We are huge fans of having a signature cocktail. Signature cocktails complete an open bar with a feeling of sophistication and abundance, while both amping up the personal feel of your wedding, and saving you money. There's no down side.

This is because, when your open bar is fully stocked with myriad spirits, wines, and beers, you're looking at a much heftier price tag and a very long night for your bartender. Choosing one or two signature cocktails to round out a minimal wine and beer offering keeps the price down, but doesn't sacrifice a feeling of variety, and accommodates people who prefer spirits.

Signature cocktails are also an excellent way to tell your story. Did you have an old fashioned with a floral twist on your first date? Did your partner surprise you one evening with a lavender gin martini? Share these delicious cocktails with your guests, and then, every time you sip, you'll recall that special moment. 

With springtime around the corner, it's only reasonable to think of all the amazing florals and herbs coming into season. Your signature cocktails should definitely capitalize on this abundance. 

These are three of our tried and true favourite spring cocktails. They are botanical, floral, refreshing, and not too heavy. Serve with ice and an adorable stir stick or fresh (edible!) flowers on top.

Figgy Maple Bourbon Fizz by Cheese and Chocolate

Fig-infused bourbon:
fresh figs, halved
bourbon
mason jar, or other clean glass vessel with cover

1. Fill your mason jar, or other container, halfway with fresh figs.
2. Top off with bourbon, cover, and let sit for 5-7 days, giving it a gentle swirl once a day or so.
3. Once infused, strain the bourbon through a sieve (reserve the figs for another use like a boozy jam) and pour bourbon into another clean jar for storage.

Assembly:
1 fresh fig, halved
2 tsp pure maple syrup, the darker the better
squeeze fresh lemon juice
few dashes vanilla coconut maple bitters, or angostura bitters
3 oz fig-infused bourbon
ginger beer

1. Divide the fig between 2 old fashioned glasses.
2. To each glass add 1 tsp maple syrup, small squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a couple dashes of bitters.
3. Muddle ingredients in each glass until well incorporated.
4. Fill glasses with ice, pour 1 1/2 oz of the fig infused bourbon over each and then top with ginger beer.
5. Give a quick stir and enjoy!

How delicious, right? Be sure to make the bourbon infusion well ahead of time, or schedule this in with your bartender (they may be able to source some directly). 

Strawberry Chamomile Paloma by our friends Half Baked Harvest

Chamomile Honey Syrup:
3/4 water
1/3 cup honey
1-2 chamomile tea bags

1. Combine water and honey in a small saucepan and bring to a low boil, simmer 1 minute and remove from the heat.
2. Add the tea bag, cover and steep for 5-10 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bag and allow the syrup to cool completely. Store in the fridge.

Assembly:
3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice (about half of 1 grapefruit
2-4 tablespoons chamomile honey syrup depending on your taste
2 ounces tequila omit to make a virgin version
4 fresh strawberries sliced
sparkling water for topping off
crushed ice

1. Add the grapefruit juice, chamomile syrup, tequila and strawberries to a glass.
2. Use a muddler (or even the end of a rolling pin), gently push the strawberries down until they release their juices and are lightly smashed.
3. Add a handful of ice and then add sparkling water to top off.
4. Give the drink a gentle stir.
5. Taste and add more chamomile syrup if desired.
6. Garnish with fresh chamomile flowers and strawberries if desired.

Note:
If you'd prefer, you can strain out the mashed strawberries and then add fresh sliced strawberries for a prettier look.

This cocktail is perfectly suited to an outdoor wedding. Think about those delicious, ripe strawberries and that tasty chamomile syrup... We're basically salivating.

Lavender & Lemon Sparkler by Rose & Ivy.

Lemon Simple Syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 2 lemons

1. Combine sugar, water, lemon zest and lemon juice in a sauce pan over medium heat.
2. Allow for sugars to dissolve. Allow to cool slightly.
3. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Assembly:
Champagne, such as Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut
Edible lavender sprigs, for garnish
Lemon peel, for garnish 

1. Place 2 tablespoons of lemon simple syrup into a champagne glass.
2. Top with champagne.
3. Garnish with lemon peel and a spring of lavender, if desired. 

This cocktail is very simple, to contrast the first two. When in doubt: unsweetened or lightly sweetened fruit juice mixture + champagne = very good. Just remember that. Speaking of sparkling...

Sparkling Fig & Honey Cocktail by Hello Glow

Ingredients:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup filtered water
6 figs cut into quarters
2 sprigs thyme
1 cup champagne
1/2 cup high quality apple cider
1 ounce orange liquor

Assembly:

Apple cider, orange liquor, and figs? Yes please. Sign us right up.

Are you going to have a signature cocktail? Let us know below!

xo Evorden