Since we talked about extended cocktail hour in our last post, we felt it was only fitting to talk up the actual cocktails this time around! And not just the fan favorites (although we love those old faithfuls + an ice luge or two, when the occasion calls for it…), but the drinks that our couples choose for their signature sips. Whether it’s something he likes or she likes, or something they think up together, because it’s the go-to when they go out or stay in, the drinks they deem appropriate for their special day are our pleasure to make!

We’ve seen a lot of them over the years, too, and we’re constantly getting re-inspired by couples who want to add a personalized potable to their party. From tying-the-knot-themed tipples, to delightful seasonal drinks, there really isn’t a limit to how creative couples can go with their curated cups (or coupes, of course).

Here are a few things we, at Leonard’s Palazzo, consider when it comes to signature cocktails, but let’s not forget, everything we do is for our hosts’ joy and to fulfill their dreams. Soooo, drink up on the details! And let us know if anything has you buzzed…

You can never fail if you go festive.
Even as I say festive, I’m starting to count down the days until PSLs are off the menu everywhere. So, couples don’t have a huge window of time if they want to incorporate seasonality or holiday hype into their spirits. That’s why our mixologists love it when brides and grooms come to them with a flavor profile that’s perfect for the time of year they get married. Right now, we’re seeing a TON of clients interested in incorporating cider, cranberry and/or pear into their signature cocktails: from cranberry margaritas to apple cider bellinis (be still our hearts).

And with Halloween happening this week, we’ve seen a Malibu Bay Breeze renamed “Malibu Slay Breeze,” complete with gluttonous gummy brains oozing off the rims.

It only gets better as the holiday season goes on, too. Gingerbread or peppermint martinis, accented with miniature candy canes are the kind of Santa-worthy sips that not only go over well with clients and their Christmas wishes, but resonate well with guests, too. It’s a fun way to celebrate the newlyweds and also nod to Noel.

Wedding wording will always work.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue (if that blue were Malibu, pineapple juice, Sprite & Blue Curacao, that is). All of the fun wedding-related, crossword-worthy words are solid gold when it comes to giving thoughtful names to a couples’ celebratory creation. We’ve featured “Blushing Brides” before and “Wedding Bell-inis” and they never get old, especially if creative signage is involved. It’s all part of those Instagrammable moments guests want to capture at the wedding. If they can sip on something delicious and tag the bride and groom in the signage, it’s a great thing.

Play the name game.
Who hasn’t dreamt of seeing their name in the title of their favorite cocktail? It’s pretty special, right? Don’t worry if your new last name isn’t exactly ‘Daiquiri’ or ‘Manhattan,’ though how cute if you were the ‘HattEns’ and could have your drink match: ‘The Manhatten?’ So great! We’ve seen mixed drinks called “The Mad Max” and “The Amazing Grace.” For a bride, of course, who was amazing! Some people argue that changing the name of a standard cocktail just to “pander” to the couple is pointless – because it confuses guests – but really, it’s all for fun! Cheekiness for the win!

Remember to K.I.S.S.
Not too hard a task when you’ve just said ‘I Do’ to your soulmate, are we right?! As much as we cater to whatever whims our couples have, when it comes to fine-tuning their cocktails – we try to advise them as much as possible to ‘keep it simple, sweeties!’ For a lot of reasons, too. 1) During cocktail hour, no guest wants to have to wait around at the bar for an indeterminable amount of time just to get their drink // because the bartender is mixing up magic behind the counter. It should be a fairly easy recipe to follow, so that it’s quick to prepare and quick to serve up. 2) When something standard is offered, most guests can usually get on board with no questions asked. If it’s as easy as a Tequila Sunrise, with a cute sentiment about the couple meeting each other in college and staying up, drinking tequila through the sunrise together, then guests will understand the meaning and want to indulge – if only to honor the guests of honor. 3) Simple also means suggestive. Guests will inevitably be going up to the bar and thinking about what they want / looking for reccos. If your signature cocktail(s) can be customizable with a number of different core liquors, they’ll be a lot more approachable to your guests. 🙌🙌🙌 for universally palate-pleasing picks!

But if a signature drink isn’t something you’re sold on, for the cocktail hour or reception service, then champagne can be passed around, instead. No troubles with lots of lots of bubbles! We’re also happy to create a special bespoke sip for the bride and her tribe to try when they’re all getting ready in the morning. Mimosas and bellinis are never in short supply in our bridal suites, so what’s one extra step to name a cocktail after the soon-to-be wifey on her wedding day?