Not sure what beverages to serve at your summer wedding? Here are a few to consider and how best to serve them.
(Note: Any time you are serving alcohol at a wedding it is wise, and in some cases, the law, that a dedicated bartender is present.)
Mojito
The mojito is a classy rum cocktail featuring sugar, lime juice, and mint. It is well-rounded in flavor and the mint adds a refreshing coolness that would be welcome during a hot, outdoor reception. Find a basic recipe here and 8 fun variations (including watermelon) here.
How to Serve
This one will require a dedicated, and skillful bartender. The muddling of the mint and any garnishes will need to be prepared as the cocktail is made and won't do well sitting out.
Margarita
Needing almost no introduction, the margarita is a versatile tequila- or mezcal-based cocktail. Margaritas can be served on the rocks or frozen with salt or sugar on the rim. Find a basic on-the-rocks recipe here and 11 variations (including spicy) here.
How to Serve
This one will require a bartender. Depending on whether they are frozen or not, margaritas can be made in small batches and poured as needed.
Sangria
Filled with your favorite summer fruits, sangrias are another versatile beverage that is easy to serve. Sangrias typically include red wine and brandy but can be easily modified to your liking. Find a classic recipe here and a sure-to-be summertime favorite, Rosé Sangria, here.
How to Serve
If alcoholic, a bartender will be required, but if not, you can easily prep this in a pitcher or large drink dispenser. Sangria needs to be chilled for a few hours before serving, so be sure to have enough fridge space allocated for it.
Lemonade
A summertime classic, lemonade is another easy-to-serve beverage that doesn't have to be alcoholic. This could be made from scratch or concentrate depending on time and preference and is easily the most budget-friendly option on this list. If you want to go in a fancy direction, you could give Strawberry Basil Lemonade a try. This lemonade could be a virgin, or feature gin or vodka. Also, don't forget about Arnold Palmers!
How to Serve
If alcoholic, a bartender will be required. If not alcoholic, you have tons of options. You could pre-make a batch, buy concentrate and have someone mix it as needed, or even buy some pre-made in cans or bottles.
Iced Tea
Chances are iced tea is the super sweet summertime drink you enjoyed with your grandparents sitting on the front porch. Nostalgia aside, iced tea is another summertime staple that is easy to serve during your reception. If you'd like to add a little booze, might I suggest the Bourbon Strawberry Iced Tea?
How to Serve
If alcoholic, a bartender will be required. If brewing yourself, you'll need to prep your tea ahead of time and make sure you have space in your fridge. You could also purchase tea ahead of time, but ice should be on hand either way.
WATER
I cannot stress this enough, water should always be offered during hot weather weddings. Dehydration can be a real danger to young and/or fragile guests, and ready access to water is a must. If you are having an outdoor or backyard wedding, have gallons or other large containers of water on hand. Buy/bring more than you think you need because there's nothing worse than running out of water halfway through a rowdy reception. On a less serious note, consider flavoring your water with fruit and/or herbs.
How to Serve
Check with your venue, caterer, planner, etc. on where and how much water is available at your location. You may need to have a cooler with ice and containers of water brought in, or you may have ready access to an already cold source. What's important, is that you have water that is cold and/or ice to make it cold.
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