Let’s be real here: aside from the actual nuptials, the second most exciting thing on someone’s wedding day is the cocktail and appetizer menu. Anyone planning a reception knows that these crucial food decisions can actually make or break your big party (well, maybe not, but us foodies certainly see it that way). We’ve compiled a list of ten of our favorite cocktail and appetizer pairings to ensure that your guests are both satisfied and a little bit tipsy for the Bon Jovi singalong portion of your DJ’s set list.
Here are some great signature cocktails and the perfect appetizer to go with each:
Lavender Lemonade Mojitos – Goat Cheese Toasts with Honey
We love this cocktail with its light rum, water, lemon juice, mint, and lavender simple syrup. Goat cheese, lavender, and honey? This is basically as Southern France as one could possibly get. No wonder they say what grows together goes together; when they come together in your mouth, these Provencal flavors are absolutely heavenly. Your guests will be saying merci.
Blushing Bride – Mini Fruit & Cheese Skewers
The Blushing Bride includes Champagne, Peach Schnapps, and grenadine. This Champagne-based cocktail presents festive bubbles with a sweet touch, thanks to the Schnapps and grenadine. Pairing classic bubbly with a traditional fruit and cheese skewer is always a crowdpleaser. Stack a grape or berry atop a cube of Swiss or White Cheddar cheese on a toothpick for a classically cute take on charcuterie/cheese boards.
Whiskey Lemonade with Honey – Mini Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Biscuits
We love this cocktail made of bourbon, lemonade, and honey. It positively screams southern comfort. The sweetness in the bourbon and honey pairs beautifully with the buttery characteristics of cheesy pasta and flaky biscuits.
Moscow Mule – California Roll Sushi Poppers
A Moscow Mule contains ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. We generally consume our sushi with a side of ginger, right? So why not drink it? This effervescent ginger cocktail presents a unique twist on everyone’s favorite weeknight dinner: California Rolls.
Aperol Tangerine Cocktail – Prosciutto Wrapped Peach Slices
This one’s got vodka, orange juice, tangerine syrup, and lime juice. The tangy citrus additions to this vodka-based cocktail play beautifully off of the natural sugars and stone fruit flavors of the yellow peach wedges.
Old Fashioned – Bacon Chicken Skewers
An Old Fashioned classically contains bourbon, bitters, a sugar cube, and water. Bourbon and bacon? Need we say more? The salty, fatty goodness in the bacon not only complements the savory flavors of chicken, but also plays off of the sweetness of the bourbon and sugar cube. This is as American as it gets, in the best possible way, of course
Creamy Coconut Margaritas – Loaded Nacho Cups
With cream of coconut, tequila, ice, lime juice, and triple sec, this cocktail will bring a bit of Tex-Mex to your nuptials. Margaritas and nachos are always wonderful together; upgrade your Mexican faves with some creamy coconut flavors and individually served nacho cups. We might even continue making these even after the reception is over.
Spiced Red Wine Sangria – Teriyaki Chicken Bites
Sangria is a perfect reception sipper, with its spiced red wine, brandy, apple cider, and apples. Spicy sweet Sangria paired with spicy sweet chicken bites? These two go hand in hand. The tangy sweetness of the chicken bites plays magically off the spicy red wine.
French 75 – Poutine Potato Poppers
Few cocktails will class up your wedding like a French 75, with its Champagne, lemon juice, gin, and simple syrup. We’re going straight Quebecois with this pairing. The acidity from the sparkling wine meshes perfectly with starchy potatoes and gooey cheese. Have you ever seen a classier take on poutine? We think not.
Sea Foam Sangria – Fish Taco Bites
We love this take on Sangria, with its white wine, Hpnotiq, and ginger ale. This cocktail and appetizer pairing is perfect for summer weddings on the beach. Sweet coconut and salty fish? Start your honeymoon early with this paradise-filled pairing.
