With May being the first official summer month, it brings with it our first true taste of hot weather. A refreshing signature cocktail can help pull together a seasonal theme, set a light and festive mood for your wedding and relieve your guests from the summer heat. Consider these tasty cocktails for your reception, rehearsal dinner, or, of course, your cocktail hour.
The Sparkling Julep *a unique twist on a classic southern favorite.
Muddle a handful of mint leaves and simple syrup
Add some crushed ice
Stir in Kentucky Bourbon (2 oz.)
Top with a splash of Champagne
* First muddle the mint and simple syrup, then add ice and bourbon. Finally add a splash of champagne and garnish with a lemon twist and sprig of fresh mint.
Fresh Grapefruit Martini *nothing is as refreshing a fresh squeezed juice
Fresh squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
Vodka
A splash of Rose Water
* garnish with a thin slice of red grapefruit will make this drink look as refreshing as it tastes. A sugar rim is optional for a sweeter treat.
Champagne Mojito *add some fizz to that trendy South American cocktail
Rose's lime juice
1/2 lime wheel
Fresh mint leaves
Champagne
Fresh mint sprig (for garnish)
* fill 1/8th of a champagne flute with Rose's lime juice and add the lime wheel and mint leaves. Fill the rest of the glass with champagne and garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
Cherry Blossom *celebrate the blooms of spring and summer
Three Olives Cherry vodka (1 1/2 oz.)
Orange juice (1/2 oz.)
Grenadine (1/4 oz.)
Red Bull (1/4 oz.)
Maraschino cherry
* pour first four ingredients over ice, shake, and garnish with a maraschino cherry. This cocktail was created for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.
