How to Pick a Signature Cocktail for Your Vow Renewal

Q: Everyone’s talking about signature cocktails. What are they, and how do I pick one?

A: A signature cocktail is a personalized drink that reflects your personality, theme, or preferences. It’s typically served during the cocktail hour of a vow renewal or wedding reception and adds a unique, customized touch to your event. While signature cocktails usually contain alcohol, you can certainly make non-alcoholic versions to accommodate all your guests. Whether you already have a favorite drink that people associate with you, or you want to create one from scratch, here’s a guide to help you pick or design the perfect signature cocktail.

1. How to Choose a Signature Cocktail

Reflect Your Personality

A great place to start is by thinking about your own favorite drinks or any particular cocktail that holds special meaning to you and your partner. Do you always order the same cocktail when you go out together? Do you have a favorite bar where you had a memorable date? Use these personal experiences as inspiration.

Work with a Bartender or Caterer

If you’re not sure where to start, work with your bartender or caterer to create something unique for your event. They can help you experiment with flavors, ingredients, and presentation until you find something that feels just right.

Create One Together

You and your spouse can have fun crafting a cocktail together that reflects both of your tastes. You can opt for one drink to represent you both or have his-and-hers cocktails—one for each of you, showing off your individual preferences.

Choose a Color to Match Your Theme

One popular option is to select a cocktail based on its color so that it coordinates with your overall wedding or vow renewal theme. If your event has a specific color palette, finding a drink that matches can create a visually cohesive look.

Pick a Base Liquor

Another approach is to focus on the type of liquor you both enjoy. You might prefer gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, or tequila as the foundation of your signature cocktail. From there, you can add flavors and mixers that complement the base spirit.

Use the Season for Inspiration

The time of year can offer great inspiration for your signature cocktail. Seasonal flavors like apple, pear, or cinnamon for fall events or fresh citrus and berries for summer will help your drink align with the mood of your celebration.

Get Creative with the Name

Once you’ve crafted your cocktail, give it a fun and memorable name. You can name it after yourselves, the theme of your vow renewal, or a favorite memory. Think about something that will make your guests smile when they see it on the menu!

2. Signature Cocktail Ideas by Theme and Season

Here are a few suggestions for signature cocktails based on seasons, colors, and base spirits to inspire your selection:

Fall Vow Renewal Cocktails

• Appletini: A crisp blend of vodka, apple schnapps, and a splash of fresh apple juice.
• Pear Martini: A sophisticated mix of vodka, pear liqueur, and a hint of lemon juice.
• Hard Apple Cider: Serve chilled or warm with cinnamon sticks for a seasonal touch.

Summer Vow Renewal Cocktails

• Passion Fruit Mojito: A refreshing twist on the classic mojito with rum, passion fruit puree, lime, and mint.
• Raspberry Rickey: A light and fruity cocktail featuring gin, fresh raspberries, lime juice, and soda water.
• Citrus Sangria: White wine, orange liqueur, and an array of fresh citrus fruits, perfect for outdoor celebrations.

Signature Cocktails by Color

• Red:
  • Cosmopolitan: A classy choice featuring vodka, cranberry juice, lime, and a splash of triple sec.
  • Strawberry Daiquiri: Blend fresh strawberries with rum and lime for a sweet and tangy frozen treat.
  • Red Wine Sangria: Combine red wine, brandy, and seasonal fruits for a crowd-pleasing punch.
• Orange:
  • Orange Creamsicle: Vodka, orange juice, vanilla cream soda, and a touch of cream make this a nostalgic favorite.
  • Champagne Punch: Champagne, orange liqueur, and fresh orange slices create a sparkling celebration.
  • Fuzzy Navel: A simple yet popular drink with peach schnapps and orange juice.

• Yellow

  • Lemon Drop Martini: Vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup served in a sugared-rim glass.
  • Mango Margarita: Tequila, mango puree, lime juice, and triple sec blended to perfection.
  • Whiskey Sour: A tangy mixture of whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar.

  Green

  • Cucumber Mojito: Rum, fresh mint, lime, soda water, and cucumber for a refreshing twist on the classic mojito.
  • Midori Sour: Midori (melon liqueur), lemon, and lime juice create a vibrant, green cocktail.
  • Appletini: Vodka, apple schnapps, and fresh apple juice make for a crisp and refreshing drink.

  Blue

  • Blue Lagoon: Vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade give this drink its tropical hue.
  • Blue Hawaiian: Rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and coconut cream create a vacation in a glass.
  • Blueberry Collins: Gin, fresh blueberries, lemon juice, and soda water make for a colorful and refreshing cocktail.

  Purple

  • Violet Fizz: Gin, crème de violette, and soda water create a floral and fizzy cocktail.
  • Purple Rain: Vodka, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, and grenadine create a striking deep purple drink.
  • Blackberry Bramble: Gin, fresh blackberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup combine for a fruity, purple-colored drink.

Signature Cocktails by Base Spirit

• Vodka:
  • Lemon Drop Martini: Vodka, lemon juice, and sugar for a tart yet sweet cocktail.
  • Moscow Mule: Vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice served in a classic copper mug.
• Gin:
  • French 75: Gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup for an elegant and bubbly cocktail.
  • Negroni: Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth for those who prefer a bitter, sophisticated drink.
  • Gin and Tonic: Classic, refreshing, and easy to customize with different botanicals.
• Whiskey:
  • Whiskey Sour: A mix of whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup for a balanced, refreshing cocktail.
  • Old Fashioned: Bourbon, sugar, bitters, and an orange peel for a classic and timeless drink.
  • Mint Julep: Bourbon, mint, and sugar over crushed ice—perfect for warm weather.
• Rum
  • Pina Colada: Rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice for a tropical classic.
  • Dark ‘n’ Stormy: Dark rum, ginger beer, and lime juice for a spicy, bold drink.

Non-Alcoholic Signature Cocktails

If you’d like to include a non-alcoholic option, a mocktail can serve as a signature drink for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol:

• Cucumber Mint Lemonade: A refreshing blend of cucumber, mint, and lemonade.
• Cranberry Spritzer: Cranberry juice, sparkling water, and lime slices for a festive touch.
• Peach Iced Tea: Brewed tea with fresh peach puree and a touch of honey for a southern-inspired twist.

Presenting Your Signature Cocktail

Once you’ve decided on your signature cocktail(s), how you present them can be just as fun. Consider creating a beautifully designed sign that explains the ingredients and name of your cocktail. Place it at the bar or drink station for guests to see when ordering. You can also have your bartender announce the signature drinks to encourage guests to try them.

Hot Tip:

If you’re offering two signature cocktails (one for each spouse), set them up as competing drinks and have guests vote for their favorite by placing a token in a jar! It’s a fun and interactive way to engage your guests.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a signature cocktail for your vow renewal is a fun way to add a personal touch to your celebration. Whether you opt for a seasonal favorite, a drink that reflects your relationship, or a color-coordinated masterpiece, your guests will love the creativity and thoughtfulness behind your choice. So, shake things up and toast to love with a unique and memorable drink that perfectly complements your special day!