Signature Cocktail Ideas for Every Chattanooga Season
Everyone wants their wedding guests to have a good time. You never want to be that wedding where, as soon as the guests have eaten they’re looking to say their goodbyes. A safe way to ensure this is a nice, steady stream of drinks. Not too much, of course. But just enough to loosen inhibitions and get the dance floor moving! Open bars are a great idea. But open bars are expensive. And it’s easy for guests to get a little too out of control with an open bar. It’s like as soon as they see the open bar sign, any pacing gets thrown out the window. Beer and wine are classic options, and it can be fun to feature local brews.
But something that stands out is a signature cocktail. Similar to scent, taste is a big memory trigger. Since you won’t be able to save your wedding cake forever, you can re-create your signature cocktail at your anniversary every year. It's nice to feel like you’re experiencing the day all over again. Plus a signature cocktail is a great way to get your guests excited. I’ve seen brides offer their guests their cocktails upon arrival. But you can also serve your first drink while guests are mingling. It's a nice thing to offer while you’re taking post-ceremony photos.
But what cocktail to choose? Here are a few simple, easy ideas that are easy, affordable, and look great in a punch bowl.
Bright and Breezy Spring Cocktails
Whiskey Smash
This one is a great option because you only need 3 ingredients… and only one type of booze. You’ll need spearmint, lemon, simple syrup, and bourbon, of course. We’re partial Chattanooga Whiskey. This drink is similar to a mint julep, but with a citrus twist.
Pineapple and Sage Gimlet
Fresh ingredients make this cocktail fruity, but not sweet. Its herbal notes are surprising... in a good way. All you need is gin, lime juice, sage leaves, and pineapple juice.
Raspberry Lemon & Lime Ginger Beer Cocktail
No muddling or shaking is required for this one. Simply stir together raspberry puree, ginger beer, limoncello, lemon juice, lime juice, and champagne...and voila! A fizzy, tasty, fun springy cocktail.
Pomegranate Kombucha Punch
This is a great one for the health-conscious bride who still likes to party. You’ll need clear rum, pomegranate juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, pomegranate kombucha.
Cocktails for Summer In Chattanooga
Arnold Palmer
You really can’t go wrong here. Everyone knows a true Chattanoogan loves her sweet tea. This combines all the best southern things... and makes it a little boozy. Simply mix the Lemonade, Sweet Tea, and Vodka brand of your choice. But I’m partial to using Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka and Lemonade. You cut out one extra step, and the firefly vodka is brewed to perfection.
Blackberry Wine Slushie
It’s kind of like frosé …and it’s kind of like sangria... but better. All you’ll need is red wine, vodka, blackberries, orange juice, agave, and lots and lots of ice. Put it all in a blender and your guests are guaranteed to cool down.
Pimm’s Cup
This is a traditional British cocktail. It's often sipped in high society cricket matches and garden parties. The Brits may not have summers as intense as ours but they’ve got this cocktail DOWN. It’s downright refreshing. And pretty simple to just fill a pitcher or punchbowl with the ingredients. All you’ll need is Pimms No.1, sparkling lemonade, mint, orange, strawberries, and cucumber.
Rosé All Day Punch
This one is extra fruity... and extra strong. You’ll need a bottle of your favorite rosé, vodka, blackberry juice, lime juice, and honey. Drop-in a few raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries to infuse at the bottom.
Crisp, Fall Day Cocktails
Apple Cider Mimosa
It’s as easy as it sounds. It’s just champagne and apple cider! You can garnish with a cinnamon sugar rim or a simple cinnamon stick if you’d like. But a garnish isn't required to be a crowd-pleaser.
Cider Mulled Wine
A fall sangria, this cocktail can be served warm or cold. You’ll just need a dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc is always good!), fresh apple cider, mulling spices, apples, and oranges. Let it sit soak up the flavors throughout the day while you’re primping.
Pumpkin Old Fashioned
I don’t care if it’s the cliche white girl thing. Pumpkin is delicious and it’s fun to be seasonal! For this drink, you’ll use black walnut bitters, bourbon, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree.
Autumn Fizz
A lighter option. This cocktail includes gin, lemon juice, agave nectar, and sparkling cider. Garnish with thyme and apple if you prefer.
Winter Warmer Cocktails
Rumchata
You’ve probably seen this mix in the store. RumChata is a delicious mix of rum, cream, cinnamon, and vanilla. Mix it with Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum and it’s seasonal and delicious!
Warm Apple Punch
Use spiced rum, cinnamon sticks, pink lady apples, and mint leaves to create this warm and tasty winter punch bowl.
White Russian
You can keep this classic. But it’s fun to get a little experimental with your White Russian recipe. I prefer using Almond Milk, Baileys Almande, a bit of coffee, Kahlua, and vodka. Garnish with a candy cane to make it suited for a holiday wedding.
Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule
Vodka, cran-apple juice, fresh lime, and ginger beer. This bubbly, seasonal twist on a classic winter drink is a perfect easy mix for the Moscow mule lover.
Need a hand?
Any of these sound like you? If not, no worries! I’m full of ideas. Reach out to brainstorm perfect cocktail ideas for your wedding.
