Honestly, we love the current trend toward detox waters with fruits all the colors of the rainbow. Really, we do. But if we’re being honest, then we have to admit that sometimes water just doesn’t cut it.
Cue our friends at Colonial Wines & Spirits in Little Rock. They cooked up a list of yummy bridal party cocktails that will carry you through any of your upcoming nuptial events.
Happy hour, here we come!
Sparkling Wine Cocktail Bar
Ideal for: Bridal showers or brunches year round
From the Bartender: This is a perfect choice for a brunch lasting several hours. Guests can make their own “signature” drink and, best of all, it’s all self-serve.
You Need:
- Juices (at least 3-4; fresh squeezed or frozen)
- mango
- orange
- pineapple
- pomegranate
- cranberry
- Sparkling wine like Piper Sonoma
- Fruit wedges to match juice; or the staple orange and lemon wheels
- Glassware (fluted champagne or sparkling wine glass)
Preparing the Bar:
In an ice pan, arrange the following items:
- Chilled juices in carafes or glass pitchers
- Sparkling wine or champagne
- Garnish
Preparing the Drink:
Start with the champagne or sparkling wine and pour the glass about half full. Fill to the top with your choice of juice, stir gently and garnish.
Note: For a nonalcoholic option, substitute San Pellegrino sparkling water for champagne.
The Girls’ Night Out
Ideal for: Evenings in spring or early summer
You Need:
- 3 fresh strawberries
- 3 slices of canned pineapple
- 1/2 oz. pineapple syrup from the can
- 1/4 oz. lime juice
- 1/4 oz. simple syrup (directions below)
- 2 oz. white rum
Preparing the Drink:
To make your simple syrup, dissolve one part sugar in one part boiling water and let cool. See? Simple. Then muddle your fruit, pour over ice with other ingredients and shake. Pour in tall cocktail glass and garnish with a fresh strawberry and mint sprig.
Game’s Over
Ideal for: Summer nights
From the bartender: This works great as either a bachelor’s drink or for your girls who don’t dig fruity cocktails.
You Need:
- 1 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
- 1 oz. Botanist Gin
- 1/2 oz. Canton Ginger Liqueur
- 1/4 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
- Dash of Angostura Bitters
- Ginger beer
- Mint sprig
Preparing the Drink:
Pour all ingredients except the ginger beer into a shaker and fill with ice. Strain well and into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with a mint sprig.
The Golden Ring
Ideal for: Nighttime year round
You Need:
- 3 oz. Toso Brut Champagne
- 1 oz. Citadelle Gin
- 1/2 oz. lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup
- 1 lemon twist
Preparing the Drink:
Add all the ingredients except the champagne to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake well and strain into a champagne flute. Top with the champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
*All of these libations can be found at Colonial Wines & Spirits at 11200 W. Markham Street in Little Rock. Click here to visit their website and follow them on Facebook.