Cocktails are an integral part of any celebration. While many couples are choosing to step up their creativity by designing signature cocktails that complement their day and relationship, it’s time to think outside of the box! When Realm planned the “Feel Something” event in Denver, the event team wanted to make the beverage experience more memorable, experiential, playful, and even, unexpected. Take notes from the boozy beverage presentation below to inspire your upcoming wedding celebration! And, pin the cocktail recipes for future indulgence!
Tips for Serving Traditional Drinks in an Untraditional Way
Opt for branded bottles vs. basic glassware
Create a fun way to display the cocktails
Custom stencils for the top of a drink make for the perfect photo moment
Select “vibey” glassware
Serve caffeine inclusive cocktails in small servings as a “welcome” moment to get the party started
Keep reading to learn more about how the talented vendors succeeded on the above!
Create Energy Via Experience
If you want your wedding guests to have a good time, you have to create an experience for them to thrive in! It goes without saying that the beverage service design can boost the direction of the energy in the room. To ensure guests at the “Feel Something” had an incredible time, the event staff wanted them to feel a boost of energy as soon as they walked in the door. To do this they placed a graffitied vintage fridge in the entrance. It was accented with glowing lights and had smoking dry ice when the door opened. Inside it was stocked with mini bottled espresso martinis crafted by GB Culinary. This bold drink set the tone but was approachable in size for all. Nothing says “let’s dance” like an epic entrance drink that provides an experience and a zing of caffeine!
Handsome Love hand drew illustrations and icons on the fridge to give it a “tattoo” feel which really complemented the overall theme of the event. And, Fredo Jones (lighting designer), added a color changing light, so it was a new colorway every time it opened.
Create Instagrammable Moments
Nothing says people enjoyed a party like posts all over Instagram to showcase the fun that was had – because after all, did the party even happen if everyone didn’t take photos of their cocktail? 😉
Create a buzz by serving pretty cocktails. For this specific event, 2 stencils were designed. A yin yang and a spade.
Select Glassware to Let the Drinks’ Personalities Shine
GB Culinary served up 3 specialty cocktails at “Feel Something.” As we mentioned, serving your drinks in “vibey” glassware is important for the complete look and experience. Work with your bartender and rentals team to select glassware that suits the drink and invites guests to enjoy it!
Below, we’re sharing the recipes. Be sure to Pin the recipes that make your mouth water!
BCUZ THE NITE
Our take on the Espresso Martini starts the party with a pick-me-up. The horchata adds a creamy cinnamon expression to this popular cocktail.
Recipe:
1 oz Vodka
1 oz Cold Brew Coffee or Espresso
1 oz Horchata
*Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe or martini glass — or a fun mini bottle!
Neon Sign
A floral, not too sweet/not too tart tequila cocktail that adds a splash of color to the cocktail lineup. Sure to not only snag guests’ attention but to light up their taste buds as well.
Recipe:
1.5 oz Blanco Tequila
1.5 oz Hibiscus Tea
1 oz Orange Juice
.5 oz Lime Juice
.25 oz Agave
1 oz Aquafaba
*Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe or martini glass. For garnish, dried hibiscus petals (used to make the hibiscus tea) can be ground to a powder and lightly dusted atop this foamy cocktail.
Hatcho Old Fashioned
A fun take on the classic. The miso is subtle and comes through with a slight umami flavor note at the end. A little extra orange keeps this cocktail juicy and earthy all in the same sip.
Recipe:
2 oz Bourbon
1 Bar Spoon (about a teaspoon) Miso Old Fashioned Simple Syrup
Splash of Fresh Orange
*Add miso old fashioned simple syrup to the bottom of a rocks glass with a small splash of orange juice and give it a quick stir. Add bourbon and ice. Stir again and garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel.
To make the Miso Simple Syrup:
2/3 Cup Sugar
2.5 oz Water
2 oz Aromatic Bitters
1.5 Tbs Hatcho Miso
*Combine sugar, water and Hatcho miso in a saucepan, bring to a simmer and whisk to combine. Turn off heat and add bitters.
