{Global Inspiration} 10 Signature Drinks to Add Culture to Your Wedding

Global Wedding Cocktails - Part 1

These days, signature wedding drinks are an important part of the guest experience - they can help set the tone, show some personality, and also add a little culture. Offering culture infused signature cocktails invites guests to take part in customs of the bride and groom and help honor their heritage. Easy DIY drink recipes won't break the bank, which means you get Practical and Cultural - our fave!

From Latin America to Europe across the pond, here are 10 of our favorite Globally Inspired Signature Drinks plus recipes, in two parts. Bottoms up!

Photo Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

1. Caipirinha - The national drink of Brazil, caipirinha is a delicious, refreshing, and easy to prepare, a perfect signature drink for a hot summertime wedding! Made with limes, Cachaca (cane liquor) or rum, superfine sugar and crushed ice, this glass of goodness brings a light, festive feel to any reception. Now add some samba and carnaval dancers and you have a party! Here is a great step by step recipe.

2. Sangria - Sangria is the classic Spanish/Latin American accompaniment to summertime meals and another excellent choice for a hot summertime wedding. My husband actually made Sangria for our wedding - on that warm day, the sweet wine, fresh fruit and cold ice were a refreshing and delicious way to cool off. Sangria style is up to your taste, with lots of options for fruit, wine and special additions.  Just sort of throw it all together, pour over ice and enjoy. Here's a sangria recipe to get you started but creating your own recipe makes this your very own wedding drink.

3. Irish Coffee - Originating in Ireland in the 1940’s, Irish coffee is an excellent choice for late night receptions or wedding taking place in colder months. I love the idea of guests cuddling up to a warm cup of deliciousness - hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, stirred, and topped with thick cream. Get them pepped up for the dance floor with a Coffee Bar where they can sample Irish Coffee, a Hot Toddy and other gourmet java! Here are four yummy Irish Coffee recipes to try!

4. Red Lotus - Your wedding taking on an Asian flavor? How about the lychee flavored Red Lotus as your signature drink? Unique and memorable, the play between its lighter cranberry and heavier lychee flavors is both intensely sweet and delicately refreshing.  A great guest conversation piece, the lychee is native to low elevations of the provinces of Kwangtung and Fukien in southern China. Here is a quick easy Red Lotus recipe and info on Lycee.

5. The Painkiller - If you like exotic drinks with little umbrellas, this delicious British Virgin Island staple is for you. Concocted on the tiny Caribbean island of Jost Van Dyke, this signature drink is pure tropical - fruity tang with a creamy finish, a smooth, satisfying treat for a beach or destination wedding! It is an easy DIY recipe, finished off with a layer of nutmeg, a Painkiller must. And despite its name, there is no medication associated with this libation!

Which signature drink would you choose from our list for your wedding? Can't decide? No worries, we've got five more delicious ideas coming your way today!


Happy Concocting,