A perfectly seasonal, signature wedding cocktail is one of those small details that can make a big impact. It’s a fun way to bring in your personality, make your bar menu feel more curated, and give your guests something a little extra special to sip on. But how do you pick the right one?
The best signature wedding cocktails complement the season, your wedding vibe, and your flavor preferences—whether that’s a strong and classic whiskey cocktail for a winter wedding or a bright, refreshing spritz for a summer wedding.
To help you narrow it down, I’ve broken these picks into classic vs. modern cocktails, plus "His & Hers" seasonal pairings to match your wedding’s feel. But to be clear—these aren’t just for his and hers. They work just as well for his & his, hers & hers, or simply yours & yours! And if there’s one thing we can all drink to, it’s love.
Modern vs. Classic: What’s Your Wedding Style?
First things first—what type of drinker are you? Do you love timeless, refined cocktails or are you more into trendy, unexpected flavors? Are you hosting a modern wedding reception bursting with personality? Or are you going for a more traditional wedding, that's refined and formal - like the Old Money Wedding style that is on track to be one of the most popular trends of 2025 and 2026? These are things to think about before choosing your signature wedding drinks. So what's a classic cocktail and what's a more modern drink? That's a darn good question!
Classic Wedding Cocktails – Think Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and gin-based drinks. They’re simple, elegant, and always in style. These kinds of cocktails are a touch of class in a glass.
Modern Wedding Cocktails – These push the boundaries a little more, whether that’s with floral infusions, fun garnishes, or a spicy kick. They might be more colorful and certainly more unique.
Either way, the right cocktail should reflect your personal taste, your wedding theme, and, importantly, the season, too. When selecting your drinks, be sure to think about stemware and garnishes as these two features can elevate even the most basic cocktail into a truly signature work of art!
Signature Wedding Cocktails By The Season
Below are two classic wedding cocktails and two modern wedding cocktails for each and every wedding season. They are broken down into his and hers options, but as we mentioned before, these wedding cocktails are totally appropriate as hers & hers, his & his, or just yours & yours drinks, too. Some lean a little more traditionally masculine or feminine, but at the end of the day, they’re all really great wedding cocktails! These are spot-on, seasonally appropriate cocktail pairings that will help you wow your wedding guests - so let's dive in so you can drink up!
Signature Drinks for Fall Weddings: Cozy & Spiced Flavors
Fall wedding cocktails should be rich, warming, and layered, like a cozy sweater in a glass. Think bourbon, apple, maple, cinnamon, and smoked elements—drinks with depth and a little bit of spice. If it makes you want sniff the crisp autumn air, it’s a perfect signature drink for a fall wedding.
Classic Fall Wedding Cocktails:
His: Old Fashioned – A smooth, whiskey-based classic with a hint of orange and bitters.
Hers: Mulled Wine – Warm, spiced red wine with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus.
Modern Fall Wedding Cocktails:
His: Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour – A fall twist on a whiskey sour with maple syrup and a subtle smoky finish.
Hers: Apple Cider Bourbon Smash – Crisp, spiced apple cider with bourbon and a splash of ginger beer.
Signature Drinks for Winter Weddings: Warm & Indulgent
Winter wedding signature drinks should be all about warmth and decadence. Your guests will appreciate drinks that feel rich, comforting, and festive—think warm spices, creamy liqueurs, and deep, boozy flavors. If it makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket, it’s winter wedding-approved.
Classic Winter Wedding Cocktails:
His: Black Manhattan – A deeper, richer take on the classic Manhattan, made with Averna amaro.
Hers: French 75 – A sparkling, citrusy gin cocktail with champagne—elegant, light, and perfect for toasts.
Modern Winter Wedding Cocktails:
His: Espresso Old Fashioned – A cozy, coffee-infused take on the classic Old Fashioned, perfect for late-night receptions.
Hers: White Chocolate Peppermint Martini – A festive and creamy holiday cocktail made with white chocolate liqueur and crushed peppermint.
Signature Drinks for Spring Weddings: Light & Floral
Spring weddings are fresh, floral, and elegant, so your wedding cocktails should match that energy. Think elderflower, lavender, citrus, and botanical gins—signature drinks that feel light, airy, and perfect for a garden wedding or brunch reception.
Classic Spring Wedding Cocktails:
His: Tom Collins – A citrusy, slightly fizzy gin cocktail.
Hers: Hugo Spritz – A light and floral elderflower and prosecco spritz.
Modern Spring Wedding Cocktails:
His: Lavender Gin Fizz – A botanical, light cocktail with a touch of floral sweetness.
Hers: Rosewater Paloma – A pink grapefruit tequila drink with a subtle rosewater infusion.
Signature Drinks for Summer Weddings: Fresh & Fruity
Summer wedding signature drinks needs to be cold, crisp, and refreshing—something that can cool you down while still feeling light and drinkable. Tropical fruits, fresh herbs, citrus, and sparkling elements work beautifully here.
Classic Summer Wedding Cocktails:
His: Moscow Mule – Vodka, ginger beer, and lime, served ice cold.
Hers: Aperol Spritz – A slightly bitter, refreshing Italian spritz that feels like summer in a glass.
Modern Summer Wedding Cocktails:
His: Spicy Watermelon Margarita – Tequila, fresh watermelon juice, and a jalapeño kick.
Hers: Passionfruit Basil Smash – A tropical vodka cocktail with fresh passionfruit and basil.
Final Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Cocktails
Pick what you love. If you don’t like whiskey, don’t force it—go for a cocktail that actually sounds good to you.
Keep it simple. Your bartenders need to make these quickly, so steer clear of anything overly complicated.
Make it personal. Name the cocktail after something meaningful, like where you met, a pet, or an inside joke.
Offer a zero-proof version. It’s easy to make a great non-alcoholic version of most of these, so guests who don’t drink can still enjoy the experience.
Signature cocktails add a fun, personalized touch to your wedding and make your bar menu feel special. Whether you go classic, modern, or somewhere in between, the right cocktail is a real value add to the big day and can make a lasting impression on your guests! When considering signature drinks or specialty cocktails to serve at your wedding, think about the event as a whole - consider not only your own preferences, but your guest list, and the vibe you are aiming to create! Cheers!
PS - If you didn't see any drinks that sparked your fancy, head over to our Wedding Cocktails & Signature Drinks Pinterest board where you'll find TONS of drinks and recipes we've curated for our couples! Don't forget to follow us!
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