Forget dreaming of a white Christmas; if you’re saying “I do” over the winter holiday season you’re more likely dreaming of white wedding dresses. But there’s no reason to miss out on celebrating the holidays in addition to your own big day–because combining festive touches with your winter holiday wedding is part of the fun! Start with these tasty peppermint cocktails that take the bite out of a chilly night.
Hot Mint Chocolate
When you’re serving signature wedding cocktails, the classics are extremely popular. Don’t overlook everyone’s favorite cold weather cocktail: hot chocolate with an adult twist. Make a pot of decadently rich hot chocolate by melting high quality chocolate bars into whole milk (stir over low heat until it’s all dissolved). For every 6 oz serving of hot chocolate, add 1 ¼ oz peppermint schnapps. (If you like your drinks a little stronger, add a splash of vanilla vodka too.) Serve in a coffee mug and top it off with whipped cream and crumbled peppermints.
North Pole Tea/Coffee
To warm up your wedding guests on a chilly day, give them a steaming mug of tea or coffee with a little boost. With every 4 oz serving of strong black tea or coffee, stir in ½ oz peppermint schnapps and ½ oz Bailey’s Irish cream. These drinks work especially well as signature wedding cocktails because tea and coffee are convenient to brew and keep warm in large quantities. Keep the main supply alcohol-free, though; not only is it more elegant to see a bartender serve cocktails individually, but guests can opt for the non-alcoholic versions easily too.
Chilly Candy Cane
Sometimes the best thing to do in chilly weather is smile and go along with it. Cold cocktails bring a bit of briskness into indoor winter celebrations–just be sure your venue is well heated. Fill a highball glass with ice, then pour in ¾ oz peppermint schnapps, 1/4 oz grenadine syrup, and 3/4 oz creme de cacao. Fill the rest of the glass almost completely with half-and-half, then top it off with a splash of Sprite or 7-Up soda. Garnish with (what else?) a mini candy cane.
Chocolate Mint Romance
What better way to culminate your engage-mint? This rich, creamy cocktail tastes like romance. In a highball glass, combine 1/3 oz peppermint schnapps, 1/3 oz Godiva chocolate liqueur, and 1/3 oz Bailey’s Irish cream. Top it off with cold milk. For the perfect finishing touch, slice a slit in a small cube of mint chocolate brownie and place it onto the rim of the glass.
Peppermint Maple Froth
Want to give your guests the grown-up version of a snow cone? Try this rich holiday cocktail that’s just like a snow flurry, but more delicious. Mix 1.5 oz vodka, 1/2 oz maple syrup, 1 oz peppermint schnapps, and 1/2 oz light cream in a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake it energetically (a flair bartender might incorporate this step into a dance or even a juggling routine). Don’t stop until the entire outside of the shaker is coated with frost. Strain it over crushed ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a piece of maple or peppermint candy.
Bring a dash of peppermint into your celebration with these cocktail ideas. Candy cane wedding inspiration is not only a festive way to give a nod to winter weather, but it also leaves you and your guests with minty fresh breath. Now that’s a good start to a wedding reception!
GAEA DENKER-LEHRMAN