signature cocktail names and wine question

ansanna

Hello, I would rather post here than get "snarked" at in the other sections. I'm planning on having 2 beers, 2 wines and 3 signature cocktails made with the basic vodka, rum and tequila so if someone wants to mix with soda, that's fine or they could get shots. I'm interested if any of you bridetobe's are creative enough to come up with some names for my cocktails. Rum cocktail will be a Cranberry Kiss, which honestly I don't mind the name of. Vodka cocktail will be a Godiva Chocolate Martini. Tequila cocktail will be a Pomegranate Margarita. As for beer, FI picked bud light and yuengling.. As for wine I picked White Zinfandel and then I wanted a red wine as well... Honestly, I'm sad to say that my favorite red is Riunite Lambrusco... But some people view it as a cheap crappy wine.. at my wedding I see myself drinking mostly Margaritas or wine.. But I don't want up be selfish by picking the Lambrusco over something of higher quality... Quite honestly I don't drink a lot and I see myself having no more than 4 or 5 small drinks, so does that really constitute having the Lambrusco over something else? Honesty please, however if you feel I should serve something else I would really appreciate a recommendation on what affordable red wine, as we are doing a budget wedding, you would recommend in its place...Thanks in advance!

melb2013

Do you have a Trader Joes with wine near you?  They have amazing cheap wines!  

Why do you think you'd get snarked at on other boards?  I think your selection is lovely.

I'm terrible at coming up with cute names- no help there.

Sharpschruter22

I agree with Mel, check out Trader Joe's. My favorite red wine is Menage a Trois. It's a blend of three reds. 10 a bottle. Although the name is probably not appropriate. Lol. It takes very little to be snarked on other boards. While I personally cannot imagine anyone having anything negative to say about your post, I'm sure there would be someone who would choose to be a smart a. I'm sorry I'm not any help on cute names either.

Swazzle

I agree with all of what Mel said.  

The only thing I'd point out is that white zinfandel isn't really a white wine, it's a blush wine. I love wine personally but I do not like white zin at all as it's way too sweet for me. You could totally ignore this suggestion if you're set on serving that in place of a white or you could add in a cheap white as well (as Mel said, Trader Joe's has awesome cheap wines).

I saw a cute thing on Pinterest where the martini being served was named after the bride (for example, a Rachel-tini) and they were also serving a mojito which they named after the groom (a Sean-ito). You could do a mash-up of your names (an example I saw was for Amanda and Andrew and they named their drink the Mandrew-tini).

beckyh77

I love the signature cocktail idea but don't have an imagination to come up with cute names! We're hosting 1 or 2 kegs with wine for cocktail hour and everything else is cash bar.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for this post, I have some alcohol questions as well. Our signature is tequila sunrise and we need a name too! Any ideas? Also, FI doesn't drink and I don't drink beer so not sure what kind of beer to serve? As far as wine, I love Moscato, do you girls think that's too "cheap'? I don't drink red wine so I need help there too!

Sorry to hijack OP!

MamaBear904

There is a rating system for wines (grading scale) and I've seen tons of wines with high rates that are under $10 a bottle. Maybe you can go with something that has a high rating that fits within your budget? If you are concerned that your "favorite" is not going to go over well and dont particularly plan on having any, I would try to go with something a little more common that may go over better like a Kendall Jackson or something like that.

Here is Wine Enthusiast's best buys for 2012. Anything with a rating over 90 is a super good wine...
http://www.winemag.com/Wine%20Enthusiast%20Magazine's%20Top%20100%20Best%20Buys%20for%202012.pdf

melb2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2013-weddings_signature-cocktail-names-some-other-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:ea657a87-d1dc-4588-999f-31c9deeef720Discussion:ea95369f-3933-46f4-93ef-fb349ff53c6dPost:60082df5-a7e8-4535-a418-1cd8ccf1f451">Re: signature cocktail names and wine question</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for this post, I have some alcohol questions as well. Our signature is tequila sunrise and we need a name too! Any ideas? Also, FI doesn't drink and I don't drink beer so not sure what kind of beer to serve? As far as wine, I love Moscato, do you girls think that's too "cheap'? I don't drink red wine so I need help there too! Sorry to hijack OP!
Posted by Pnutbutr[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>To me Mascato is dessert wine.  I'd go for something a little less sweet if that's your only white wine selection- maybe a Pinot Grigio?  If you are having two reds and two whites, I'd go for one dry and one sweeter of each.  Then there's a little for everyone.</div><div>
</div><div>OP, my favorite cheap Trader Joes dry red wine is this Nero d'Avola that they have.  Here's a link to it: <a href="http://traderjoeswine.blogspot.com/2009/08/2007-archero-nero-davola-499.html" rel="nofollow">http://traderjoeswine.blogspot.com/2009/08/2007-archero-nero-davola-499.html</a>  It's truly amazing for any price, but especially for $5. </div>

Mimmer04

I used to work as a bartender, so I guess this question is right up my alley.

I agree with most of what the PP have said.  Also as long as you are hosting whatever bar options you offer, I think you are fine.  Beer, wine, and a limited open bar, which is basically what you are having, is more than adequate and no one should second guess that.

If you only offer two wines, I would do a true white and a true red, rather than a white zin, which many people do not like.  However, if you really want white zin, it is not the end of the world (it would be better offered as a third choice).  I also don't think there is anything wrong with offering the Lambrusco as one of your choices.  As the PP mentioned Trader Joes is a FANTASTIC option for good, inexpensive wines. Another idea that I just read about is to go to a good, local wine shop, tell them your budget and ask for recommendations.  Buy a few different bottles and then invite some friends over for a tasting.  Sounds like a lot of fun and could be great to do with your bridal party.

As far as drink names, they don't have to have anything to do with what is in them.  For example, I am getting married in Boston, so we are probably going to name one of our drinks "Dirty Water."  I don't even know what will be in it yet (probably a bourbon or whisky so it has a darker hue), but I have the name.  Name the drinks after you and your FI or based on something to do with your theme.  If you tell us/remind us of your theme, we might be able to come up with something.  

Good luck and your bar sounds like it will provide the makings for a great party.

Mimmer04

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2013-weddings_signature-cocktail-names-some-other-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:ea657a87-d1dc-4588-999f-31c9deeef720Discussion:ea95369f-3933-46f4-93ef-fb349ff53c6dPost:60082df5-a7e8-4535-a418-1cd8ccf1f451">Re: signature cocktail names and wine question</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for this post, I have some alcohol questions as well. Our signature is tequila sunrise and we need a name too! Any ideas? Also, FI doesn't drink and I don't drink beer so not sure what kind of beer to serve? As far as wine, I love Moscato, do you girls think that's too "cheap'? I don't drink red wine so I need help there too! Sorry to hijack OP!
Posted by Pnutbutr[/QUOTE]

<div>I completely agree with Melb regarding Moscato being a sweet wine and not the best choice.  It is definetely not "cheap" as moscato wines can be just as expensive as other wines, but it only appeals to a certain palette and is often used as a dessert wine.  Anyone who is a wine snob will probably not appreciate it if Moscato is only the wine choice and even those with less wine knowledge will probably prefer a more acidic wine to help balance and cut the food with dinner.  If you only offer one white white, a pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, or chardonnay is probably best.  I don't want to discourage you from offering moscato at all, as I think it is great for variety (and I personally love them), but I would offer it in addition to a traditional white and red.</div><div>
</div><div>As far as beer, how many options are you going to have?  At a minimum, I would have 2 options, 1 light and 1 regular - my recommendations are Miller Lite and Heineken (or Coors for a less expensive domestic option).  If you want to add a third choice, go for a local brewery to add some local flavor to the bar.  If you want to have more options you can expand from there into some different types of ales, lagers, pilsners etc.  Let us know if you need some more recommendations.</div><div>
</div><div>One idea for your signature drink (theme not withstanding) would be Pnutbutr and FI's Red Hot Love.  Its a little cheesy, but then again signature drinks at weddings usually are (but I love them anyway)....</div>

melb2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2013-weddings_signature-cocktail-names-some-other-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:ea657a87-d1dc-4588-999f-31c9deeef720Discussion:ea95369f-3933-46f4-93ef-fb349ff53c6dPost:b76e8838-598b-4017-90d2-7c4a8b504675">Re: signature cocktail names and wine question</a>:
[QUOTE]I used to work as a bartender, so I guess this question is right up my alley. I agree with most of what the PP have said.  Also as long as you are hosting whatever bar options you offer, I think you are fine.  Beer, wine, and a limited open bar, which is basically what you are having, is more than adequate and no one should second guess that. If you only offer two wines, I would do a true white and a true red, rather than a white zin, which many people do not like.  However, if you really want white zin, it is not the end of the world (it would be better offered as a third choice).  I also don't think there is anything wrong with offering the Lambrusco as one of your choices.  As the PP mentioned Trader Joes is a FANTASTIC option for good, inexpensive wines. <strong>Another idea that I just read about is to go to a good, local wine shop, tell them your budget and ask for recommendations.  </strong>Buy a few different bottles and then invite some friends over for a tasting.  Sounds like a lot of fun and could be great to do with your bridal party. As far as drink names, they don't have to have anything to do with what is in them.  For example, I am getting married in Boston, so we are probably going to name one of our drinks "Dirty Water."  I don't even know what will be in it yet (probably a bourbon or whisky so it has a darker hue), but I have the name.  Name the drinks after you and your FI or based on something to do with your theme.  If you tell us/remind us of your theme, we might be able to come up with something.   Good luck and your bar sounds like it will provide the makings for a great party. :)
Posted by Mimmer04[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I went to a local wine shop to buy wines for FSIL's shower.  We did that basket where you get a different wine for each "first" occasion.  The woman at the store got totally into picking wines and even tried to get the names to match the occasion.  For example, we bought a wine for the "first baby" that was called Angel's Landing.  I would definitely try a local wine shop for suggestions.</div><div>
</div><div>Mimmer- I'm getting married in Gloucester!  Where in Boston are you getting married?

</div>

[Deleted User]

Thanks ladies! @Mimmer, think I'll stick with the basic beer, don't want to get to complicated (and confused)! The moscato I buy is cheap, like 7 bucks at Walmart lol...but you ladies are right, although I love sweet wine, it's not for everyone.

Mimmer04

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2013-weddings_signature-cocktail-names-some-other-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:ea657a87-d1dc-4588-999f-31c9deeef720Discussion:ea95369f-3933-46f4-93ef-fb349ff53c6dPost:06aa81f5-3fed-4b13-886c-ffefea4b6be5">Re: signature cocktail names and wine question</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: signature cocktail names and wine question : I went to a local wine shop to buy wines for FSIL's shower.  We did that basket where you get a different wine for each "first" occasion.  The woman at the store got totally into picking wines and even tried to get the names to match the occasion.  For example, we bought a wine for the "first baby" that was called Angel's Landing.  I would definitely try a local wine shop for suggestions. Mimmer- I'm getting married in Gloucester!  Where in Boston are you getting married?
Posted by melb2013[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I am getting married at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge.  </div><div>Gloucester is absolutely beautiful.  I hope you are on the water.

</div>

ansanna

Wow just got back to check this and got a lot of responses I'm going to read each of them and then maybe have another post however I need to point out 3 things. we do not have a Trader Joes I've never seen 1 around anywhere nearby either.. also in Pennsylvania you have to buy wine from the liquor store only, you cannot but any form of alcohol at a store, and you must provide your own alcohol at most venues, Pennsylvania has crazy rules... But I will read down through all these now that I'm off work, thanks a ton!

ansanna

Alrighty, so our theme is "rustic spring" the wedding is at www.pennscenicview.com, the ceremony will be on the peninsula on the lake, reception will be in the lakeside lodge. Colors are burnt orange and pistachio green. As I said before, I must buy wine/liquor at the state owned wine and spirit stores..... So trader joes/Walmart are out... As for white zin, it may be a local thing, but every wedding I've been to has served white zin, and honestly that's what I drink at most weddings because its something I "know". I know its a blush but again, most weddings I've been to serve it plus a red. I'm sure it wouldn't break the bank to have 3 types of wine, just less bottles of each type. See, since I have to buy it all myself, I have to estimate how many bottles and kegs of everything I need... So that's going to be difficult but the bartending service I hired is going to give me an estimate on the number of bottles. I don't feel like my guests would "dislike" Lambrusco, I'm just worried that someone would scoff at it saying it's cheap... I like the idea of an "Amberita" and a "Nicktini" but with a third drink I'm not sure how that would work..

lalans

Yeah, PA liquor rules suck Grew up near Philly.  No Trader Joe's has wine in PA, and for an event like a wedding you shouldn't try and bring in liquor from out of state.

My dad is a bit of a wine snob and for my sisters wedding he picked a Pino Gris for the white and a Cab Sauvignon for the Red....both are pretty classic/go well with most things, and can be bought on the cheaper side but still be pretty good.  Usually the PA liquor store people know the wines pretty well so they can give suggestions within a price range. You've got the yuengling in there for some good local flavor!  One of my friends had a "make the coctails night" with some girls...basically trying out recipies and then naming them once they were a bit tipsy.  That worked for her! I like the idea of mixing up your names, or naming them after things that are significant for you...like if you live in Pittsburg they could be named after places where you met/go on dates, or like "Steeler's Syrup" or something.

melb2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2013-weddings_signature-cocktail-names-some-other-questions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:ea657a87-d1dc-4588-999f-31c9deeef720Discussion:ea95369f-3933-46f4-93ef-fb349ff53c6dPost:0178e961-05a0-4ab8-855b-95223818efc0">Re: signature cocktail names and wine question</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: signature cocktail names and wine question : I am getting married at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge.   Gloucester is absolutely beautiful.  I hope you are on the water.
Posted by Mimmer04[/QUOTE]

<div>We are right on the water.  I am so jealous!!!  The Royal Sonesta is amazing!!!!  If I could have afforded it, that's what I would have picked!</div>

Mangotini

Blushing Bride (for your blush)

Love Potion

Altared State

Eternitini

His

Hers

First Kiss Fizz

True Blue

Blingrita

Maidarita

Tuxedopolitan

Veil Ale

Groom's Gimlet

Honeymoon Helper

Something Blue (or something old, or something new, or something borrowed, or all of them)

Blissful Bellini 

Wedding Bell-ini

Happy Ending

Holy Matrimony

Diamond Ring Sling