Signature Sips: Your Wedding Cocktail Selection Guide

Signature cocktails are a great way to score some stylish points at your Nigerian wedding reception without breaking the bank. With so many cocktail options, selecting the right one can be overwhelming, so fret not, Sugar! Weddings' got you covered.

"Buzz" Factor
Much as you may want your guests to 'buzzed', It's probably not a great idea if they miss out on all the fun. You don't want them tucked away in the toilet, throwing up your precious wedding culinary selections. Be sure to have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Colours
The cocktail glass is your canvas here. You can have just about any drink colour or even a blend of colours, okay maybe not the 'Burberry' pattern in your aso-oke, but you get my drift. Start with your wedding colour palette is a great place to start.

Get Creative
Make up your own cocktail from scratch, complete with a unique name. Visit your favourite bar with your partner and experiment with the bartender, tell him/her your taste and colour preferences you'll be surprised at what you come up with. Or for a 'steamier' process, gather your favourite liquors, juices, sodas, garnishes...etc, and have a cocktail selection night (or day....hey whatever floats your boat) with your partner. You both may be a lot more creative than you think.

So now that you know everything you need, here are some of our favourite recipes to get you started.

Watermelon Mojito
Mix limes, mint and syrup in a bar mixing shaker. Add ice and then watermelon puree and light rum. Shake vigorously. Pour into a highball or Collins glass, top with club soda or ginger ale. Garnish with a wedge of watermelon and fresh mint.
Recipe source: foodnetwork.com

Chocolate Expresso Martini
Wipe the rim of a chilled, oversized martini glass with lemon wedge. Pour sugar and chopped bittersweet chocolate into a saucer and mix well. Dip glass rim in mixture and roll to thoroughly coat rim.

Over a large handful of ice in a cocktail shaker, pour espresso, vodka, and creme de cacao. Shake until frothy. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish rim with a twist.
Recipe source: foodnetwork.com

Baby Bellini (non-alcholic)
Pour some peach nectar into a champagne flute then slowly add chilled sparkling cider. Voila! You have a chic 'champagne' cocktail without the alcohol.
Recipe source: about.com

By A. Ejums

Written by Sugar Weddings