We haven't decided yet whether to have an open bar or signature cocktails, wine and beer. Or perhaps signature cocktails for the cocktail hour and open bar for the reception? We'll be crunching our budget numbers once we order our cake and find a videographer. If we do a signature cocktail, here are two ideas I think would suit us perfectly.
Mixed Berry Mojito (from My Life as a Mrs.):
Ingredients:
Mixed Berry Puree
1 cup blueberries, whole, 1 cup strawberries, caps removed and rough chopped
Mixed Berry Mojito
4 oz club soda, 2 ½ oz light rum, 1 ½ fresh lime juice, 1 oz simple syrup, 2 TBS mixed berry puree, 6-8 mint leaves, ½ strawberry, cap removed and sliced thin for garnish (optional), 5-6 blueberries, whole for garnish (optional), 1 small mint sprig, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Mixed Berry Puree
1. Combine berries and blend until smooth (food processor, blender, hand blender, etc.; really what ever is easiest to clean)
2. Pour puree into a fine strainer over a container and press puree through the strainer with a spatula to remove seeds and skins from puree. Store puree in the refrigerator.
Mixed Berry Mojito
1. In a tall glass, combine mint leaves, lime juice and simple syrup and gently muddle together (only bruise the leaves, not shred).
2. Add ice (about 1 cup) and pour in rum and club soda.
3. Spoon berry puree into drink and stir to incorporate all ingredients and lift mint leaves up from the bottom of the glass.
4. Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries and mint sprig.
Here's
a link to a similar recipe for a blue cocktail, and
a link to a "Wild Berry Mojito" that includes blackberries and raspberries.
Spiked Arnold Palmer (from The Bridal Bar):
Ingredients (Serves 8):
1 cup packed mint leaves, chopped, 2/3-cup sugar, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 cup freshly brewed tea, chilled, 1 1/2 cups vodka, Crushed ice for serving, Fresh mint springs, optional for garnish
Directions:
1. Combine chopped mint and sugar in a large bowl or pitcher.
2. Stir in lemon juice, iced tea, and vodka.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
4. Fill six 6-8 ounce glasses with crushed ice. Pour mixture over.
5. Garnish with mint and lemon springs.
Here's
another spiked Arnold Palmer recipe that uses Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka.
