COCKTAILS, WINE, AND BEER

by Diana Waldron

date posted: March 09, 2018

Whether it’s beer, wine, a unique cocktail, or sparkling juice, there is something ceremonious about imbibing a drink during a special occasion—it creates a sense of community and joy.

Deciding what type of drinks you’d like to serve at your wedding can be overwhelming, and having an open bar can quickly put you beyond your budget.

To minimize stress and reduce your expenses, try blending your own signature cocktail in large batches to put in punch bowls or pitchers throughout the venue for guests to enjoy. It’s quick, it’s self-serve, and it’s easy.

This is a great way to control portion sizes and monitor how much is being used.

You can also designate times when certain drinks will be served—for example, serving champagne during the toast and speeches.

Here are a few things to think about when it comes to providing your guests with their drinks of choice:

Consider the time of your wedding. Is it a morning wedding? Or will it be on a Friday night? A Sunday afternoon? The time and day will greatly impact the amount of alcohol that people wish to drink.

Know your guests. Consider your own personal preference, as well as your guests’, when it comes to beverage options.

Are you a light drinker? Or is drinking something that you feel will be an important aspect of your wedding? If you know that your family members tend to like wine, offer more wine and less hard liquor.

To add a creative touch, consider the following ALTERNATIVE SPECIALTY BAR OPTIONS:

diy Bar

A fun, creative way for people to build and mix their own drinks. Or, keep it simple with beer and wine, and consider offering selections from local Hudson Valley wineries and breweries.

To minimize stress and reduce your expenses, try blending your own signature cocktail in large batches to put in punch bowls or pitchers throughout the venue for guests to enjoy.

Craft Beer Bar

Support local breweries by featuring two or three of their signature craft brews on tap.

Reclaimed Cart Bar

A fun and stylish way to allow guests to help themselves is to place reclaimed cart bars throughout your reception—it prevents long waits on the line at the main bar, or can be a simple way to avoid an open bar altogether.

Non-Alcoholic Drinksr

Whether there are young children or guests who simply don’t drink alcohol, it’s always nice to offer other beverages, such as a specialty homemade lemonade, ginger ale, or iced tea.

binnewater

Kingston, 845-331-0237, www.binnewater.com

It is very important to keep guests hydrated for any event, large or small. Binnewater can provide New York’s finest spring water and Mountain Valley Spring Water, in addition to ice for keeping those drinks nice and cool.

ester wine and spirits

Kingston, 845-331-1921, www.esterwine.com

Ester is a small neighborhood shop run by folks who are passionate about wine and spirits. They have a small yet stunning showroom with hand-selected craft inventory made by boutique distilleries and wineries from all over the world. Ester focuses on biodynamic and natural production to provide you and your guests with healthy and flavorful wines to savor on your special day.

miron wine & spirits

Kingston, 845-336-5155, www.mironwineandspirits.com

Located in the heart of Kingston’s retail district, Miron Wine & Spirits carries an extensive selection of fine domestic and imported wines, as well as everyday favorites, at a great price. Our wide selection of spirits ranges from unbeatable bargain vodkas to exceptional single malt scotches, and includes unique and hard to find liqueurs and cordials. The Hudson Valley’s premier source for wine and spirits, Miron has your wedding day beverage needs covered.

peony vodka

Millerton, 845-702-3903, www.peonyvodka.com

Peony Vodka was created to celebrate country living, drawing its inspiration from Dutchess County’s sparkling meadows, rushing brooks, stone walls, and inviting trails. Operations take place in an 18th-century farmhouse on 200 acres, boasting luscious rows of peony flowers that burst into fragrant bloom each June. Tastes great on the rocks, or with soda or tonic, as well as being the perfect base for any vodka or gin cocktail. Available in fine restaurants and liquor stores throughout the Hudson Valley.

stone ridge wine and spirits

Stone Ridge, 845-687-7125, www.stoneridgewine.com

Located in historic Stone Ridge, this knowledgeable group is uniquely qualified to recommend wines for any event or menu. This year marks their 23rd year in business, and they are constantly looking for ways to improve service. Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits looks forward to assisting you with selections for your big day.

stoutridge vineyard

Marlboro, 845-236-7620, www.stoutridge.com

Stoutridge Vineyard & Distillery isn’t your average vineyard. Bringing together passions for science and art, Stoutridge takes a new approach to creating wine. The only winery in North America that doesn’t chemically process their wine, Stoutridge focuses on natural flavors. Producers of fine spirits as well, this local vineyard has everything you need to keep your wedding guests quenched.