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Summer Wedding Signature Cocktails to Try: Refreshing Recipes for Your Big Day!



As we approach summer, we can almost feel the warmth of the sun on our SKY Armory rooftop, the scent of hanging flowers in Armory Square, and the excitement of wedding season! While it’s still a little chilly here in Syracuse, we know that couples planning their summer weddings are already dreaming of perfect outdoor receptions, the soft breeze, and delicious, refreshing signature cocktails to serve their guests. Whether you're planning an elegant wedding or a relaxed celebration, your signature cocktail is a fun way to set the tone and create lasting memories.


At Sky Armory, we understand the importance of personalizing your wedding experience from start to finish. One of the easiest ways to add a touch of you and your partner’s personality to the celebration is through a thoughtfully crafted signature cocktail. Below, we’ve rounded up 8 summer-inspired signature cocktails that are perfect for any wedding, along with easy-to-follow recipes you can try at home. So even if Syracuse is still holding onto a bit of chill, we’ve got you covered to bring the summer vibes into your big day!


Raspberry Rosé Fizz

A sparkling and fruity blend that combines the elegance of rosé with the sweetness of raspberries. This cocktail is not only delicious but a perfect balance of light and refreshing. Ideal for kicking off your summer wedding festivities!


Ingredients:

  • 1 oz raspberry purée

  • 4 oz rosé wine

  • 1 oz club soda

  • Fresh raspberries for garnish

  • Ice


Instructions:

  1. In a glass, add ice and raspberry purée.

  2. Pour in rosé wine and stir gently.

  3. Top off with club soda and garnish with fresh raspberries.

  4. Enjoy this light, bubbly drink perfect for any summer toast!


Blood Orange Spritz

A fun twist on an Aperol Spritz. This vibrant cocktail brings a touch of bitterness from Aperol and a refreshing citrus twist from blood oranges. It’s a playful, visually stunning option that will surely catch your guests’ attention.


Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Aperol

  • 3 oz blood orange juice

  • 2 oz prosecco

  • Ice

  • Blood orange wheel for garnish


Instructions:

  1. Fill a glass with ice.

  2. Add Aperol and blood orange juice, stirring to combine.

  3. Top with prosecco and gently stir.

  4. Garnish with a blood orange wheel and serve!


Peach Bourbon Smash

A southern-inspired cocktail that’s smoky, sweet, and a little strong — perfect for a fun wedding signature cocktail.


Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon

  • 3/4 oz simple syrup

  • 2 oz fresh peach purée

  • 1 oz lemon juice

  • Ice

  • Fresh mint for garnish


Instructions:

  1. Muddle fresh peach slices and mint in a shaker.

  2. Add bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice, and ice.

  3. Shake well, strain into a glass with ice.

  4. Garnish with mint and enjoy!


Strawberry Basil Smash

A refreshing and herbaceous cocktail, this Strawberry Basil Smash combines sweet strawberries with aromatic basil for a unique twist. It’s perfect for a summer wedding that calls for fresh, seasonal flavors.


Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin

  • 1 oz lemon juice

  • 1 oz simple syrup

  • 4-5 fresh strawberries

  • 2-3 basil leaves

  • Ice


Instructions:

  1. Muddle strawberries and basil leaves in a shaker.

  2. Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice.

  3. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass filled with ice.

  4. Garnish with a basil sprig or strawberry slice.


Smoked Cherry Manhattan

For a little sophistication and smoky drama, this Smoked Cherry Manhattan is a winner. It’s a cocktail that adds a bit of depth and mystery to your celebration, perfect for an evening wedding.


Ingredients:

  • 2 oz rye whiskey

  • 1 oz sweet vermouth

  • 1 oz cherry liqueur

  • Ice

  • Cherry for garnish


Instructions:

  1. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and ice to a mixing glass.

  2. Stir well until chilled.

  3. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.

  4. For an added smoky touch, infuse the cocktail with a bit of smoke before serving.


Mai Tai

Transport your guests to a tropical paradise with this classic Mai Tai. It’s a crowd-pleasing drink that’s sweet, tangy, and totally perfect for a summer wedding.


Ingredients:

  • 1 oz light rum

  • 1 oz dark rum

  • 1/2 oz lime juice

  • 1/2 oz orange curaçao

  • 1/2 oz orgeat syrup

  • Ice

  • Lime wedge for garnish


Instructions:

  1. Add light rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and ice into a shaker.

  2. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.

  3. Garnish with a lime wedge or mint sprig.


Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita

For those who love a kick of heat, this Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita is a spicy, zesty twist on a classic. It’s the perfect drink to balance out the sweetness of summer with a little heat.


Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila

  • 1 oz lime juice

  • 1/2 oz agave syrup

  • 4-5 cucumber slices

  • 1-2 slices jalapeño (to taste)

  • Salt for rim

  • Ice


Instructions:

  1. Muddle cucumber slices and jalapeño in a shaker.

  2. Add tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice.

  3. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.

  4. Garnish with a cucumber slice or jalapeño.


Ranch Water

Now trending! A super simple, ultra-refreshing drink, Ranch Water is the perfect easy cocktail for any casual wedding with a summer vibe. It’s light, crisp, and made for sipping in the sun.


Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila

  • 1 oz lime juice

  • Topo Chico or sparkling water

  • Ice

  • Lime wedge for garnish


Instructions:

  1. Add tequila and lime juice to a glass with ice.

  2. Top off with Topo Chico or sparkling water.

  3. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!


Ready to Make Your Wedding Planning Stress-Free?


At Sky Armory, we know that planning a wedding can be a lot — but it doesn’t have to be stressful! We’re here to help make your big day as easy and fun as possible, from choosing your perfect signature cocktails to crafting an unforgettable event. Our stunning venue offers the perfect mix of modern elegance and historic charm, and our team is ready to bring your vision to life.


Ready to start planning your dream wedding at Sky Armory? Get in touch with us today to schedule a tour and begin making memories that will last a lifetime!

 
 
 

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