wedding 2019 | Let It Flow

by Anne Pyburn Craig

date posted: March 09, 2019

Drinks and cocktails are an important element to consider with any celebration, whether you feel that no event is complete without them, or want to make sure sober guests have more options than just seltzer. Be sure to ask your venue and caterer about the options for your reception before creating your bar menu.

if your venue/caterer provides liquor, here are some options to discuss:

• Open bar? For how long, and do you want to include all drinks or just beer, wine, soda, and maybe a large-batch signature cocktail?

• Will you want specific wine to pair with food, or just a decent red and a decent white?

• If your caterer doesn’t do alcohol (some great ones don’t), consider a caterer who does

• Is champagne really necessary? Sure it’s tradition, but caterers say a lot of it goes to waste. A nice Prosecco can make a dandy toast.

• If you’re going with a cash bar later in the evening, consider arranging free soda or juice for designated drivers and those who have had their fill.

if you’re providing the drinks yourself:

• DIY? You know your people. A DIY drinks arrangement can be fine for a smaller or mellower crowd, especially if you’re sticking to beer, wine, and soda. Even then, somebody will have to keep it supplied and tidy.

• How much to buy? Professionals say a safe assumption is two drinks per guest in the first hour and one drink an hour after that.

• Make sure your liability insurance is tight and covers what you plan to do.

• Consider hiring a pro bartender, especially if you’re serving cocktails, and even if you’re buying the booze yourself. Having a pro tend the flow can save a lot of headaches.

binnewater

Kingston, 845-331-0237, 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, 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, mironwineandspirits.com

Miron Wine & Spirits is the Hudson Valley’s premier source for your wedding beverage needs, from event planning advice to special orders and deliveries. We carry an extensive selection of fine wine and spirits at low, everyday prices. View our inventory online at mironwineandspirits.com and ask us how we can accommodate your special day. Rely on Miron Wine & Spirits for an affair to remember!

peony vodka

Millerton, 845-702-3903, peonyvodka.com

Peony Vodka was created to celebrate country living, drawing its inspiration from the Hudson Valley’s sparkling meadows, rushing brooks, and stone walls. Operations take place on an 18th-century farm, boasting luscious rows of peony flowers. With a whisper of flavor from nine botanicals, Peony tastes great by itself, or in any vodka or gin cocktail. Available in fine restaurants and liquor stores throughout the Hudson Valley & Connecticut.

stone ridge wine and spirits

Stone Ridge, 845-687-7125, 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, 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.