on a classic, this Negroni features the Italian aperitif Aperol in place of Campari, plus plums muddled in sugar. Gin, with a twist of orange, grounds this signature cocktail in tradition.

19 of 48

Gin: Pink Gin Martinis

pink gin martini
Justin Walker

True, gin and vermouth are the driving force behind this blush-colored cocktail, but kirsch, a clear brandy distilled from cherries and their pits, gives it its distinctive character. Serve it in a coupe glass with a twist and a few cherries.

20 of 48

Vodka: Tomatillo Mary

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Johnny Miller

Show off your wild side with a tart and tasty Bloody Mary rendition starring tomatillos. Pureed with English cucumber, lime juice, and a hint of jalapeño, this bright green vodka drink is sure to kick your reception into high gear.

21 of 48

Vodka: Basil Gimlet Fizz

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Johnny Miller

Frozen cubes of watermelon grab the spotlight in this gorgeous vodka-spiked gimlet. Top it off with seltzer and basil leaves and raise a glass to the happy days ahead.

22 of 48

Vodka: Big-Batch Bloody Mary

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John Kernick

The best Bloody Marys start with a flavorful mix and a generous pour of vodka. Incorporating just the right amount of Tabasco sauce and horseradish, this big-batch recipe doesn't shy away from the heat either.

23 of 48

Vodka: Melon Mule

stemless glass with cocktail lime and mint on green background

Melon-mint vodka made with cantaloupe and fresh mint, is the foundation for this colorful cocktail. Lime juice adds a citrus lift while ginger beer brings the fizz.

24 of 48

Tequila: Red-Grapefruit Margaritas

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Charles Maraia

Tequila can turn any reception into a bonafide party. This tangy take on the margarita is made with the juice of fresh red grapefruits and poured into glasses rimmed with superfine sugar instead of salt.

25 of 48

Tequila: New Classic Margarita

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Made with fresh lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila, this classic cocktail strikes the perfect balance of sour, sweet, and salty flavors. One sip and you'll see why our margarita is cause for celebration.

26 of 48

Tequila: Paloma Cooler

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MIKKEL VANG

Mexican grapefruit soda teams up with tequila and fresh lime juice for a classy cocktail that comes together in a flash. Kick it up a notch by topping it with a cored-out half-lime filled with reposado tequila.

27 of 48

Tequila: Spiced Pineapple Cocktail

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Anders Schønnemann

One of our favorite blended cocktails, this pineapple number serves up a hint of heat thanks to a smidgen of chili powder. Sweet and spicy never tasted so good.

28 of 48

Bourbon: Cider-Bourbon Cocktail

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Bourbon meets its match with this flavorful cocktail featuring delicious apple cider. No wonder it's one of Martha's all-time favorites—and we suspect it will top your hit list, too.

29 of 48

Bourbon: Grilled Peach Old Fashioned

grilled peach old fashioned
Johnny Miller

Just when you thought this timeless drink couldn't get any tastier, we added a charred peach to elevate its smokiness. This is the way to take tradition to new heights.

30 of 48

Rye: Rye Whiskey Switchel

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Mike Krautter

Mellow rye whiskey adds a new dimension to the tangy switchel, an old-school 19th-century New England soft drink (also known as Haymaker's Punch) that's traditionally made with apple cider vinegar and fresh ginger.

31 of 48

Rye: Sazerac

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This rye whiskey classic needs no improvement. It has it all: sugar and spice and a fascinating history that reaches back to old-timey New Orleans, circa 1830s.

32 of 48

Rye: Sour Cherry Old Fashioned

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Sidestepping tradition, this newfangled take on the Old Fashioned is made with rye whiskey and kirsch. Sour cherries macerated in sugar, and zingy lemon zest strips tweak it further.

33 of 48

Whiskey: Whiskey Sour

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A staple for generations, this crowdpleaser needs no introduction. The festive Maraschino cherry on top signals the all-important message: Let's get this party started!

34 of 48

Cognac: Cognac Sparklers

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Cognac meets its soulmate: sparkling apple cider. Substitute hard sparkling cider for a more spirited cocktail and add a dash of bitters to tie flavors together.

35 of 48

Brandy: Singapore Sling

orange cocktail in tall glass with pineapple on orange background

Con Poulos

Powered by cherry brandy, Bénédictine, and gin, this tiki-inspired classic is one of the most festive drinks imaginable. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry for good measure.

36 of 48

Beer: Sparkling Black and Tan

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Marcus Nilsson

A cold one tastes even better when mixed up into a fizzy beer cocktail like this celebratory Black and Tan. Pour the Guinness stout over the back of a spoon so that the darker layer floats to the top, with sparkling apple cider below.

37 of 48

Beer: Cherry Beer

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Light on alcohol, and rich in flavor, this two-ingredient drink takes a page from a popular Polish drink, combining pale ale and sour cherry nectar.

38 of 48

Beer: Lime Shandies

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A British pub drink made with a blonde lager like a Pilsner, lime juice, and a dash of sugar, this simple tipple is one for the ages. Serve in a tall glass garnished with a lime wedge.

39 of 48

Beer: Michelada

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Break out the beer for this runaway hit drink, made with fixings similar to a Bloody Mary. It's tarter and cheekier—and holds its own, without vodka.

40 of 48

Beer: Sweet and Spicy Beer Punch

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Andrew Purcell

Pale lager sits in for sparkling wine in this mimosa-inspired cocktail. Fresh lime juice, orange juice, and a dash of hot sauce make this sweet and spicy combo a standout.

41 of 48

Rum: French Quarter Cocktails

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Sang An

Rum is the perfect spirit for a summer wedding—or any time you want to channel that summer feeling. Inspired by the Hurricane, a New Orleans favorite, this rum-laced cocktail is sure to get your wedding off to a sweet start.

42 of 48

Rum: Grapefruit Mint Mojito

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The addition of pink grapefruit places this singular mojito on higher ground. Combined with fresh mint leaves and white rum, it's not only playful and sophisticated—it's also wedding-perfect.

43 of 48

Rum: Ginger Caipirinhas

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Marcus Nilsson

Put a little pep in your caipirinha step with this updated classic. Peeled fresh ginger is muddled with fresh lime juice, and then combined with a Brazilian spirit called cachaça, a light rum made from sugarcane juice for a standout signature cocktail.

44 of 48

Rum: Perfect Storm

stormy cocktail on pink background

JENS MORTENSEN

Vanilla bean, apple cider, ginger beer, and dark rum create a perfect storm of warm flavors, a departure from that Bermudan classic, the Dark and Stormy.

45 of 48

Rum: Pineapple Mint Daquiri

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Marcus Nilsson

If you're planning a honeymoon in paradise, this riff on the daiquiri puts you in the proper mindset. Fresh pineapples and mint blend beautifully with white rum, conjuring up lovely tropical vibes

46 of 48

Rum: Pineapple Rum Cocktail

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Pineapple juice, spiced rum, and fresh limes make the ultimate drink partners. Even better, this signature cocktail can be made in big batches for your big bash.

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Rum: Rum Punch

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Hosting a barbecue rehearsal dinner or backyard wedding? This potent pineapple punch is a stellar choice for serving a big crowd, without sacrificing taste!

48 of 48

Sake: Litchi Martini

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The dryness of sake and the sweetness of the litchi make these sake cocktails simply irresistible. In fact, we bet you can't have just one.

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