Everyone knows weddings are supposed to be toasted with gallons of bubbly Champagne. But let’s face it, it’s not the cheapest of drinks. Especially when you are footing the bill. What if you don’t like Champagne, or if you don’t drink? Instead of serving up glasses of bubbly, why not try cocktails? The great thing about cocktails is there is a mix for every season and every mood, and they do not even need to be alcoholic. Plus they are a lot cheaper than traditional Champagne- What could be better?

Hot Weddings

These cocktails are light and refreshing. Perfect served over ice for sunny, warm weddings to cool you down.

Lemon Pie

This lemon flavored cocktail is the perfect treat for a zesty, citrus boost.

You will need:
1 bottle of vanilla vodka (750 ml)
1 bottle of Limoncello (375 ml)
1/2 bottle of lemon-lime soda or to taste
1 can of lemonade concentrate

How to make it:
1. Pour the Limoncello into a punchbowl.
2. Pour the lemonade into the bowl.
3. Add the vodka.
4. Place ice in a glass and pour the drink over the ice.
5. Finish off with a little soda.

Minty Magic

Another vodka-based cocktail with a minty taste. Perfect for keeping cool on sunny afternoons.

You will need:
3 whole mint leaves
Lime wedge
Ice
25ml of vodka

How to make it:
1. Place the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add lime juice by squeezing the wedge.
3. Add vodka and ice.
4. Shake it up!
5. Serve with a mint garnish.

For the children and drivers, try this delicious mocktails. They are just as delicious and refreshing but without a drop of alcohol.

Gentle Sea Breeze

This fruity mocktail is a refreshing, juicy treat.

You will need:
100ml cranberry juice
100ml grapefruit juice

How to make it:
1. Pour both juices into a mixer.
2. Shake until frothy.
3. Pour over ice.

Cool Weddings

When the temperature drops, try these cocktails to warm up your tastebuds.

Caribbean Coffee

This creamy decadent cocktail is perfect for cold weather weddings.

You will need:
30ml dark rum
15ml Kahlua
15ml Bailey’s
Coffee

How to make it:
1. Pour the Bailey’s into a coffee mug.
2. Add the Kahlua and rum.
3. Top up with coffee.
4. Stir.
5. Serve with a swirl of whipped cream.

Snowy Day

This warm drink is a twist on a Christmas classic.

You will need:
120ml eggnog
15ml white chocolate liquor
30ml Southern Comfort
Chocolate flakes

How to make it:
1. Pour the eggnog into a glass.
2. Add the liquor and Southern Comfort.
3. Stir until mixed.
4. Garnish with chocolate flakes.

Or how about this alcohol free suggestion?

Cinnamon Hug

This spicy drink is ideal for warming you up on frosty days.

You will need:
450ml apricot nectar
450ml apple juice
900ml cinnamon tea
4 cinnamon sticks
Ground cinnamon

How to make it:
1. Simmer the apricot nectar, apple juice and cinnamon sticks together for 5 minutes.
2. Take pan off the hob and remove the cinnamon sticks.
3. Add cinnamon tea.
4. Garnish with ground cinnamon.
5. Serve in a tea cup.

For a real treat, why not hire someone to shake the cocktails in front of you? They can perform great feats with the cocktail shakers to create fantastic visual displays- a brilliant form of entertainment! They work at all weddings but are particularly interesting at Las Vegas or James Bond themed weddings.

Cocktails make perfect wedding drinks. They’re something different from boring old Champagne- not to mention much cheaper too.