October 16, 2020

Most of our couples are interested in having a specialty cocktail, but many get discouraged when they find out the price that comes with it. Here you’ll find different ways to keep your specialty cocktail without breaking the bank.

Pick ingredients that are already in your Bar Package

Your bar package already comes with various types of liquor. By choosing a specialty cocktail made with items that are already in your package, you won’t have to upgrade or pay extra. Continue reading for ways to spruce up your everyday cocktail. Examples:

• Gin & Tonic: Gin, Tonic, and Lime
• Dirty Shirley: Vodka, Sprite, and Grenadine
• Red Wine Spritzer: Red wine with the choice of club soda or sprite
• Whiskey Sour: Whiskey, Lemon Juice, Sugar and Maraschino Cherry
• Mimosa: Champagne and Orange Juice
• Tequila Sunrise: Tequila, Orange Juice & Grenedine

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Ask how much it would cost to just add one “ingredient” to your package

Instead of paying for a specialty cocktail that has a bunch of unique flavors and ingredients, ask your catering/bar company how much it would cost to just add “one ingredient”. They may say it’s not possible and they’ll charge you a full cocktail price but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Examples:

• Ginger Beer (Moscow Mule or Dark and Stormy)
• Simple Syrup (Gimlet, French 75 or Daiquiri)
• Dry Vermouth (Martinis)
• Grapefruit Soda (Paloma)
• Mint (Mojitos)
• Aperol (Aperol Spritz)

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Upgrade your glassware

Elevate the bar experience without changing the entire package. Instead of paying hundreds for specialty ingredients, choose to upgrade your glassware for that instant Instagram worthy picture.

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Add a pretty garnish or decorative item

A pretty garnish can make a big impression, no matter what the specialty cocktail may be. Suggestions:

• Herbs: Rosemary, Basil, Mint, Lavender, Cilantro
• Fruit: Raspberry, Strawberry, Dried Orange Wedge, Pomegranate Seeds
• Traditional Bar Ingredients: Olives, Lemon Twist, Lime Wedge, Maraschino Cherries
• Decorative items: Patterned Paper Straw, Custom Drink Stirrers

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Design a cute sign

Whether it’s handmade, or purchased from Etsy, a specialty cocktail sign will make your cocktails stand out, even if they’re “basic”. The sign will place an emphasis on the fun drink combination and encourage your guests to give it a try.

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Upgrade your champagne toast

If your catering package includes a champagne toast and you don’t want champagne pre-set at the guest tables, ask if you can add a splash of juice and garnish to the champagne and instead pass them out during cocktail hour. There is your specialty cocktail!

Ball out

Or, you can just pay the price to have a killer cocktail. We wouldn’t judge, we love our pretty drinks for wedding day!

Photography Credit in order: Alexandra Lee, Lauren Ashley Studios, Dennis Lee, Megan Goggins, Megan Goggins, Lindsey Taylor, Grey Garden Creatives, Kristin La Voie

-Ohana Events