Signature Drinks

At many wedding receptions, brides and grooms are serving a signature drink - it might be their favorite cocktail, or a local specialty like Southsides, or it might be a drink chosen for its color. A tray of drinks in the wedding color or colors offered to guests as they arrive at the reception can playfully set the theme at the beginning of the party.

We have a new book in the store, Signature Drinks, that has recipes for cocktails in every color you can imagine. Traditional Bellinis are made with pureed white peaches and prosecco, but the photo shows that they can be made in every color with other fruits and prosecco or champagne.

Here's the recipe for a Bellini that would be popular at the holidays:

Poinsettia Bellini

Mix fresh crushed cranberries with simple syrup and let them infuse for at least 1-2 days.

In a 1 pint glass, mix:

2-3 cranberries from cran-syrup mixture

1/2 oz. of the cranberry-infused simple syrup

1/2 oz. Orange Cognac

1 fresh-squeezed orange wedge

Muddle until contents are mixed. Fill glass with a brut champagne. For a sweeter drink, add Cointreau.