wedding 2025 | a myriad of libation options

Drinks

date posted: February 23, 2025

Wedding receptions are the perfect time to have a couple of drinks. Guests know where they’re going to be for the next couple of hours; they’re about to have a good meal and are indulging in exactly the kind of meeting, greeting, and mingling that works well with a bit of an alcohol buzz.

And while it’s possible to have a great party with nothing but a keg of beer and a box of wine, odds are you want to make your wedding libations a good bit more memorable than that. As with every aspect of the Big Day, you’ll want to do something that expresses your connection and enhances the occasion.

offer Signature cocktails

Photo by Love Me Do Photography.

As with every aspect of the Big Day, you’ll want to do something that expresses your connection and enhances the occasion

Signature cocktails offer all kinds of possibilities. A good idea is to offer three choices here: two alcoholic choices with contrasting flavor and ingredient profiles, and a zero-proof option so that non-drinkers can get in on the fun. Think about classic, simple drinks; your bartender will appreciate the ease of service. Vodka with your juice of choice, Margaritas or Old-Fashioneds, and a simple but delicious mocktail will be easy to pour and tasty for your crowd. Make it extraspecial by using locally sourced liquor and fresh herbs and fruits for garnishes.

build a tower

Photo by Mindaugas Dulinskas.

A champagne tower adds a lovely touch of drama to your toast or at cake time. Just make sure—if you’re going all in and having a tower that is filled from the top and flows down to the lower tiers of glasses while your guests watch—that the person performing this feat is a pro. A collapsing flood of sticky bubbly and crashing glassware is more drama than you want. You can also buy structures that will support the glassware, giving you the beauty of a tower with less risk of disaster, or use prefilled glasses. And whatever you do, make sure it’s set up out of the wind and in a spot where it won’t get bumped into. Those are tower basics; beyond that, the possibilities are nearly endless. How about alternating tiers of golden champagne and sparkling rosé? A tower of sparkling hard cider? (Local, of course!)

Photo by Stanislav Hubkin.

A tower of espresso martinis? You can also use fancy etched, grooved, or colored glassware for a special look. Tower settings can be decked with greenery, flowers, or satin ribbons to amp up the look to the next level.

Tower possibilities are nearly endless. How about alternating tiers of golden champagne and sparkling rosé? A tower of sparkling hard cider?

Photo by Kalz Photography

have sans -alcohol options

A mocktail station near the bar is a terrific way to make non-drinking guests feel seen and loved, with lots of options for flavor and festive glassware. Consider making your non-alcoholic signature drink an adaptogenic choice that incorporates CBD, ginseng, or other good-for-you ingredients.

Consider making your non-alcoholic signature drink an adaptogenic choice that incorporates CBD, ginseng, or other good-for-you ingredients

Photo by Love Me Do Photography..

provide a coffee bar

A coffee bar is another wonderful touch. Good coffee, with or without alcohol, can help keep the conversation and dance floor lit up and lively, and—especially when served up with some sliders or mini-tacos—provide the perfect after-dinner fortification as guests get ready to depart.

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.

JESSICA BLACK ONSTAGE

Hudson Valley, 646-369-9504, jbonstage.live @jessiecatblack,

Are you excited to hire a champagne aerial bartender? Jessica is a multi-talented specialty entertainer. She brings elegance and passion both on the ground and in the air. Her dance and aerial performances make meaningful memories that will add a touch of magic to your special day.

MIRON WINE AND SPIRITS

Kingston, 845-336-5155, mironwineandspirits.com

Miron Wine and 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 and Spirits for an affair to remember!