The beverage choices in the Hudson Valley—with our bountiful bouquet of wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries—can be downright intoxicating. When it comes to choosing libations for your reception, remember that you’re throwing a celebration, not organizing an inclusive beverage program, and you and your guests may be best served by keeping it simple.
Quality over variety is the key. You may choose to make do with two or three beer choices: perhaps something pale and less filling, something robust, and a crowd-pleaser from the vast territory in between.
Pairing wines with the menu? People won’t mind if those are the choices they’ve been sipping during cocktail hour. Do some research and find two or three wines that suit your taste and pocketbook.
Classic cocktails are fine, too. You may or may not wish to have a signature drink, but with or without one, your guests will be perfectly fine with old standards that are easy to make and don’t involve 37 exotic ingredients. (Remember, they’re here to get intoxicated by the love in the air.)
Summer wedding? Beer, wine, and frozen cocktails.
Do be good to the designated drivers, under-21s, and other non-drinking guests. Along with plenty of soft drinks and juice, mocktails are a festive touch. Make sure your friends know they can order one, and not fall into a club-soda rut.
Mobile bars are still in. They come in all sorts of makes and models, from retired ice cream trucks to restored vintage campers, and can go anywhere and serve just about anything with style. You can rent a truck and have your caterer do the stocking and staffing, or you can order the full-service production.
Coffee truck with Irish coffee and associated options? Why not?
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.
jk’s wine & liquor
Kingston, 845-331-6429, jkswineandliquor.com
JK’s Wine & Liquor is family-owned and operated. We feature one of the largest selections of wines and spirits in Ulster County. We offer free wedding and party consultations. If you are in a hurry, we also offer call-ahead curbside pickup, as well as delivery options. Join our free customer loyalty program. JK’s Wine & Liquor is “Your one-stop neighborhood shop!”
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!
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.
three meadows and a pony
Millerton, 845-702-3903, threemeadowsvodka.com
Three Meadows and a Pony’s Peony Flower Vodka transports you straight to the farm, evoking sparkling meadows, babbling brooks, the chatter of birds, and country lanes. It is pure delight, inviting you to stop and taste the flowers with every sip. Perfect for your special day when all that matters is that nothing else matters....
vegan wines
Hudson Valley, 845-459-2432, veganwines.com
Offering 100% plant-based wines from all over the world for your wedding or any other special occasion. We’ve sourced the best vegan wines from small producers and boutique wineries to ensure you receive great-tasting vintages of the highest quality. Vegan Wines hand-selects its wines to offer you new and different selections from environmentally conscious winemakers. We offer complete wine pairing services for your events, whether you’d like to sample and select your wines or have us curate the wine list!
