Are you looking for a way to keep your guests warm during your wedding ceremony and reception? One of our favorite ways to keep your guests warm is with the addition of festive winter wedding cocktails — or mocktails! They are a fun way to incorporate some of our favorite winter flavors and add a little bit of adventure to your big day. You can even work with your bartender to create signature cocktails to reflect you, your partner, and your overall wedding theme!  Whether you like fresh or spices, we’ve got a cocktail, or mocktail for you and your guests to try! So, grab a shaker and a glass, see what is in your pantry or fridge and let’s get some festive drinks rolling! 

Cranberry-Orange Whiskey Cocktail 
Nothing screams fall or the holidays like Cranberry. And we’re not talking about the cranberries from a can, we’re talking about fresh cranberries with a hint of orange. Citrus is truly featured, paired with a darker whiskey. Garnished with a fresh orange peel and cranberries make it a festive affair. Consider adding a fresh herb, like thyme to add in some greenery and you have a festive cocktail that will delight your guests. Recipe: Equal parts cranberry and orange juice, whiskey – your choice of course! Add a hint of triple sec, lemon juice and simple syrup for sweetness. Top it off with ginger beer cranberries, an orange peel and thyme for a garnish. To swap it for a mocktail – skip the whiskey and add more non-alcoholic ginger beer. 

Bourbon and Spiced Pear Cocktail 

Often people consider fruit to be a summer fruit, when in fact fruit can be a staple of a winter wedding. From decor, to food and drink, adding fresh fruit can brighten any festivity! Select your favorite bourbon, a hint of orange, and pear juice with all spice and cinnamon to create a warm drink. Pour over ice and serve in a short, cocktail tumbler. Recipe: Prepare pear puree, or use an all natural pear juice. Combine juice or puree with a dash of honey, lemon juice, and seltzer or tonic weather. Add your preferred bourbon, ginger beer (non-alcoholic or alcoholic) with allspice and cinnamon. Pour over ice, and serve in a stemless wine glass or short cocktail tumbler. 

Hot Cocoa, with a Twist 
We love a good hot cocoa bar. This appeals to guests of all ages, and you can even add in a little 21+ over twist. You’ll want to create a hot cocoa bar, but add elevated touches, such as fresh mint leaves and peppermint sticks. If you’re not a peppermint fan, you can create a Mexican Hot Chocolate, or forget the mint overall.  Recipe: For the hot cocoa powder, opt for a rich hot cocoa, such as dark chocolate or a gourmet milk chocolate. The boozy twist, is a dash of creme de menthe and a mint leaf for a garnish. Ensure that milk is offered, in lieu of water, to create depth and add warmth to the hot cocoa. 

Peppermint Moscow Mule 
Moscow mules are a modern day classic. They are a great option for a refreshing summer drink, but can also be festive during the winter months! Create a classic Moscow mule, but add a candy cane, or peppermint stick and you’ll have a festive winter drink! These can either be served as a mocktail – just leave out the liquor! It is a great option, that is sure to be refreshing on your guests’ palette. Recipe: Select your favorite vodka as a base and add in peppermint schnapps. Top off your cocktail with ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and garnish with candy canes and mints! Don’t forget to serve in a festive copper mug. 

Classic French 75 
I don’t know what it is about the holidays, but when I think of the holidays, I think of a French 75. Maybe it is the bubbly, or that I always snag one before seeing the Nutcracker, but it is classic, traditional, and sure to lighten your festivities on your wedding day! The best part, is this is a very simple cocktail and perfect for a celebration of love.  Recipe: Select your favorite gin, add champagne or prosecco, and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Add simple syrup for added sweetness and shake over ice. Pour in a vintage or classic stemmed glass and garnish with a lemon peel. 

We can’t forget about our gents and girlies that enjoy good mocktails. All of the drinks can be swapped for non-alcoholic liquor or you can leave out the alcohol all together. As you craft your festive drinks, think about what will appeal to your seasonal palette, remain on budget, and won’t take too much time to make. Select drinks that are reasonable and keep the ingredient list on a low. Once you select your cocktails, or mocktails, create festive signage and don’t be afraid to get creative with the names. Ensure that your drink station or bar is easily accessible for all guests and that drinks are clearly listed. If you do choose to serve signature drinks, with alcohol, ensure that there is a limit or your bartenders do not overserve. Yes, we want guests to have a festive time, but we also care about your guests' safety. Drink responsibly and ensure that your guests have safe travel to and from the reception. 

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.