Signature Cocktails for Signature Style

For the standard vodka, water with a twist drinker, such as myself, signature cocktails have always sounded complex. It wasn’t until I ventured into a speakeasy and began chatting with the mixologist that I began to truly understand and appreciate the notion of signature cocktails. Gone are the days of boring bar standards.  As more and more people are opting for incorporating a signature cocktail or signature cocktail menu into their special event, cocktail hours are taking a step up in the realm of unique flair and style.

Signature cocktails have a long and colorful history. Becoming increasingly popular in today’s social climate, the signature cocktail has taken hold as a new opportunity to enhance the experience of patrons at restaurants and other establishments, as well as guests at events of all sizes. In the special events industry, the signature cocktail phenomenon has taken quite a hold. Original concoctions are being reintroduced and reinvented for today’s modern pallet.

Choosing a signature cocktail or even a signature non-alcoholic drink is often a reflection of your event, a theme, or if you are getting married, you and your love to be. These unique beverages do not need to be created from scratch, but many may find themselves in search of a mixologist to create something entirely for them that has never been tasted before.

Within the world of libations there are many elements to choose from to get the taste you crave. The idea of flavored spirits has really caught on, as have infused liquors that can be created by a mixologist or even yourself (if you’re choosing to entertain at home). Creating remarkable and unique flavor complexes through fruit infused liquors or for an entirely different type of cocktail, herb infused spirits. Siding on the more savory than sweet side, herb infused cocktails add a very different taste to the occasion. The use of basil, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, and mint are happily common place in the drink area. Edible flowers such as carnation petals, lavender, violets and rose petals create a stand-out garnish. Floral garnishes infuse the cocktail aroma with a strong floral note and added beauty to the presentation.

Get creative at your next gathering by adding a special touch. Think color, country of origin, what might complement the food, or the ability to go non-alcoholic. These guidelines help to channel your cocktail creativity into results just right for your event.

If you’re confused as to where to start, begin thinking of classic libations that we consider the perfect options for a ‘signature’ cocktail. Easy to make and definitely easy to drink, not only are these classic cocktails fun, they add a special element to your affair. Consider modifying to your own tastes and preferences with specific brands, varying juices, unique garnishes, or whatever your style might dictate.

Here are three classics with a twist of fun that can take your cocktail game to the next level.

Ginger Peach Bellini
1 oz. pureed peaches
¼ tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
Champagne

Pour puree and lemon juice in bottom of flute. Add champagne to taste. Stir and garnish with a slice of crystalized ginger.

Cranberry Kiss
0.75 oz Spiced Rum
2 oz. Collins mix
2 oz. cranberry juice
1 wedge lemon

Fill a glass with ice, add ingredients, stir. Garnish with lemon wedge.

Cucumber Mint Gimlet
2-inch slice of peeled cucumber, halved and then quartered
10 Mint leaves
1.5 tsp light agave nectar or simple syrup
1  Lime, juiced
1.5 oz. Gin

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber, mint and agave nectar until the cucumber ofers no more resistance. Fill the shaker with ice, then pour in the lime juice and gin. Shake until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled. Strain the mixture into a martini glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint.