Wedding Ideas
October 14, 2021

Creating Signature Cocktails for Your Open Bar Wedding: A Guide

Get advice from a wedding caterer in Maryland on how you can craft unforgettable signature cocktails for your special day

minute read

One of the most fun aspects of planning your special day is creating your very own signature cocktail for you and your guests to enjoy. Working with a caterer in Maryland, you can craft something that represents your tastes, the season, and your wedding theme. The only question is — where to start? 

Well, it's your lucky day! We’ve compiled a list of ways that you can really customize your open bar and your signature cocktail. So, let's get started by going over a few ways you can really take your cocktail and bar to the next level.

Stand Out By Using Creative Glassware for Your Signature Cocktail

Talk to your caterer in Maryland about using different types of glasses for your signature cocktail

color gradient mason jar cocktails outdoor
Custom glasses make your signature cocktail look extra appealing.

Depending on your wedding theme, you likely have some ideas for your signature cocktail. However, many don’t consider using custom or unorthodox glasses to personalize their open bar. For example, if you’re having a rustic wedding, you might want to consider using mason jars for your open bar. If you're thinking of something a bit fancier, you can elect to serve your cocktail in a champagne glass. 

Before you settle on your choice of  glasses, ask your caterer in Maryland for advice. If you want to create a custom cocktail glass, you may have to supply the glasses yourself. However, you should always ask what your caterer can provide. So before you bring your own stemless wine glasses for a signature sangria cocktail, find out if your caterer can provide something similar.

It’s also helpful to do some research when it comes to choosing which glasses you’d like to use for your special day. You never know, you could find some inspiration from wedding sites or from social media sites like Pinterest!

Match Your Signature Cocktail to Your Wedding Colors

Get creative with your color story to really personalize your open bar

colorful summer cocktails with lime and dragonfruit
You can use your cocktail garnish to decorate your bar!

Once you’ve decided on the type of glass you’d like for your signature cocktail, you can further personalize the experience by adding some color. An excellent way to add a pop of color to your cocktail is by adding a garnish. If your signature cocktail doesn’t require a garnish, you can always add some color to the bar itself.  By using herbs and fruits, you can decorate your open bar and add a bit of extra flair. If you are looking for suggestions, you can consult a caterer in Maryland to give you some advice on decorating the bar space. 

Bring Some Personalized Items to Add That Extra Special Touch

You can customize your open bar just like your table centerpieces

open bar with custom sign umbrella wine glasses cocktail shaker
A custom sign is a cute and effective way to personalize your open bar.

An excellent way to personalize your open bar is by bringing some items from home for decoration. In addition to the cocktail, you can really go wild when it comes to bar decorations. For example, a great way to play into a vintage themed wedding is by bringing a bar cart.

You could also create custom wedding bar signs that display the name of your signature cocktail. An excellent way to personalize your signature cocktail is by naming it something creative — you could even incorporate your last names into the cocktail name. These small details are an excellent way to really make your open bar and cocktail hour memorable.

Popular Cocktails for Weddings in 2021: A Look Into the Past

Let’s find out which cocktails caterers in Maryland recommend serving up 

champagne martini cocktail fountain gloved hand waiter
Take a step back in time with these prohibition era cocktails.

One of the most popular wedding trends for 2021 is serving a modern take on an old classic. This year, it seems like many couples are looking back to the 1920s cocktails for inspiration. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular cocktail ideas for a bit of inspiration.

Gimlet

Like the 1920s, it’s clear that the liquor of choice this year is gin. That’s why the gimlet is one of the most popular signature cocktails for weddings. A gimlet is a simple cocktail of gin and lime juice, often served with a lime garnish. This is an excellent choice if light green is in your wedding color palette.

Gin Fizz

Keeping with the theme, the second cocktail we’ll discuss is the gin fizz. This bright yellow cocktail is sure to add some color to your open bar. Made with gin, lemon, simple syrup, and soda water, a gin fizz has a touch of sweetness that makes it a surefire crowd pleaser. Not only that, but the gin fizz is topped off with an egg white foam topping just for added intrigue.

The French 75

A French 75 is an excellent choice for a signature cocktail. Not only does it taste great, it is served in a champagne glass and is visually appealing for guests. The French 75 is a mixture of gin, sparkling wine, and lemon juice. Instead of serving champagne at cocktail hour, why not try out a French 75.


It doesn’t matter what you choose as your signature cocktail as long as it represents you and your future spouse. If you are looking for a caterer in Maryland to help you bring your signature cocktail to life, look no further than The Smokehouse Grill. We’ll help you customize your open bar experience for your guests and help you design your perfect cocktail hour. To start planning your dream wedding contact The Smokehouse Grill and we’ll help you turn your dream wedding into a reality.

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