Pomosas-Perfect for Valentine's Day or Christmas

Pomosa from Simply Gluten Free

 

Looking for a great drink to serve at a early afternoon wedding or bridal shower? How about the Pomosa. Yes, it's a take-off on the Mimosa.

 

All you need is 2 ounces of chilled pomegranate juice and some champagne-ta da! An easy to make and healthy drink!

 

If you've been keeping up with the health news lately you know that pomegranate juice is not only gluten free but it is full of antioxidants. What more could you want? A drink that tastes great and is good for you and that looks spectacular. Serve a Pomosa at your next event. No one will be able to turn it down!

Vodka and Chocolate

Photo courtesy of Pinnacle Vodka

 

 

Looking for a new way to serve vodkas? Try this warm and creamy drink by Pinnacle Vodka.

 

Gimme Hot S’mores

1 part Pinnacle® Marshmallow Vodka

1 part JDK & Sons™ Crave Chocolate Chili Liqueur
2 part hot chocolate
Mix in a mug and top with whipped cream

 

Does that sound yummy? For the winter bride who wants to warm up her guests before sending them back out in the cold this is the perfect drink.

 

**WDW and Pinncale remind you not to drink and drive. Have a designated driver.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Pinnacle Vodkas Facebook Page

 

Blanc de Bleu Sparkling Wine

Blue Champagne? This California sparkling wine will catch the eye of your guests and then rock their taste buds.  Touted as the world's first blue champagne, Blanc de Bleu is the perfect color for a wedding, adding a little extra 'something blue.'

This blue sparkling wine comes is created and produced by Premium Vintage Cellars. It's made from 100% chardonnay grapes raised in Mendocino County in the United States. Grapes are picked when they have a low sugar level for a low alcohol content. After two rounds of fermentation, they add a hint of blueberry extract that gives it the eye catching blue color.

Currently it is only available in California (I know, I'm on the east coast and sighing!) but they will have later release dates for the rest of the United States on their web site.

If you are a bride trying to purchase items for her wedding that are made in the USA, Blanc de Bleu meets the criteria! Love buying things made in the USA.

Ruby Red Pink Grapefruit Margaritas

Photo courtesy of There Goes The Cupcake

 

OK, I admit, I am a margarita junkie! These drinks not only taste good but they make fabulous signature drinks. The latest? A Pink Grapefruit Margaritas recipe by one of my favorite authors, Ina Garten, who is better known to cookbook junkies as The Barefoot Contessa.

 

What's the key to this wonderful refreshing drink (that packs quite a punch?) You have to use Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice. No hardship at my house, there's always some of it in my frig (the grapefruit juice not bottles of margaritas!)

 

Here Ina's recipe, ready for you to add to your list of favorite coolers, perfect for a signature drink for your shower, wedding or any party! Margaritas are well known for adding a tasty fun factor to any party.

 

Pink Grapefruit Margaritas
From: Barefoot Contessa’s How Easy Is That

• 1 cup ruby red grapefruit juice
• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
• 1 cup triple sec orange liqueur
• 3 cups ice
• 1 cup silver tequila
• 1 lime cut in wedges, optional Kosher salt.

If you prefer to rim the glasses take a lime wedge and rim, then dip in salt, if you do not like a salted rim sprinkle a touch of salt in each glass, the salt really brings out the flavor.
Combine the ruby red grapefruit juice, lime juice, the triple sec and ice in your blender. Pour into a large pitcher (or just keep it in the blender) and pour in the tequila, stir. (I personally just added it all to the blender- I like slushy, that is totally up to you) Serve ice cold.
Makes 4 drinks.

Don't forget,be sure to use the ruby red grapefruit juice to achieve the pretty pink color as well as an added sweetness. Plain grapefruit juice just doesn't give you the same results.

Consider serving with Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs (another Barefoot Contessa favorite.) It makes a perfect light lunch or appetizer and it's a great way to combine flavors a la Ina Garten! You can get the recipe for these if you buy Ina's book on Amazon (or in your favorite bookstore.) I recommend buying the book, you'll love the other recipes as well.

 

Say Olé At Your Wedding

Photo and recipe from Ask Chef's Forum

 

Margaritas, are an all time favorite for cooling off and relaxing. This take off on the margarita, called a "Mangorita" has, you guessed it, mangoes in it!

 

I was doubtful anything could improve on the conventional margarita, I was wrong! The Mangorita is a smooth drink that combines conventional margarita ingredients but adds a twist--mango. Yum!

 

Be aware, this drink has a heavy alcohol content so drink slowly and savor it!

 

Planning to party with this drink? Make sure you have someone who is the designated driver to keep the roads safe.

 

Recipe Mangorita (from Chef's Forum)

 

Ingredients

2 (1.5 fluid ounce) jiggers tequila
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger triple sec liqueur
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger fresh lime juice
1 mango - peeled, seeded and sliced
4 ice cubes
1/4 cup mango nectar

Directions

In a blender, combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, mango, and ice. Blend until ice is finely crushed. Sweeten with mango nectar to your liking.

Tempt Cider - Cider With A Secret

 

Tempt Cider

Photo from The Die Line

 

Tempt Ciders tempt the taste buds of Danes and now Canadians. It's not available in the United States yet due to heavy taxation, but wow, those bottles really rock, I can just imagine the flavors of the ciders they make! If you know someone in one of the countries where it is distributed or are willing to take a road trip to Canada from the United States, these ciders are perfect for a wedding or shower.

 

 

Tempt Ciders also come in cans--but why waste the metal, the bottles are so pretty and you can turn them into pretty vases afterwards! To see the cans and more photos visit their web page or The Die Line. 

 

Be sure to take the time to read all about the bottles and the product. Both at tempting and draw the buyer (and reader) in. Bottles with a secret...hmmmm....now I have to travel to get some!

Adult Capri Sun?

Photo Re-pinned from recipes by Marci Ryan 

Adults love their lemonade in a bag too! These are an adult version of Capri Sun--your favorite lemonade (see my other posts for lemonade in a variety of colors), a slice of fruit and frozen to slush (oh yes, don't forget to mix in the vodka!) It will keep the bags from freezing solid but keep them nice and cold. 

Add a pretty straw or stickers with the Bride and Groom's wedding date! Perfect for an outdoor wedding or picnic wedding. What do you think?

Lo Scintillante - An Italian Apertif

Photo courtesy of CHOW

Lo Scintillante, it's a feast for the eyes and it titillates your taste buds!

The recipe for Lo Scintillante calls for Cocchi and Prosecco. The combination results in a slightly sweet cocktail with just hints of spice and cloves. Perfect for the Italian wedding!

Where to buy: Cocchi Aperitivo Americano is a wine-based apéritif. It can be found at high-end liquor stores and online. If you can't find it, consider substituting any white/dry apperitif - your favorite vermouth or Lillet Blanc.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 white sugar cube
• 2 ounces chilled Cocchi Aperitivo Americano
• 2 ounces chilled Prosecco
• Orange twist, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Place sugar cube in a champagne flute, add Cocchi Apertivo Americano, and stir briefly. Top with Prosecco and garnish with orange twist.

Start Muddling! Apricot Whiskey Smash!

Apricot Whiskey Smash from CHOW

How rich does this Apricot Whiskey Smash look to you? CHOW sent this to my email and I immediately went to check and see if I had any apricots! Yum! Even without the whiskey this looks good, but for whiskey fans who are looking for a cool summer or spring beverage this looks very promising. Fans of Mojitos and Juleps will likely enjoy this drink as a nice change of page.

Visit CHOW for the exact recipe, but I'll give you some hints: apricots (of course), ice (it is summer after all!) Cointreau, lemon, simple syrup and rye whiskey (oh yes, and a sprig of mint of course!) For exact proportions visit CHOW. They also suggest using peaches and nectarines if you don't have apricots.

This recipe was included in a group of drinks on CHOW under the heading "Summer Fruit Cocktails." A slideshow of fruity drinks perfect for those hot days, and great to serve at a bridal shower or wedding offers you a lot of summery options for your wedding signature drink. But if you like this one? Start muddling!

Strawberry Basil Sangria

Source: treehugger.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Strawberry Basil Sangria from Treehugger.com and Cooking Stoned and Jerry James Stone on YouTube--Yum! This Sangria is perfect for serving guests at a picnic wedding or a spring bridal shower. What do you think?



YouTube video of fruity sangria

Treehugger and Jerry James Stone have a variety of fruit sangrias, all well worth taste testing--a fun day for you and your bridesmaids, testing out all the varieties! Just think fruit, wine, sugar and add some club soda (and in this case basil) to the mix and  you're good to go. Visit Treehugger or the YouTube video above for the exact recipe.


These look really pretty in Riedel 'O' Wine Glasses--the bigger the better!

Harvest Gold Signature Drink

Harvest Pumpkin Cocktail for Fall Weddings from Daily Candy

Planning an autumn wedding? Looking for a signature drink? Daily Candy has a great cocktail for you! Their Harvest Pumpkin Cocktail is sure to go down smoothly and taste great! Not only that the rich color of this signature drink is sure to be a great accent in both color and taste.

I love food that is attractive, smells good and goes down smooth! Try it... you are sure to enjoy it. Even if you decide to serve it as the signature drink at your first Thanksgiving Dinner together, it's a great recipe to hold onto.

Harvest Pumpkin Cocktail from Daily Candy
Serves two

Ingredients
3 oz. pumpkin-infused vodka (see below)
1 oz. grade A maple syrup
½ oz. fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)

Pumpkin-Infused Vodka
2 l vodka
Roasted flesh of one small pumpkin (sugar pie variety preferred)
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole nutmegs
1 fresh bay leaf
5 whole cloves
1 vanilla bean, split

1. Combine pumpkin-infused vodka ingredients in a glass jar. Let infuse for a minimum of five days.

2. Strain solids from pumpkin-infused vodka. Filter through a coffee filter or funnel to remove remaining bits and pieces.

3. Combine vodka with syrup and lemon juice and shake over ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

4. Garnish with a lemon twist or roasted pumpkin seeds

Frozen Lime Margaritas

Source: realsimple.com via PSMM on Pinterest

Fall in love with these cool and simple margaritas that originated from Real Simple Magazine.  Just salt your glasses with lime and salt, add some lime sorbet and pour on the tequila! Oh yeah! What a nice cool way to enjoy your summer wedding festivities when it's hot outside!

For the exact recipe visit Real Simple's web site. 

Love the 'white' wedding look! Perfect for a wedding shower or the wedding itself. Having a baby shower? You guessed it, choose a pink or blue sorbet (except for the mom to be, she might want to skip the tequila, maybe a nice smoothie for her?)  Or if the expectant mom doesn't know if it's a girl or boy, choose mint or lemon colors!

Planning a 4th of July picnic? You got it, go for the red, white and blue margarita. Some in each color to suit every guest and their palate! (If you can't find blue sorbet just use some food coloring on some lemon/lime sorbet when it's soft, mix it up and refreeze)

Frozen drinks are all the rage, no matter what kind of party you are planning. Look for other frozen drinks on my blog (or at Real Simple where they have some other great ideas!)

Orange Sorbet Mimosas--The Easy Way

Photo from pbpickles.com

Want a mimosa that is a little bit different for your wedding day brunch or bridal shower? Why not try this Orange Sorbet Mimosa from pbpickles.com? Thick, lucious, and ice cold, it's perfect for a spring or summer wedding. And if you adapt the recipe to the way I make it, it's simple to make too which adds to it's appeal.

pbpickles.com makes it by making their own orange sorbet, I make what I call "Lazy Days Orange Mimosa Sorbet" (better known as I purchase the sorbet premade from my local ice cream store. I know, I know, it's not quite as 'gourmet' and I don't have any control over the calories, but when I'm drinking mimosas I don't worry about calories anyway!

Now the most time consuming thing I have to do is scoop the sorbet and open the champagne bottle and pour--this is my idea of an easy and fun drink, and a way to enjoy my time with my guests. If you want to make the Orange Sorbet Mimosa the pbpickles.com way they have a recipe for making your own sorbet. Whichever way you make it,  you're guests are sure to enjoy it! Or even if you're just making it for a girls brunch, everyone is sure to be begging for your recipe.

Brides Love Bellinis!

Source: skinnytaste.com via Michael on Pinterest

Planning a wedding shower or breakfast? Try these mango bellinis! Yum! They not only look good they taste good too! Sipping one now! Like one?

And if you're on Weight Watchers, they're only 2 pts! Perfect! Click this link for mango bellinis to get the recipe.

Of course if you prefer the peach bellinis or any of the other assorted choices serve those instead!

Rainbow Citrus You Make Yourself

From Darla Woods' Pinterest Page; no attribution

I found these pretty rainbow lemons and limes on Darla Woods' Pinterest page. What  bride and  groom who are looking for a way to add some color to lemonade or fruit juice that isn't a bright color wouldn't love to add these?

 Try these easy to make rainbow color lemons, limes or other citrus fruits. Experiment to get just the colors you want! So cool.

Everyone's drink will stand out by the color of the fruit floating in it or perched on the edge of the glass. Great for a wedding or for a shower! All you have to do is let the citrus soak up your favorite color of food coloring. 

You'll use this trick for your wedding or shower but it's one of those tricks that you'll keep using over and over!

Peach Lemonade Cooler

Peach Lemonade Cooler from Cook Au Vin

Cook Au Vin made this great Peach Lemonade Cooler from some ripe peaches, 1/2C lemonade and the addition of either some of their favorite vodka or champagne. While it's not necessary to add the alcohol, you have the option.

Personally I think I might add some shredded fresh coconut, a shot of coconut cream and use some rum instead of champagne or vodka, but to each their own!

For the exact way Cook Au Vin made the peach lemonade cooler above visit their web site.

Sassy Pink Lemonade

Sassy Pink Lemonade Photo From Food Network;

Adapted from an Original Recipe by Hungry Girl

shown on Food Network

Pink lemonade is a great option to serve at a wedding or bridal shower. Not too sweet, not too tart, this recipe has a kick with the addition of some vodka.  Make without alcohol if you have a group who either doesn't drink or if you have concerns about people drinking and driving.

Sassy Pink Lemonade adapted from Hungry Girl

6 Cups Club Soda
2 C Cranberry Juice (Ocean Spray)
10 oz Vodka
2 teaspoons powdered sugar free pink lemonade drink mix (like Country Time Pink Lemonade)
8 packets of Sweet n Low
Juice from 4 Lemons
Slices of lemons as needed for garnish
Ice

In a glass pitcher mix club soda, cranberry juice, vodka, lemonade powder, Sweet n Low and the juice from 4 lemons and stir well.  Pour out over ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with slices of lemon or lime.

This drink can be made with lower calories by using low cal cranberry juice and by skipping the vodka all together. For more kick, up the amount of vodka to taste.

Summer's Here and It's Time For Lemonade!

While one of the most popular posts here has been Watermelon Lemonade, I thought I'd link you to my other lemonade ideas, just in case you aren't really into watermelon. (OK, I admit, I don't know too many people who aren't into watermelon, especially if it's seedless!) But I thought you should see what some of your other lemonade options are, as well as some ways to add some dash to your lemonade.

Colorful Lemonades gives you multiple kinds and colors of lemonade to serve at your wedding.  Looking For Non-Alcoholic Drinks For Your Wedding? also gives you great ideas for assorted ades. So if you're planning a lemonade juice bar this is your post!

You might also want to check out the posts about decorating your bottles of lemonade,  Vintage Lemonade Labels For Your Wedding gives you an easy DIY way to upgrade purchased bottles of lemonade, while Summer's Here And Your Drinks Should Reflect It! shows multiple lemonades as well as garnishes. 

Peaches and lemonade? Must admit I'd never thought of the combo until I found this recipe for Peach Lemonade. Strawberry Lemonade was more my personal style (but only until I found all these other options! Now I have a hard time deciding among all the choices!

8 Different Ways To Give Your Lemonade A Boost is just what it says! An informatic that gives you 8 basic ways you can add some zing to your ades, but don't stop there! Add your own personal touches as well.

Strawberry Lemonade Sparklers are made with strawberry infused Svedka vodka, try them out! Great for weddings, picnics or anytime you are looking for a cool drink with a kick. 

Sassy Pink Lemonade is a new recipe that adds some cranberry juice to pink lemonade mix and real lemon juice, and that gets it's kick from some vodka! Try it out!

Use Lavender to Garnish is one of my favorite ways to pump up my lemonade in the summer. It not only looks good, it smells good too! Want your lemonade with a kick? Read Lavender Lemonade, you'll find out how to doctor up your lemonade so it packs a bigger punch.

Visit all the links and design your own personal juice bar to quench the thirst of your summer wedding guests! Lemonades are also great for showers and engagement parties too so be sure to keep the links on hand.

Do You Love Red Velvet Cake?

Source: vegaswithlove.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Do you love red velvet cake? How about a red velvet cake martini? A martini that tastes like cake? Try it, you'll like it!

How to make it?

Photo from Stoli® Website

2 oz. Stoli® Vanil vodka
1oz. Godiva White
1 spoonful Red Velvet Powder
Dash of simple syrup
Dash of heavy cream

Photo from Godiva web site

Shake it up, and strain into a martini glass after you swirl it with white and red chocolate syrups. Quite a sight!

Recipe from: Vegas With Love

Skittle Bombs?

Source: a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net via Lisa on Pinterest

Not sure who would want to drink these but they are pretty! Skittle bombs! Take bottles of unflavored vodka and packs of Skittles. Pick a Skittle color and put them all in a bottle. Shake until they dissolve. Freeze to chill before serving. OK, who wants the first taste? Not a Skittle lover...not sure if the vodka would cancel out the flavor of the Skittles or not. What do you think? Is it worth trying?

Ice Shot Glasses

From OpenSky.com

I found these on Open Sky and thought I'd share them with you. Fred Cool Shooter Shots. (OK the name is kind of dorky!) They were recommended by Zane Lamprey and I'll add his quote about these incredible new ways to flavor your drinks!

Zane says: "I was at the Ice Bar in Denmark when I first did shots out of glasses made of ice. Then recently, I found some shot glass molds stateside. That’s when things really got interesting! I quickly forgot about pouring plain old water into the molds and experimented with other other beverages. Here are some of my summer favorites:
*Freeze Orange-Pineapple Juice and pour in Vodka: It makes for a tropical-tasting screwdriver.
*Freeze Mango-Coconut Water and pour in White Rum: Coconut water seems to be the “it” drink judging by the amounts piled high in grocery stores. It's supposed to be good for you. Luckily it also pairs well with rum!
*Freeze Limeade and fill the shot with Cachaca: This made for an instant caipirinha. Saúde!
Here’s another tip when making shooter cocktails: As the shot glass slowly starts to melt, drop it in a glass and pour in another shot of spirits over and club soda--now it's a flavored ice cube!"

Wow huh? Even if you think they might be a little messy for your wedding, think of all the fun you could have with them for a shower or bachelor or bachelorette party, or an after party from the wedding! Or think about giving them as a gift complete with your own list of fun drinks concoctions!  Let me know what you'd put in them as combinations.

Watermelon and Cucumbers

Source: soc.li via Nikki on Pinterest

I am just lovin' this juicy watermelon and cucumber plus a shot of vodka! It all adds up to a refreshing summer wedding cocktail. The added lime juice and honey provide you with the right balance of tart to sweet to this festive wedding drink. A perfect choice for a signature drink for a summer wedding or shower.

Lavendar Lemonade with Vodka and Lillet Blanc

Source: designsponge.com via Hollie on Pinterest

This Lavendar Lemonade from Designsponge is not only worth the effort, it is gorgeous to look at and the taste is incredible! I love using lavendar at weddings, use it as garnish in drinks, tie a tiny bouquet at each placesetting, or have your guests toss lavendar instead of confetti (or all of the above).

Lavendar is eco-friendly and smells oh so good!

Recipe below is from Designsponge.  Be sure to visit their site for other great ideas for your wedding.

Not up to making your own lavendar lemonade? Head to your local Wegman's and buy some Adina Organics French Inspired Lavender Lemonade Juice (14 fl oz) ready made, just add some organic lavendar. Not quite as pretty as the above mixture and without the kick, but you can alwasy add those yourself too! Just be sure any lavendar you use is organic, you don't want to ingest pesticides!

Lavendar Lemonade Recipe from Designsponge.com:

INGREDIENTS:

Glass:

1.5oz Vodka (Ciroc seems appropriate but we used a local Pennsylvania vodka)
1.5oz Lillet Blanc
1oz Lavender Syrup (recipe below)
1oz Lemon Juice
2oz Chilled Soda Water
French Lavender Flower for Garnish

OR

Pitcher (makes 4 glasses):

3/4 Cups Vodka
3/4 Cups Lillet Blanc
1/2 Cup Lavender Syrup
1/2 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Chilled Soda Water for each glass
French Lavender Flower for Garnish

Lavender Syrup:
Add equal parts sugar and water to a medium saucepan and bring to boil. Add fresh organic French lavender to taste (or 1/2 cup dried food grade lavender for every 4 cups water/4 cups sugar) and boil for one minute over medium/high heat. Remove from heat and let steep for an hour.
Drink:
Mix first four ingredients with spoon, pour over ice, add chilled soda water and garnish with lavender flower (or lemon wedges if you can’t find fresh organic lavender).

Pineapple Agua Fresca - Great Signature Drink For Your Wedding

Spiked Agua Fresca -- Pineapple Flavor

Looking for a fresh tasting light drink to serve as the signature drink for your wedding? Visit the Chow website and find the easy recipe for this fruity drink that is a combination of citrus, water, and sugar that you can find throughout Mexico. For your signature drink replace the water with rum and the results are perfect for a summery wedding where you want something cool and thirst quenching. Sometimes you just want a cocktail that is a little bit different from the norm... this will do it.

For those of your guests who are non-drinkers, make them the version with the water instead of the rum.  CHOW's recipe is for 8 drinks, but you can easily make more. 

Let me know how you like CHOW's version of Pineapple Agua Fresca, spiked or not!

Root Beer Floats With A Kick?

Source: creative-culinary.com via Audrey on Pinterest

Do you love Root Beer Floats? The folks at Creative Culinary's website offer this great option to root beer lovers.  Would you love to serve these at your wedding but add a 'kick?' These floats have an addition of some 303 Vodka (from Boulder Distillery in Boulder CO), just the thing to give your root beer a bit of an extra 'boot!' 303 Vodka calls this 'Vootbeer.' So head to the webpage of this Boulder based distiller of gin and vodka and look down the page for the recipe for 'Vootbeer.'

These are great for a summer wedding or a picnic wedding! Ah! Reminders of our youth with real adult flavors!

8 Different Ways To Give Your Lemonade A Boost!

Source: ohthelovelythings.blogspot.fr via Audrey on Pinterest

A New Take On Gin and Tonic

Source: thekitchn.com via Audrey on Pinterest

The geniuses at The Kitchn have recommended this rosemary and cucumber gin and tonic! A new combo for me! They recommend Hendrick's splashed in a glass with a few slices of cucumber and the addition of some rosemary to give it an extra kick of flavor. For the recipe go here.

Source: The Kitchn

Be sure to read the comments where there are still more ideas posted by readers of The Kitchn.  It's always key to read the comments, you  never know what great nuggets you'll find there! 

Be sure to spend some time 'paging' through the website, it's filled with great photos and great ideas you are sure to love!

Individual Signature Drinks Sealed In Mason Jars

Source: debutanteseason.tumblr.com via AnnAlise on Pinterest

Mason jars pre-filled with your favorite signature drink and kept cold on ice, all prepackaged and ready to drink. No bartender needed! A simple idea, easy to execute and so easy for guests to make their choice of their favorite drink. Add your personalized labels with your monogram and the name of the drink enclosed.

 I know mason jars are big at weddings recently and this is one of the best ideas I've seen. Putting the drinks together yourself can save a bridal couple big bucks by purchasing their own liquor and mixers and not having to pay and tip a bartender. Hope this idea helps some brides out there!

Rolo Infused Vodka? Oh Yeah!

Photo courtesy of Nom Nom Cupcake

With all the hoopla lately about making your own infused vodkas, and my personal love of chocolate, I decided why not combine the two! Imagine my delight to discover this recipe on Nom Nom Cupcake for Rolo Vodka!  I was thrilled to find one of my favorite secret pleasures (Rolos) added to Vodka, so had to offer you this recipe to try out for yourselves! 

Add a homemade marshmallow to the rim of the shot glass and you have a shooter from heaven! Whether you offer these to wedding guests or guests at your next party, shooters of Rolo Vodka are sure to be a success! 

If you don't want to go to the trouble of making your own marshmallows a shot of whipped cream on top is a reasonable substitute.  Enjoy!

Peach Lemonade!

Source: mirchmasala.me via Tressy on Pinterest

Peach lemonade? I must admit I'd never heard of it until I found this fabulous idea by Mirch Masala! How good does this look? Great to serve at your wedding or shower during peach season!

Ingredients:

Peaches ( or nectarines) – 2 or 3, depending on how big/small they are

Lemon – 5 ( use more or less depending on the level of sourness you need)

Sugar – about 4-5 tbsp or as per your need for sweetness

Water

Crushed ice

For exact directions go to Mirch Masala. Fall in love with this great summer drink (and the rest of the website! You can add some alcohol if you must but this is one drink that really is great 'as is.'

Pink Drinks For Wedding Showers

Source: sutterhome.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Looking for a great signature drink for a wedding shower? Sutter Home has the perfect recipe! Girls' Night In! Thank you Sutter Home! And don't forget to serve Sutter Home's wines at your wedding as well.

What Is This?

Source: hurrayic.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

OK, here's the question, WHAT THE HECK IS IT? If you cheated and checked the link you know it's ice cubes. YES ice cubes! Pretty aren't they? If you're planning a punch that needs a punch of color try using these great ice cubes. Made by adding colored water to small balloons and freezing (oh, and don't forget to remove the balloon!) these great cubes will trick out your punch like you've never seen before.

BUT, (I know, there's always a but...) this is an extremely messy project. Visit this link for exact directions. Be aware these will change the color of your punch as they melt so a test run of the colors you want to combine would be a good idea. Also the directions given are to make them in the snow... so...if you're a June bride, you'd better get these done in January!

Use This Wedding Drink Calculator

Source: weddingpartydrinkcalculator.com via Maura on Pinterest

Visit this site to help you figure out how much liquor you need to buy for your wedding.  The Wedding Party Drink Calculator.  See Mr. Sommelier calculate how much hard liquor you need, as well as soda and mixes, wine, and fruit garnish. Clever guy isn't he? This site lets you enter the type of party you are having, the types of liquor you want to serve, as well as the number of  guests and gives you the perfect shopping list. Not too much, not too little, but just right.  Why waste money on purchasing excessive items for the bar when you can use the drink calculator to help you purchase just the right amount.

Strawberry Lemonade Sparklers

Source: valleyandcolifestyle.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Looking for a lemonade based drink? How about this great Lemonade Sparkler? Perfect for that picnic wedding or outdoor wedding, and especially for the bride who loves PINK! 

Valley and Co. Lifestyle's website is full of great party ideas, both food and DRINK! So try out their recipe. If you can take this much pink you're in business!

Recipe: Tower 23 Strawberry Lemonade Sparkler (recipe from link above)

2 oz. strawberry infused Svedka vodka | 2 oz. simple syrup | 2 oz. fresh lemon juice | Top with sparkling wine | Garnish with strawberries and mint

The Nonalcoholic Champagne-Like Toast

Photo courtesy of Twelve Noon To Midnight Web Page

12NtM or 12 Noon to Midnight is a company started by two chefs who wanted food friendly but non-alcoholic to serve to their guests. The company makes two flavors, one a peach-like white and the other a sparkling dark pink. 

Photo courtesy of 12NtM Website

Light and refreshing but  not too sweet each glass has about half the calories of wine, a bonus to dieters everywhere.

Photo from 12NtM Website

But the real question is how do they taste and how do they stack up next to your favorite wine or champagne? The fizz is there in both. 

The 'white' has notes of peaches, apricots, white grapes and tea. It's sweet but a good match for your favorite green salad.  Perfect for serving with your salad course for your wedding or at your wedding shower.

Photo of cocktails from 12NtM on web page

The red, or Rouge, is drier but also just a bubbly. It offers notes of dark cherry and plum, almost like a light rosé. 

12NtM doesn't offer the complex taste of most wines but if you're looking for a fun to drink choice that you can serve wedding guests, 12NtM is a good choice. Fun for your guests to drink without cloying sweetness. Another option is to use them as a 'mixer' to create a non-alcoholic but refreshing and sophisticated wine-like cocktail. Find recipes for cocktails or food pairings here.

12NtM is available at your local Whole Foods or Wegman's.

Pineapple Strawberry Lime Coolers

Photo and idea from Mom Magazine

Looking for a pretty and cool signature drink for your wedding? How about pineapple strawberry lime coolers?  Just looking at them makes me want to run to the kitchen and make a pitcher! (and it's six in the morning!) You'll need some pineapple juice, limeade, club soda, water, ice, strawberries, assorted fruits such as halved orange slices, halved lime slices, orange sections, raspberries, strawberries, sliced kiwifruit, and mint sprigs, and oh yes, a pitcher and glasses! Visit Mom Magazine to find out the exact proportions and to find other cool summer drinks you might enjoy serving your guests.  These drinks are perfect for a summer wedding or a shower, or face it, just anytime you are thirsty!  Add a little alcohol for those of you who can't live without it, but I love this just the way it is!

Fresca and Wine Base For Your Signature Drink

This easy to make sangria recipe uses of all things, FRESCA! It's been a long time Fresca, but this sangria makes it well worth finding a few bottles!  Great for any event outdoors or in the fall, the recipe is from Eddie Ross' web site.   What's in it?  Fresca, white wine and fresh fruits (strawberries, peaches, grapes, or mangos.)  There are a suggestions for alternate versions in the comments section so be sure to read those too.  Some suggest soaking the fruit in brandy first for a bigger kick. You'll have fun taste testing this in order to choose the very best signature drink for your wedding.

Eddie suggests using "1 bottle of wine to 3 cans of Fresca. Works great with red wine too, but use cherries, oranges, apples and/or grapes."

Choose your own favorite combination and serve in a pretty glass punch bowl or jar.  Thanks Eddie!

Watermelon Lemonade

Photo courtesy of: What's Cookin' Chicago

I know, it's the dead of winter, but as brides or mother's of the bride (or even grooms etc) wedding planning goes on regardless of the season.  So even though you probably couldn't find the ingredients for this drink right now (well not the watermelons anyway), you can plan for this summer's wedding.

This Watermelon Lemonade doesn't even have pureed watermelon, instead it has chunks of that pretty pink and green fruit floating in a pitcher of tart yellow lemonade, with each glass adorned with, you guessed it, a small triangle of watermelon.  It also has sliced lemons, limes and oranges to kick up the flavor. 

For the exact recipe, go to Delish.  Why not serve this pretty but non-alcoholic drink at your wedding?  Your guests will be so busy admiring the look and taste they'll forget about the lack of alcohol.  For couples who feel they MUST serve alcohol, just add some vodka.  Problem solved!

Follow Delish and What's Cookin' Chicago for other great ideas both for weddings and other great entertaining ideas.