the top ten list
top ten classic cocktails
Signature cocktails are great—we love the idea of brides having a special drink to offer guests. But did you know that often signature drinks are just a renamed riff on an old favorite? So, with that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the Top Ten Classic Cocktails—call ‘em what you will, they still look (and taste) great.
Singapore Sling
This little beauty is a bit more complicated to mix up, which makes it ideal for a shower or small-group gathering. Gin, grenadine, lime, cointreau, Benedictine, lime juice and angostura bitters.
Mojito
Did you know that this was one of Hemingway’s favorite tipples, back in the day? Perfect for a summer or beach wedding, this refreshing concoction of rum, fresh lime juice, turbinado sugar, muddled mint leaves and soda water is fresh, pretty and will stave off scurvy.
Dark and Stormy
Devotees of this Bermudian drink will only insist on two things. Use only Gosling’s Black Seal rum (two ounces), and the mixer must be a true ginger beer—the kind with bits, like Barritt’s. No ginger ale. Serve over ice with the juice of a quarter lime for a summer-party cocktail that’s truly hard to beat.
Whiskey Sour
Your more mature guests will thank you for this old-school cocktail (this generation seems to be drinking less whiskey, scotch and bourbon). Irish or Scotch whiskey, a maraschino cherry, lemon wedge and sweet and sour mix (bought is okay, but better to make your own). Serve over ice.
Cosmopolitan
It’s hard to believe that only a decade or so ago (pre-"Sex and the City"), this classic had fallen from sight and favor. But I think we can all agree that it’s more than back. Champagne, a sugar cube, lemon peel and either angostura or Peychaud’s bitters.
Vodka Martini
This was James Bond’s favorite drink, which makes it super-cool. It’s strong stuff, though—be warned about serving too many rounds or you’ll have people falling over in the wedding cake. Vodka, a dash of dry vermouth, lemon peel or olives (olives with their juice make it a “dirty” martini).
Kir Royale
Simple, delicious, easy to serve—this cocktail (a Parisian aperitif staple) is the ultimate wedding drink. Start with cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) in a champagne flute, add champagne. Done! (For a stouter dinner drink you can also mix cassis with a light red and you’ll have a Cardinal.)
Bellini
Much more interesting that its liquid sister, the mimosa, the Bellini mixes champagne (or Prosecco if you’re trying to cut corners, and why not?) with peach nectar. Divine at an early-afternoon reception or in the bride’s room while the girls are getting ready.