One of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding or event is designing the drink menu. Your cocktails, mocktails, wine, and beer selections help set the mood for the entire evening and can become one of the most memorable parts of the celebration.

The best drink menus feel intentional, personal, and reflective of the people hosting the event.

Start With a Vision

Before choosing cocktails, start by creating a mood board or inspiration folder.

This helps communicate your vision clearly to:

Your beverage caterer
Your planner or coordinator
Friends or family helping with decisions

Think about:

Colors
Venue style
Floral arrangements
Season
Dress code
Favorite destinations
Favorite restaurants or cocktail bars

The clearer your vision is, the easier it becomes to create a cohesive bar experience.

How Important Is the Bar to Your Event?

For some couples, the bar is simply functional.

For others, it becomes a major focal point and guest experience element.

Understanding where you fall on that spectrum helps determine:

Budget
Menu complexity
Staffing
Add-ons
Presentation

You should also consider your non-drinking guests. A great bar experience should include thoughtful mocktail options so everyone feels included.

Start With Drinks You Actually Love

One of the best starting points is simple:

Think about your favorite cocktail from your favorite bar.

Do you love:

Margaritas?
Espresso martinis?
Ranch waters?
Old Fashioneds?
French 75s?
Fresh seasonal cocktails?

Your drink menu should feel personal. These are the drinks you and your guests will remember all night long.

Some couples build menus entirely around their own preferences, while others design menus based on what they know their guests will enjoy most.

There is no wrong approach.

We Recommend Balance

For weddings and larger events, we typically recommend:

2 signature cocktails
1 red wine
1 white wine
1 domestic beer
1 import beer

This keeps the menu approachable while helping service stay fast and efficient.

It also reduces the chances of running out of a single item too early.

🍷 Wine Pairing Basics for Events

White Wines

Typically lighter, crisp, and refreshing.

Best paired with:

Chicken
Seafood
Salads
Light appetizers
Warm-weather events

Popular styles include:

Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Grigio
Chardonnay

Red Wines

Usually richer and fuller-bodied.

Best paired with:

Steak
Pasta
Heavier entrées
Evening receptions
Cooler weather events

Popular styles include:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Merlot

🍺 Choosing Seasonal Beer Styles

Warm Weather Events

Guests often prefer:

Light lagers
Pilsners
Wheat beers
Blonde ales

These styles are crisp, refreshing, and easy to drink outdoors.

Cold Weather Events

Guests usually lean toward:

Amber ales
Brown ales
Porters
Stouts
IPAs

These styles feel richer and more comforting during cooler seasons.

Signature Cocktails Should Feel Memorable

Your signature cocktails are where personality really shines.

These drinks should:

Match your vibe
Be easy to enjoy
Look beautiful in photos
Reflect your tastes

Whether that means simple classics or fresh seasonal farm-to-glass cocktails, your drink menu should feel like an extension of the celebration itself.

✅ Dream Drink Menu Checklist

Do we want classic or seasonal cocktails?
Are mocktails important?
What drinks do we personally love?
Do we want custom cocktail names?
Are we including wine and beer?
Do we want a signature garnish or presentation?
Are glassware rentals important?
Do we want a hydration station?
How important is the bar visually?
Do we want guests talking about the drinks afterward?

At Sage Roots Cocktail Company, we believe the best drink menus combine hospitality, personality, and thoughtful details to create an elevated guest experience from the very first sip.

Build a Beverage Experience Your Guests Will Remember