Ah, the wedding. That wonderful day when you say “I do” to the person you love… and everyone secretly waits for the moment when the glasses start clinking. Let's not kid ourselves: the cocktail hour is one of the most anticipated moments for your guests. And for good reason! It sets the tone, it sets the mood, and it can transform a moving ceremony into an unforgettable evening.
So, what cocktail should you serve at a wedding ? Should you play it safe with the classics? Dare to be original? Go for alcohol-free so you don't end up with Uncle Jean-Michel dancing on the tables? Stay tuned: we'll tell you everything, with a good dose of practical advice and a touch of lightness (we promise, no more than 40% alcohol per paragraph).
Even before the petits fours arrive, the glasses are already full. And that's no coincidence. The cocktail is more than just a drink: it's the opening of the festivities .
It relaxes guests, it warms hearts (and sometimes cheeks), it encourages exchanges between the two families. In short, it sets the tone . So, it's best not to miss it.
A good cocktail is a bit like a good father-in-law joke: if it falls flat, everyone remembers it... but not for the right reasons.
Champagne is chic. It's classic. A bit like a wedding dress : elegant, expected, but sometimes predictable. And let's be honest, it's been around a lot. Sure, it has its place at one point or another during the wedding. But if you want your guests to take home a sparkling memory of your reception, you'll need a little more creativity.
A signature cocktail, a mojito bar, or even a twist on a classic can make all the difference. And while you might think "the stronger the better," we're going to qualify that.
Whether you prefer red fruits, bubbles or exotic flavors, there is bound to be a cocktail for you and your guests.
Let's start with the sure things. The ones we no longer need to introduce, but we still love. These cocktails are perfect if you don't want to take too many risks.
Champagne is chic. It's classic. And, let's be honest, it's been around for a while. Much like the bohemian wedding dress , it has its charm and its place at one point or another during the wedding. But if you want your guests to take home a sparkling memory of your reception, you'll need a little more creativity.
A little tip: bring a non-alcoholic version. The "Virgin Mojito" is also a hit.
With its pretty orange color and mild bitterness, the Spritz has conquered terraces... and weddings. It's easy to prepare in large quantities, and it adds a sunny touch to any reception.
Do you like it a little spicy? The Margarita is here to liven things up. With lime, tequila, and a hint of salt, it sets the tone from the first sip. Be careful not to overdo it: your grandmother didn't sign up for a remake of "The Hangover."
Want to get off the beaten track? Perfect. Here are some ideas to make a lasting impression.
Why not create your own cocktail? A mix that tells your story, your tastes, your memories. Some examples:
“Love on the Beach” (with or without a flirty wink)
The “Yes-Piña Colada”
The “French Kiss Fizz”
All you need is a good mixologist and a little imagination. And hey presto, you have a unique cocktail, all yours.
It's the big trend: infusing fruits, herbs or even flowers in alcohol (gin, vodka, rum). The result: a fragrant, original, and often very pretty cocktail, with delicate hues worthy of a princess wedding dress .
Special mention goes to the lavender or rosemary-infused gin. Elegant and delicious.
Want to make a statement? Opt for cocktails that stand out visually. A little dry smoke, a bright color, a unique ice cube... and your guests will be pulling out their phones before they even take their first sip.
Because a wedding isn't a bachelor party. You have to think of everyone.
Got kids around? Pregnant women? Or just people who prefer to stay sober? Don't leave them with a poor orange juice.
Offer a great menu of mocktails , those non-alcoholic cocktails that are just as good as the classic versions. Here are some ideas that work every time:
Virgin mojito (lemon, mint, sparkling water, sugar)
Grapefruit tonic (grapefruit juice, tonic, rosemary)
Mango-passion-pineapple smoothie
And if you can serve it to them in the same glasses as alcoholic cocktails, even better. We don't want to stigmatize water drinkers.
Some people like to drink... slowly. For them, opt for lighter wine or champagne-based cocktails:
The Kir Royal
Grapefruit rosé
Bellini (peach purée + prosecco)
It's festive, it's fruity, and it's less strong than tequila.
We've talked flavors, colors, and ambiance. But it's time to talk logistics. Because a cocktail, just like choosing a mermaid wedding dress , can't be prepared at the last minute with a straw and goodwill.
The best option if you want to keep things running smoothly? Hire a bartender or a mobile cocktail bar.
They arrive with their gear, their fruit, their good humor... and sometimes even their vintage van. Result:
Less stress for you
More fun for your guests
Better-measured cocktails (and therefore fewer spills)
How many cocktails should you plan for? That's a question worth its weight in peanuts. On average, expect:
2 to 3 cocktails per person for the reception
Then, you can choose between wine at the table or lighter cocktails.
And remember: it's better to overplan than underplan. Otherwise, you'll end up with 40 adults—including one in a short wedding dress —playing rock-paper-scissors for the last sip of mojito.
It's tempting: a few large jars, some taps, and hey presto, the guests help themselves. Yes, but...
This requires a lot of organization in advance.
Mixes can quickly turn into anything
Some guests suddenly think they're Tom Cruise in "Cocktail"
In short, handle with care.
A good cocktail is good. A good cocktail well presented is even better.
Invest in some pretty glasses (or rent them), avoid plastic straws, and opt for XXL ice cubes or ice cubes with fruit/flowers inside. Your photos will thank you later.
You can rename your cocktails with nods to your relationship: “The meeting at the bar”, “First kiss”, “The intoxication of marriage”… The opportunity to make your guests smile with each order. For more ideas, check out this article on which cocktail for a wedding .
Why not display cocktail menus with a touch of humor?
“As long as we love each other, let’s serve each other”
“To be consumed in moderation… or with Uncle Roger, as you prefer”
“The more we drink, the more we love each other (or vice versa)”
There's no one-size-fits-all recipe. The best wedding cocktail is the one that delights you, makes your guests smile, and fits in with the mood of your day.
Whether it's sparkling, fruity, floral or explosive, your wedding cocktail should make an impression... but not necessarily a hit.
So, grab your shakers, your fresh mints, and your crazy ideas. Health, happiness, and long live the newlyweds!