Cheers! pt.2

After my original "Cheers!" post I got some great suggestions and feed back! Michelle from upstate New York supmitted this article and I thought it would be perfect as a follow up story. She also has been kind enough to share the recipe for an exclusive signature drink that you can try at home!

What a Signature Cocktail can do for Your Event

Brides and grooms-to-be alike have pondered the idea of how having a signature cocktail could benefit their gathering. Sure it could bring some added flare to the party, but could this option really have more to offer than what we think? Take a look at some of the benefits and decide for yourself.

• First, this option can save your wallet from the horrid wedding planning debt that everyone has a tendency to fall into. When caught up in how to make sure everyone has their usual on hand, you can spend anywhere from double or more than what you would pay for signature cocktail ingredients to serve the same amount of guests. Buying in bulk is a must when choosing to add alcohol to the beverage list. This will help keep you on budget and avoid excessive debt.

• Second, you can use the cocktail to represent your wedding color(s). Try mixing up a little batch of "Something Blue" for any shade of blue or create a "Wedding March" cocktail and add some decorative white flowers around the bowl. You can add anything to mix it up and show off your personal touches. And you don't have to stick to a single color either. You can have "Shades of Personality" with the same signature cocktail mixed with different colors of sherbet to really show off your style.

• Third, for those who aren't interested in the alcoholic versions, their virgin cousins work well also. Try a mix of sodas with sherbet of different colors to make the color you're really going for here. Don't forget to add some decorations to the bowl to use it as an awe-inspiring and practical centerpiece. You can also use several punch bowls and have them set up at each table so guests don't have to go back for refills.

• Fourth, this option is entirely customizable. You don't have to worry about falling in line with the rest of the crowd because you can really make this your own. With the variety of liquors available, you can mix those, any drink mixers you favor, add one or more of many types of sodas and/or sherbet and come up with some unique ideas. It will also help both the bride and groom to feel more in control and a part of the planning process.

The benefits of having a custom cocktail are nearly endless. From the value in the purchase to the options a couple is presented, you can't get much more bang for your buck!  The following is a signature drink recipe from the renowned Turning Stone luxury resort in Upstate New York.  The resort holds several weddings and major events throughout the year.  Signature drinks have become an exceptionally popular trend for 2013 weddings.  You can experiment at home with different recipes to find the perfect signature drink to match your wedding!

Thanks again Michelle! If anyone else has any recipes that they would like to share feel free to email them to me at 4somethingblue@gmail.com.