Midsummer Night's Indulgences

ps
Jul 23
7 min read

For me, go-to summer cooling agents are: soft serve twist ice cream cones (even better when handed out from the side window of a Mr. Softie truck), creamsicles, bowls of chilled cherries, watermelon slices and egg creams in a pint glass. This especially hot and humid time of year also ushers in the yearning for seasonal and chilled libations. Although I love a great cocktail (a pretty one, even better), I rely on the experts to serve them up. There's more about that as you read on....

Credits: L.C. Alison Photography (Images 1+3 - Venue: Taconic Ridge Farm) and Cappy Hotchkiss Photography (Image 2-Senate Garage)

Graphic Collaboration + Calligraphy: Marjorie's Letters

Summer is all about fun and couples who are deciding what could be “their coolest” wedding signature cocktails, love this relaxed and uplifting part of the planning process. Who wouldn’t, right? Whether it’s an old classic or a newly curated blend, calling a signature cocktail their own, makes sipping that much more indulgent and fun.

A Primer on Signature Cocktail

When adding signature cocktails to the bar menu, couples may have a favorite cocktail that represents “them” or they may each have their own favorites. I say, the more the merrier! Bartenders and caterers will work alongside them to determine exact what is most fitting for their tastes and the vibe of the day.

Credits: Cappy Hotchkiss Photography | Cocktail Recipe: Oliver Zabar Graphic Collaboration + Calligraphy: Marjorie's Letters | Venue: Senate Garage

2 Always consider a special and appropriate glass for a signature cocktail. It’s a moment to add some fun, some glam, and call attention to their cocktail of choice. Rental companies have lots to choose from. Over the years, in working with Columbia Tent and Event Rentals and North Country Vintage, we have used clear cut glass, textured colored glass, recycled green glass, vintage glassware, copper mugs, flutes and martini glasses, to name just a few. They have great inventories!

Credits: Cappy Hotchkiss Photography | Hunt and Harvest Catering | Venue: LionRock | Graphic Collaboration + Calligraphy: Marjorie's LettersGlassware Rentals: Columbia Tent & Event Rentals

3 Signature cocktails are always served during cocktail hour as a special feature at the bar and often they continued to be poured throughout the night. Why stop a good thing?

Photo: Brian David Photography | CRISP Catering

Glassware Rentals: Columbia Tent & Event Rentals | Tray Rental: North Country Vintage Rentals

4 They are truly a beautiful sight to behold! Bartenders and wait stafff are proud of their creations (and rightfully so) and each glass feels so special when it’s presented to a guest. Grouped on a silver tray, held by one steady hand, sunlight dancing through the ice cubes and cool condensation adding texture to the glass. Ready for the taking…how could you not smile and pluck one off the tray?

5 One of the top complaints at wedding - LINES AT THE BAR! No one wants to see a line let alone stand in one. We suggest a work around or should I say a work ahead? Wait staff steps way out in front of the cocktail space to greet guests on the pathway from the ceremony site with a tray of signature cocktails. What a great way to kick off celebrating the newlyweds, making guests feel taken care of AND cutting down the rush to the bar. It’s also a fabulous visual.

6 Signage is a clever way to draw attention to this feature of the night. It also is a time saver for the bartenders. How great that they don’t have to repeat the offering to each and every guest, AND re-recite the ingredients. Have lots of fun with the graphics or keep it simple. The most important detail is that the type is legible in dim lighting conditions, size the font up not down. Ideally the sign should be framed so it is anchored from a breeze and kept from wilting on a damp or humid day. I like to place two signs on a long cocktail bar, and I secretly repurpose them at the reception bar (shhhh…don’t tell!) It saves on printing and it makes for less stuff.

Photo Credits: Paula Smith | Golden Hour Photography | Christopher Duggan

Cocktails: Domaney's Wine & Spirits along with The Farmer's Wife | Brian Alberg Catering

Graphic Collaboration + Calligraphy: Marjorie's Letters

Now that you know the "WHY" behind signature cocktails,

I’m excited to share the "HOW".

I decided to reach out to a few of our near and VERY dear experts—a bartender, a caterer, a venue owner, a restaurant manager and a liquor store manager to learn more about their process in curating signatures for clients. These are the TRUE PROS, they make it happen each in their own way, season by season. Lucky for me, I am witness to their success every time we collaborate. I am so grateful for their contributions especially in the busiest time of the year. I know you’ll enjoy what they had to share, and I hope you’ll take time to look at their websites (click on the header link) and support them! And lucky you, there’s some amazing recipes to try next weekend with friends.

CRISP Catering

Fire | Food | Spirits

A few words from owners, Casey & Matt…

Our Signature Cocktails are thoughtfully crafted with a few key details in mind:

Connection: Curating cocktails that reflect each client’s preferences while also adding a playful twist or two (think a pinch of an unexpected spice, a unique + balanced sugar or salt rim, or a special garnish that hints at what you’ll be sipping on).

Seasonal: Utilizing ingredients that are at their peak and highlight the setting & time of year. The addition of a floating seasonal flower or herb blossom is often the perfect final touch here and creates such an inviting drink.

Vibrancy: Making the extra effort to showcase all-things-fresh. Whether it’s juicing your own cucumbers, pureeing farm berries, or fresh herb infusions, these make all the difference. If you keep the integrity of each component rather than dulling them down with too much sugar, citrus, or spice, you’ll often find yourself with a harmonious cocktail that guests will want more than one of!

Top Notch Events

Serving an experience that lives up to our name

A few words from JC…

We specialize in creating a seamless experience whether it is at a beautiful NY wedding venue, a movie premiere in LA or a bar in the middle of the Utah desert. We are a fast, detailed, outgoing and friendly bunch that pride ourselves in creating an incredible client & guest experience from start to finish. We love doing themed cocktails and we are currently seeing a fun trend with getting more creative and involved with the non-alc components to the bar such as zero proof liquors and beers.

And a summer time recipe for their Cucumber Cooler — Muddled cucumber, fresh lime juice, agave, mint, club soda, cucumber garnish (option to add gin for cocktail)

Recipe: Cucumber Gin Smash

2 oz gin (Hendrick’s works nicely with the cucumber)
3–4 slices of fresh cucumber
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup or Agave (adjust to taste)
Fresh mint (optional, 2–3 leaves)
Ice
Sparkling water or club soda (optional, for topping)
Cucumber ribbon or lime wheel (for garnish)

Muddle in a shaker, muddle cucumber slices (and mint if using) with the simple syrup and lime juice until well broken down and fragrant.

Add Gin and a handful of ice. Shake well for 10–15 seconds.

Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice (or a coupe if served up).

Top (optional) - For a lighter cocktail, top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda.

Garnish - Add a cucumber ribbon, mint sprig, or lime wheel.

Stissing House

A few words…

Perasol Punch—Botanical Vodka, Aloe Liqueur, Cucumber Juice, Lemon

Named the "Perasol Punch" because of the ‘aloe’ element and its play with sun protection of the 1782 era.

The Ruins at Sassafras

From Garden to Glass

A few words from Carol…

The Ruins at Sassafras Museum is a former Shaker settlement, blessed with rich soil, fresh mountain air, and sunshine.

We source ingredients for our botanical cocktails from our Shaker herb garden and flower farm —homemade lavender syrup and a sprig of English lavender in our Lavender Collins Spritz, rosemary in our Pomegranate Spritz, Mountain Mint and fresh blackberries in our Berry Mojito, and Sassafras Syrup in our signature cocktail: Ruined at Sassafras.

"Ruined at Sassafras" Recipe

2 oz of bourbon
1 ounce of Amaro
1/2 ounce of sassafras syrup
4 dashes of orange bitters

Served on the rocks in a rocks glass, garnished with orange.

Sassafras Syrup

6 cups water
3 ounces fresh sassafras root, or use 3 ounces dried sassafras root bark (available on Amazon)
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 whole star anise
1 whole clove
1/4 cup dark molasses
4-5 fresh mint leaves
3 cups granulated sugar

Domaney's Fine Wine & Spirits

A few words from Jordan…

A family-owned shop nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, proudly serving our community for over 50 years. We specialize in sourcing exceptional wines, distinctive liqueurs, locally crafted products, and everything in between. From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, we provide expert service for weddings and events throughout the region. Whether you're a mixologist, a cocktail enthusiast, or simply looking for something special, Domaney’s offers the perfect canvas for your creativity

At Domaney’s, we’re always on the lookout for products that make entertaining easier AND more delicious—and DrinkThat’s premade Espresso Martini is a standout. Skip the time and precision it takes to craft the perfect espresso martini from scratch. This premium ready-to-pour cocktail is made with high-end ingredients and offers a smooth, bar-quality experience right from the bottle—far superior to the overly sweet, outdated versions of the past. Shake hard and pour!

Looking to jazz it up? Add a splash of your favorite cream liqueur for a velvety “cappuccino” twist that takes it to the next level. So easy and have a flawless cocktail ready to impress—every single time.