Cocktails and emotions: choosing your wedding drinks

The menu, the dress and the venue usually come first. Drinks often end up at the bottom of the list, yet they accompany your guests from the first toast to the last dance. A well-thought-out cocktail can spark an emotion, bring back a journey or tell a little of your story.

Before we talk recipes, one practical question always comes up: how many bottles of champagne should you plan for? Many couples count three or four glasses per guest for the drinks reception. In reality, guests also drink still and sparkling water, juices and soft drinks, so alcohol consumption is closer to two and a half glasses of champagne per person over the whole reception. Here are the benchmarks I use, followed by my ideas for drinks that reflect you.

A signature cocktail that reflects you

Creating a cocktail just for the two of you is one of the simplest ways to personalise your wedding. We start from your tastes, a shared memory or a country you love, then build the recipe: citrus for freshness, a spice for surprise, herbs or seasonal fruit to anchor it in the region. Around Bordeaux, a local aperitif such as Lillet makes a lovely base. Give it a name and chalk it on a board by the bar: guests love ordering "the couple's cocktail".

The cosmopolitan: glamorous and festive

Vodka, cranberry, triple sec and lime: forever linked to 1990s New York, it brings a bright pink colour and tangy flavours that feel like a celebration. Perfect if New York is part of your story.

The gin fizz: sparkling freshness

Gin, lemon, a touch of sugar and soda water, served in a tall glass: light, elegant and refreshing, it pairs beautifully with seafood canapés.

The spritz: a holiday feeling

Born in the Veneto, it combines prosecco, a bitter aperitif and soda water with a slice of orange. Its sunset colour brings Italian terraces to mind: a crowd-pleaser outdoors.

The yuzu and pepper mojito: a bold twist

My favourite take on the mojito: yuzu brings a fragrant sharpness and a grind of pepper wakes everything up. For couples who like to surprise.

Think of those who do not drink alcohol

Children, mothers-to-be, drivers and guests who simply do not drink deserve better than lukewarm orange juice, right from the drinks reception. Plan at least one alcohol-free creation made as carefully as the others: homemade basil lemonade, citrus iced tea or an alcohol-free version of your signature cocktail.

Pairing drinks with the meal

During the drinks reception, what is in the glass should echo the canapés: bubbles with oysters, gin fizz with marinated fish, spritz with richer bites. At the table, wine takes over: around Bordeaux and the Bay of Arcachon, a dry white from Entre-deux-Mers or the Graves suits fish, a more structured red goes with meat and a sweet wine with some desserts. Choose the pairings once the menu is set (my tips on creating the perfect wedding menu will help), then fine-tune them at the tasting, with the dishes in front of you.

Finally, put someone in charge of the bar: a dedicated bartender completely changes your guests' experience. To imagine the whole experience, from cocktails to dessert, discover my wedding catering. Until then, here is to your love!