Whether you’re crafting your own concoctions or toasting with a dry Champagne, weddings are famed for the open bar. Couples and guests like to break the ice with extended family members, along with enjoying themselves during a momentous occasion; and with Obama’s recent endorsement on same-sex marriage, you’ll have even more reason to celebrate! Catering can sometimes be a hassle and leave you with standard low-tier liquor if you aren’t careful. Why leave a bad taste in your mouth when you can opt for the unexpected? Setting up the back bar requires a little planning, with sampling and seeing what mixes well with you, your honey and, most importantly, the dishes being served. I mean, who wants to drink a chardonnay with a steak dish? Drink responsibly.
SAFE BET
Unsure on quantity? Think of quality and just pick and choose based on five factors:
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The number of guests. |
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Who will be attending; i.e. Uncle Jim may prefer whiskey, but the majority are vodka drinkers. Choose based on the majority. |
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Season: If you’re having an outdoor wedding, chances are your guest would prefer a nice cold beer to keep them chilled during a warmer spring or summer evening. |
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The food: Cocktail hour may be a free-for-all, but it’s important to keep your mini-bites and your main courses in mind. |
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Price: Look into local wine shops and luxe options, but ration out your budget accordingly. |
Red (Merlot): 2009 Blackstone Merlot Sonoma Reserve ($17.99): Sour-cherry scents with a dark, rich, luxurious look. It starts off velvety on your palate then you start to notice the sweetness. Sweet and perfect for an unexpected wedding tasting.
White (White Burgundy): 2009 Olivier Leflaive Puligny Montrachet ($52.99): The color is vibrant and eye-catching, with just the right amount of citrus and oak to the taste. It’s perfect to pair with a lighter fishy meal and cleans the palate when you’re ready to move onto the late evening.
Champagne … or Prosecco?: Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiorore ($17.95): You’re usually a Champagne tosser but don’t recognize the difference between the bubbly and Italy’s finest. Opt for prosecco, it’s unexpected and highly pleasurable. This bottle, both pale and toasty, offers a subtle taste that would be good for a larger crowd, when in doubt.
Rosé: El Coto Rioja Rosé ($10.99): Perfect for the blushing brides who favor a sweeter beverage, this rosé is a steal that offers hints of oranges and a burst of floral notes; the perfect balance of acidity proves this pairing to be just as blissful as yours.
Scotch & Whiskey: Great King Street ($39): Rich and fruity with hints of oak, vanilla and toasty spices, it’s warm on the palate and is perfect for mixing for a sparkly seltzer over ice. Definitely a smart choice for the sophisticated twenty-somethings and your whiskey snob godfather.
Tequila: El Jimador Tequila Blanco ($19.99): Smooth and decently priced for something that packs a punch on the dance floor. The blanco is also great for mixing cocktails. Margaritas, anyone?
Rum: Ragged Mountain Rum ($29.99): Why hop on the Banana Boat to an island, when you could get the same Jamaican flavors in a Berkshire-d bottle? This bourbon barrel matured liquor adds a touch of sophistication and makes you look like you know the difference between your liquors. Not bad for a post-wedding brunch either. Dark ‘n’ stormies, anyone?
Vodka: Deaths Door Vodka ($27.99): So neutral, you can hardly taste the punch … until the night goes on. It provides a clean finish that serves wonderfully in a martini, over ice or for the unexpected late night Bloody Mary order.
Gin: Citadelle Gin ($19.99): What better a way to ring in your new nuptials than with a peppery, sharp and complex gin that’s perfect for sipping? Suitable for mixing as well, especially if you’re looking for a speakeasy-inspired punch.
Catering Tip: If you’re using a caterer, be wary of bottle and cork fees, and arrange that you will be keeping the liquor. You are paying for it, after all.
