How To Choose The Perfect Drink To Compliment Your Wedding Day
Food and beverage selections are such an important part of any wedding day. Especially for a backyard wedding. And when you have a backyard wedding, your guests experience a completely different atmosphere. In other words, instead of all gathering at a wedding venue, you and your guest gather at your home, the place you love most in the world. This is why the food and drink that you serve should be just as intimately and intentionally selected as everything else. And if you’re serving cocktails at your wedding, there is no exception. Let’s break down the top 10 cocktails that are perfect for a backyard wedding day.
How to serve cocktails the right way at your wedding
Before we dive into our top 10 list, there are a few things to note when serving cocktails at your backyard wedding. The most important note is; responsibly serving cocktails. It’s important to disclose when alcohol is pre-mixed into a beverage, and you want to be sure to have any and all alcohol clearly labeled. Be sure not to over-serve cocktails. Have a trusted friend or bartender administer drinks to ensure no one is over-served, and everyone drinks responsibly.
Another tip on serving cocktails at your backyard wedding is serving with style. Be sure to have fun with how you choose to serve drinks. You can use fancy and fun glasses, drink ornaments and create names for your cocktails other than the traditional names. For instance, instead of naming a cocktail “vodka tonic,” name it after the bride and groom!
cocktails perfect for drinking outdoors
Not all cocktails are equal. Some cocktails are more enjoyable to drink indoors by the fire when it’s cold out, like bourbon. And other cocktails are more fun in the summertime! For instance, a margarita might be the perfect compliment to your summertime backyard wedding! When browsing our list below, take into consideration the type of event you holding and which cocktail might be perfect for your outdoor wedding!
01. the margarita
The margarita is a perfect cocktail option for fun and outgoing weddings! Plus, its casual feel is perfect for any backyard wedding. You can create many variations of margaritas, such as coconut, jalapeño, watermelon, and on! Serve your backyard wedding margaritas in a fun tumbler with salt around the rim. These are the perfect cocktail for serving with a drink ornament like an umbrella. Explore margarita recipes here. >
02. Gin and Grapefruit Fizz
A fizz cocktail is perfect for the summertime! Even more perfect for a backyard wedding. Create smooth gin and grapefruit fizz cocktails to give your guests refreshing beverages! You can serve these in an individual or with a larger punch bowl. You can also include real grapefruit pieces inside the cocktail, both for aesthetics and taste! Explore fine and grapefruit fizz recipes here. >
03. Tequila-Thyme lemonade
This adult lemonade is perfect for any backyard wedding. The taste of thyme and lemon will transform any experience into a true summertime getaway. These cocktails may require some creating, so make sure to have a bartender on duty if you choose this option. And if you have a home garden in your backyard, serving this cocktail with your home-grown thyme is much more special for your guests. Explore tequila-thyme lemonade recipes here. >
04. mint julep
The classic mint julep is an enjoyable cocktail to have outdoors in a relaxing setting like your backyard. Serve this cocktail in a clear tumbler with added mint on top for garnishing! Plus, you can name this cocktail something cute like “mint to be” for your wedding day. Explore mint julep recipes here. >
05. pina colada
Much like the Margarita, the Pina Colada is a cocktail that brings the party! If you’re having your backyard wedding during the summertime, consider a Pina Colada as a cocktail. Especially if you’re getting married near the water. This cocktail has a ton of flavor and is fun to dress up! You can be heavy with drink ornaments and garnishments for Pina Coladas. For example, consider serving with skewers of fruit and fun straws! Explore Pina colada recipes here. >
06. mojito
The mojito is another amazing choice for your backyard wedding cocktail. You can make many variations of mojitos, including strawberry, classic, coconut, and more! All flavors are perfect for the outdoors and the backyard! You can serve mojitos in tall “highball” glasses and garnish them with fruit. Explore mojito recipes here. >
07. sangria
Sangria is a great backyard wedding punch option! Serve your favorite recipe of sangria in a large punch bowl for your guests to serve themselves. You can also serve this as a large, salon-size drink dispenser. Sangria is fun to play around with and includes a lot of fruit garnishing. Explore sangria recipes here. >
08. summer Bloody Mary
The summer Bloody Mary is very different than the classic Bloody Mary. With the summer variation, you use vodka and cherry tomatoes along with seltzer, basil, and pepper! You still get the classic peppery taste of a Bloody Mary but with a fresh summertime twist. Explore Bloody Mary recipes here. >
09. caipirinha
Caipirinhas are a Brazilian cocktail and come in so many variations! Ginger and lime are usually involved with many caipirinha variations, so this cocktail is a bit refreshing. This is perfect for a lighter cocktail with a refreshing taste. Explore caipirinha recipes here. >
10. Paloma
Paloma’s are not just a great cocktail for your backyard wedding, but they also make a great decor piece! Paloma’s have several variations but are typically served with grapefruit and tequila. You can serve Paloma’s in tumblers with salt around the rim. Grapefruit slices also make a great garnishing for this cocktail. Explore Paloma recipes here. >
How to choose your backyard wedding cocktail
Choosing your wedding day cocktail may not be the easiest choice. However, there are a few short tricks to making sure you choose the perfect one for your day. Ask yourself what you wouldn’t mind tasting multiple times in one night. Is there a cocktail that your guests would enjoy more? Out of your considerations, is there a favorite cocktail of your choice? Remember to have fun by pairing a cocktail with your special day. And do so responsibly. A signature cocktail or two can be a fun way to emphasize your entire backyard experience for yourself and your guests.
Do you have a few cocktail ideas already in mind? Keep track of all your ideas as they come using our free Notion board template! This template is free and easy to use. Use it to store wedding ideas that pop into your head, ongoing to-do’s, and any backyard tips and tricks you find.
