The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Drinks

Are you planning your big day and looking for the perfect drinks to serve? Choosing the right wedding drinks is an essential part of any special celebration. Whether you’re having a big, traditional wedding or an intimate gathering with close family and friends, selecting the perfect drinks for your wedding will set the tone for the entire event. From champagne toasts to signature cocktails, there are many options for finding beverages that will make everyone feel festive and in good spirits. 
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Drinks provides all the information you need to ensure your special day is perfect from start to finish. We'll explore the different wedding drinks available, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. This comprehensive guide will help ensure that you select the best possible glasses for your wedding and create a memorable celebration that fits within your budget and matches the theme of your wedding venue.

Perfect Wedding Drinks

Types Of Alcoholic Beverages to Consider for Your Special Day

When planning a special event such as a wedding, birthday, or anniversary, it is essential to consider the types of alcoholic beverages served. There are many different types of alcoholic drinks available, and each style has its unique flavor and characteristics. Some popular alcoholic beverages to consider when planning a special day include beer, wine, spirits, liqueurs, and mixed drinks. 

Beers:

Beer is one of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world due to its light taste and relatively low alcohol content. Various varieties of beer are available such as lagers, ales, pilsners, stouts, wheat beers, and more.

Beer

Lagers:

Lagers are the most popular beer type, characterized by their crisp, clean flavor and golden color. They are made with bottom-fermenting yeast and are typically fermented at cooler temperatures. Some famous examples of lagers include Budweiser, Coors, and Corona.

Ales:

Ales are a beer made with top-fermenting yeast and fermented at warmer temperatures. They tend to have a fuller, richer flavor and a more comprehensive range of colors, from golden to dark brown. Some famous examples of ales include IPA, stout, and porter.

Stouts:

​Stouts are a type of ale known for its dark color and robust and roasty flavor. They are made with roasted barley and sometimes have flavors of coffee, chocolate, or licorice. Some famous examples of stouts include Guinness and Newcastle Brown Ale.

Pale ales:

​Pale ales are a type of ale made with pale malts and hops. They tend to have a hoppy, citrusy flavor and a golden to amber color. Some famous examples of pale ales include Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Founder's All Day IPA.

Wheat Beers:

​Wheat beers are a beer made with a blend of wheat and barley. They tend to have a crisp, refreshing flavor and a hazy appearance. Some famous examples of wheat beers include Blue Moon and Hoegaarden.

Wine:

Wine is another popular type of alcoholic beverage that comes in wide varieties to choose from for your big day. Here are some types of wine:

White Wine

White wines are perfect for any occasion, whether a casual get-together or a formal affair. White wines are made from green or yellow grapes crushed and fermented without skins.

Red Wine

Red wines are ideal for winter celebrations or dinner parties. Red wines are made from red or black grapes that have been crushed and fermented with their skins still intact. 

Champagne

Champagne is a classic choice for any special occasion. This sparkling wine is produced in the Champagne region of France and is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Champagne is known for its light, refreshing, and bubbly taste.

Prosecco

Prosecco is another type of sparkling wine that is becoming increasingly popular. It originates from the Veneto region of Italy and is made from the Prosecco grape. Prosecco is typically less expensive than Champagne and has a slightly sweeter taste.

Pinot Noir

​Pinot noir is a light-bodied red wine that pairs well with various foods. It is often described as having delicate flavors of cherry and raspberry. Pinot noir is a good choice for those who do not typically like red wines, as it is less full-bodied or tannic than some other varieties.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a versatile white wine that can pair with various foods. It is often described as having citrus, apple, and pear flavors. Chardonnay is a good choice for a white wine that is not too dry or too sweet.

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine is a festive wine that is perfect for special occasions. It is usually made from the same grape varieties as still wines, such as chardonnay and pinot noir. Sparkling wine can be dry or sweet, depending on the style.

Rosé

Dessert wine is a sweet wine that is typically served after dinner. It can make from various grape types, but the most common are Muscat and Sauternes. Dessert wines are usually higher in sugar and alcohol than other wines, so they should consume in moderation.

Fortified Wine

Fortified wine is a type of wine that has distilled spirits added to it. The most common fortified wines are port and sherry. Fortified wines are typically sweeter and higher in alcohol than other wines.

Spirits:

Spirits are distilled liquors with high alcohol content, such as vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum, which can be enjoyed straight or mixed into cocktails. 

Vodka

Vodka is the most widely consumed spirit due to its neutral flavor profile that can easily enjoy neat or mixed into various drinks like martinis or cosmopolitans. 

Gin

Gin has a distinctive juniper berry flavor, making it an ideal choice for gin & tonics or Negronis. In contrast, whiskey has a rich caramel-like flavor that makes it perfect for sipping neat or mixing into an old-fashioned cocktail. 

Rum

Rum is another popular spirit with sweet notes that make it ideal for mixing into exotic tiki cocktails like Mai Tais or Pina Coladas. 

Liqueurs:

Liqueurs are sweetened spirits with added flavoring agents such as herbs or fruit juices that add complex flavor profiles to mixed drinks like Margaritas or White Russians. 

Amaretto

Amaretto is a sweet, almond-flavored liqueur that originated in Italy. It is made from a base of apricot pits or almonds and is often used in desserts or as an after-dinner drink. Amaretto can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other alcoholic beverages.

Bailey's Irish Cream

Bailey's Irish Cream is a famous cream liqueur that originated in Ireland. It is made from a base of Irish whiskey, cream, and chocolate and is often used in cocktails or as an after-dinner drink. Bailey's can be enjoyed or mixed with other alcoholic beverages.

Chambord

Chambord is a French raspberry liqueur made from a base of red and black raspberries, vanilla, and honey. It is often used in cocktails or as an after-dinner drink. Chambord can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other alcoholic beverages.

Drambuie

Drambuie is a Scottish whisky liqueur made from a base of single malt whisky, honey, herbs, and spices. It is often used in cocktails or as an after-dinner drink. Drambuie can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other alcoholic beverages.

Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier is a French orange liqueur made from a base of Cognac brandy and bitter orange peel. It is often used in cocktails or as an after-dinner drink. Grand Marnier can be enjoyed or mixed with other alcoholic beverages. 

Mixed Drinks:

Finally, there's the category of Mixed Drinks, which are created by combining two or more ingredients, including any combination of any number of alcohols together with juices, sodas, syrups, tonic waters, flavored waters, cream, etc.

Margaritas

Margaritas are a classic choice for any special occasion. They can be made with various liquors, including tequila, vodka, and rum. You can also add fruit juices, such as orange juice or grapefruit juice, to give your margarita a unique flavor.

Mojitos

Mojitos are another refreshing choice for a special occasion. They are traditionally made with rum, mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar. You can also add fruit juices or sparkling wine to your mojito to give it an extra special touch.

Daiquiris

​Daiquiris are another popular choice for a special occasion. They can be made with rum, vodka, or tequila and are often flavored with fruit juices or syrups. You can add sparkling wine or club soda to your daiquiri to give it a bit of fizz.

Pina Coladas

Pina Coladas are a tropical choice that is perfect for any special occasion. They are made with rum, coconut milk, and pineapple juice. You can also add other fruit juices or syrups to your pina colada to give it a unique flavor. 

Types Of Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Consider for Your Special Day

Non-alcoholic beverages are essential to any wedding, and you must offer various options to suit your guests' preferences. From soda to mocktails, there are many non-alcoholic beverage options to consider. Here is a closer look at some of the most popular types of non-alcoholic beverages for weddings:

Soda:

Soda is a classic wedding choice and can be a refreshing option for guests. There are many types of soda to choose from, including cola, lemon-lime, and root beer. When selecting soda options for your wedding, consider offering a variety of flavors to appeal to different tastes. It's also important to consider dietary restrictions, such as caffeine sensitivity or sugar restrictions.

Iced tea:

Iced tea is another popular choice for weddings and can be a refreshing option on a hot day. There are many types of iced tea to choose from, including sweet tea, unsweetened tea, and flavored teas. When selecting iced tea options for your wedding, consider offering a variety of flavors to appeal to different tastes. It's also important to consider dietary restrictions, such as caffeine sensitivity or sugar restrictions.

Lemonade:

Lemonade is a refreshing and versatile choice for weddings, with many types to choose from. You can choose classic lemonade, flavored lemonade, or a combination. When selecting lemonade options for your wedding, consider offering a variety of flavors to appeal to different tastes. It's also important to consider any dietary restrictions, such as sugar restrictions.

Mocktails:

​Mocktails, or non-alcoholic cocktails, are a popular choice for weddings and offer the opportunity to create a signature drink for the celebration. Many mocktail recipes range from fruity and tropical to sophisticated and refined. When selecting mocktail options for your wedding, consider the couple's preferences and the wedding's theme. You can also consider incorporating seasonal ingredients or pieces, such as using pumpkin spice for a fall wedding or tropical fruits for a beach wedding.

Juice

Juice is a refreshing beverage that is available in many different flavors. It is important to choose juices made with 100% fruit juice that do not contain added sugars.

Considerations When Purchasing Alcoholic Beverages for Your Big Day

When planning a wedding or another special celebration, one of the essential elements to consider is the selection and purchase of alcoholic beverages. The type, quantity, and quality of drinks you serve can influence your event's success and impact the overall cost. Here are some key considerations when purchasing alcoholic beverages for your big day: