Veev is the worlds first Acai spriti.  Acai is the national fruit of Brazil.  In facet over 2,000,000 Amazonians rely on Acai for food.  VeeV strives to raise awareness for economical resources and the safe harvest of Acai while maintaining a sustainable, carbon neutral and eco friendly company.  Real all about this wonderful spirit on the VeeV life homepage.

So, let’s talk about a nice sustainable signature drink for your wedding!

Eco Mojito

2 Ounces of VeeV Acai Spirit

3/4 Ounces agave nectar or simple syrup

4 limes wedges

6 mint leaves

Club Soda

Tear and slap mind leaves to release oils and drop into a shaker.  Shake all ingredients well with ice and transfer to a glass.  Top with club soda and stir.

Nice, eh!

What a great way to celebrate new years!

Happy planning!

Do you want something that warms your guests hearts?  Now that it’s getting cool, there is nothing that says fall comfort than a warm Apple Cider.

Check this baby out!

• 1 oz. vodka
• 4 to 5 oz. apple cider
• ground cinnamon
• powdered sugar
• 1 apple
• caramel apple dipping sauce
• ice

There are so many things that you can do to create a beautiful and upscale wedding without spending a ton of money.  I totally believe in making things interesting and pretty – and be unique at the same time.

Let’s take the old standard – tea.  Now, I’m not a tea drinker, but many people are.   Many couples serve iced tea, lemonade and water at a wedding.  It’s fine.  It’s a good money saver, and people are generally happy in the summer with something cold to drink.  However, it makes me cringe when it’s presented in an uninteresting ways.  I hate it when those metal containers are placed on the bar, or big vats of it are placed in the middle of a room.  It’s sort of just thrown out there.

Why not make it pretty and inviting for your guests to savor and enjoy?  I think a pretty presentation makes everything taste better – kwim?  Ice tea in a vat tastes a lot different than iced tea in a frozen glass, topped off with a pretty lemon wedge.  It makes the whole room come alive.  Just that one detail will set your wedding apart.  Plus, just because you do not have the money for a bar, doesn’t mean you have to make a statement about it – telling everyone – I don’t have money for a bar.  Are you following what I’m saying?

Put a pretty linen on the table.  Maybe something with an overlay to soften the look.  Place spices and fruits  on the table (cinnamon sticks, lemons)  – not only for the look, but for people to enjoy in their tea.  Put the tea in pretty glasses, that have been frozen.  Or place fruit garnishes on the glasses.  Don’t just put a bunch of tea bags out – ask your caterer to steep the tea.

You could even have a steep your own tea station  – and have a variety of tea leaves to try.  What a wonderful idea for a brunch wedding.

Yeah, it’s going to cost a bit more – and more thought is needed.   Yes, I agree it’s easier to throw a bunch of commercial tea bags in a bowl and call it a day – but why?  It’s one day that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Even though I am not a tea drinker, you can’t make everyone happy.  However I would appreciate a well thought out detail .  I would, however, partake in a nice fresh squeezed lemonade – or Voss sparkling water – or maybe a hot chocolate with fresh whipped cream which could elegantly and nicely accompany a fresh iced tea or hot tea station.

A tea bar!

If you don’t like tea, do something else.  More important is the point I’m making.  Whatever you do, let it be inspired!

Happy planning!

To be honest, I love morning weddings.  There is something very stately about a morning wedding.  Everything is fresh and clean.  The morning just smells different – kwim?

It’s not like I do not like evening weddings – but there is just something about a morning wedding – outside.  I just love it.

So, of course, if you are doing signature drinks,  there is nothing that says “fancy morning wedding” than a Mimosa!

It’s so easy.

2 dashes of your favorite Champagne

2 dashes of orange Juice.

Voila!

You can add crushed raspberries for color, or add an orange slice for garnish!

Happy planning!

Why not?  Fruity, popular, and beautiful.  Man, could you play off the fruit and dark maroon color.

It would be amazing!  Lisa’s drooling.

There are a million and one variations of this drink.  Check out this recipe with Brandy…

• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup frozen lemonade concentrate
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine
• 1/2 cup triple sec
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 lime, sliced into rounds
• 1/4 cup white sugar (optional)
• 8 maraschino cherries
• 2 cups carbonated water (optional)

YUM!

Happy drinking

Signature drinks are fun – I will give you that.  Having a signature drink (s) at your wedding makes it super special.  If you create a fun and interesting bar, add some very fun fruit, and make the right choices – it can be an enjoyable experience.  Your reception will be unique, memorable, and super special for all.

However, I wouldn’t go as far as to tell a bride to save money she should offer signature drinks at her reception.   It depends upon the situation.

In Hotels, Inns, Restaurants, etc – anyplace really that carries their own liquor license, they make money from the alcohol that they serve your guests.  In these sort of venues, I have seen signature drink prices range from $6.00 – $15.00 a pop!  I don’t know about you, but I don’t think $10.00-$15.00 per signature drink is necessarily budget.  This is for 1-drink.  You still have to pay for your pop, juice and water bar.  I do agree that an open bar at some of these venues can range up to $40.00 a pop or more, but you have to think about what you are getting.  It’s served per drink, not an overall per person cost.  One person has 2 drinks, and you have exceeded the budget – and you only get one drink.

It’s pretty and interesting, but I don’t necessarily agree what many people say on the Internet.

Of course you have to look at your situation.  If you are purchasing the alcohol yourself (not a venue purchasing it for you), You’ll pay half as much for an open bar.

Just a thought.

I do love signature drinks, just not sure if they are a viable “budget” option in all situations.

When I advise my brides on how to save money on a bar – beer/wine and non-alcoholic.

Happy planning!

Yum!

Let’s review

Doesn’t that drink looks sleek and beautiful.  Man, the glass makes all the difference, doesn’t it?  The glass can turn a plain drink into something magical.  Details people!

The Recipe

1 oz of Midori Melon Liqueur

1 oz of Whisky Sour Mix

2 oz of my fav – Sprite

Cherries or other melon

You can chill a glass martini glass, or add ice to a highball.  Add everything, give a quick stir – and Voila!

Garnish with cherries or a melon on the side.

Happy mixing!

What’s the best treat after cake and a large meal?

An international Coffee Station.  Amaretto and Baileys.  Since today is a cool rainy day, and sometimes it rains on wedding dazes – hot chocolate with fresh whipped cream is an absolute must.

Must have hot chocolate on a day like today.

Or a hot chocolate station.

YUM!

Not talking the Swiss Miss Stuff – I mean the real Stuff, with REAL whipped cream.

• 6 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tbs sugar
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 2 1/2 cups light cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Cinnamon, whipped cream and orange zest

You could totally make a station out of it.  It’s unique and pretty.  A treat for all to enjoy!

Don’t let a rainy day get you down!

Happy planning

Cranberries are great components for a fall or winter inspired wedding.

Check an idea I found from Martha Stewart.

Mulled Cranberry Cider

Very very popular at weddings, this signature drink is a staple.  If you want something nice and refreshing for a summer wedding – this might be the perfect choice.

You really could do whatever you wanted to make this drink fit your wedding.  I’ve seen it blueberry and peach and all kinds colors and flavors.  You can even add ginger for a bit of bite.  It could be on the rocks or frozen depending on the abilities of your bartender.

Whatever works for you, this drink could probably be adapted.

The best thing to do is to bring some alcohol to your tasting and try with your food.  If you choose your signature drink too late, do not fret.  Mix it up yourself!  YUM!

You know me, you must try first!

<wink>

Here’s a luscious ginger recipe from Tyler Florence

Ginger Simple Syrup

1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger – with skin

2 cups suger

2 cups cold water

Peach Puree

10 oz semi-frozen peaches

1/2 cup ginger simple syrup

For Serving:

Ice Cubes

1 bottle of Champagne – Prosecco might be a better choice.

Directions:  Begin by making the ginger simple syrup. Peel and grate the ginger. Add it together with the sugar and cold water to a saucepan. Bring it to the boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain, discard ginger pieces and set simple syrup aside.

In a blender add frozen peaches and ginger simple syrup. Blend until completely pureed then place into the refrigerator to cool.

For serving:

Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker and fill half way with peach puree. Top off with Champagne and shake vigorously to combine. Pour into Champagne glasses and repeat process as needed.

Thanks Tyler!

Happy planning!