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When hosting an event, you not only want your guests to have fun and enjoy the festivities — you also want them to reminisce about the details for days, weeks, and even years to come. Providing a signature cocktail is one way to add a memorable touch to your celebration, and fortunately, it’s one that Catered by Design is well-versed in. We’re here to share everything you need to know about signature cocktails, plus the recipes for some of our personal favorites.

Benefits of offering a signature cocktail 

Signature cocktails can not only make your event more memorable, but they also help your guests feel like they’re a part of something special, adding a personal element that familiarizes them with the host(s). For example, if it’s a business event, it gives guests something to associate with your company or organization (in other words, what do you want your “signature sip” to say about you or your business?). 

A few other advantages of signature cocktails include:

  • Alleviating long cocktail hour lines by passing a premade elevated signature drink
  • Reinforcing the theme of the event (for example, a mint julep for a Derby theme)
  • Serves as another way to connect personally with your guests
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CREDIT: Benjamin Foote https://benjaminfootecp.com/

How to choose a signature cocktail

When you work with our Chicago catering company, the sky’s the limit for your signature drink. “Some clients like to pull from unique and momentous parts of their lives, for instance, using a pet’s name or a favorite location for inspiration towards naming their drinks,” advises Lyndsay, our beverage manager. Additionally, for a wedding or anniversary celebration, you may choose signature offerings to represent each host (ex. “his & hers” and other variations for weddings).

Here are a few things to consider when planning your custom cocktail:

1. Signature cocktails aren’t just for weddings.

They’re also fun additions for showers, corporate events, birthdays and all types of celebrations.

2. They can be non-alcoholic, too!

The demand for tasty, unique non-alcoholic options is at a peak right now, and Catered by Design is all for it. Many of our signature drinks can be made non-alcoholic. Discuss with your catering sales specialist when planning your event!

3. Want something new and different? We’re full of ideas!

If you’re seeking something outside the box, our elite beverage team can invent or suggest a creative drink for your party.

4. It’s all in the details.

Catered by Design offers elevated add-ons like custom glassware to match your cocktail of choice. “They also can be garnished in beautiful ways for the perfect cherry on top,” Lyndsay explains (think custom ice cubes with edible flowers).

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Signature cocktail recipes

Below you’ll find a few of our top “signature sips” and food pairings from our catering menus thanks to our executive chef, Carlos. Try these delicious cocktail recipes at home and find your favorite. Which will you choose for your next event?

Spicy Margarita

1. Spicy Cucumber Margarita

Brides.com

A blend of tequila, lime juice, honey, jalapeños, and cucumbers makes for a sweet and refreshing margarita with a kick thanks to the bartenders at Hotel AKA Back Bay (with slight alterations from our team). This fun cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings, Mexican-themed events, barbecues, and garden parties. We recommend pairing it with our Roasted Rack of Lamb or Center Cut Filet Mignon (6oz.) entrées. 

Ingredients:

2 oz Tequila
Jalapeños
0.5 oz Honey
0.5 oz Lime Juice
1 tbsp Chopped Cucumbers

Directions:

Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker, shake, and garnish with a slice of cucumber and jalapeño.

Intercontinental 75

2. Intercontinental 75

Brides.com

This classic cocktail elevates the gin and tonic with lemon, champagne, and simple syrup in a refreshing new way. Served in a champagne flute with a lemon twist garnish, it pairs perfectly with our Oven Roasted Salmon Fillet or Grilled Salmon Fillet. This signature drink is often served at weddings, but is a great choice for any formal or evening event. 

Ingredients:

2 oz Champagne
1 oz Gin
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
Lemon

Directions:

Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a flute, top with champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Espresso Martini Opt. 1

3. Espresso Martini

This espresso-based drink with a sweet-yet-salty flavor profile combines coffee and dessert in cocktail form. Smooth and rich, this sophisticated sip is great for late-night events and cocktail parties, as everyone knows a caffeine boost can keep the party going! We recommend pairing this drink with our popular Sweet Finale S’mores station or our Earl Grey Shooter and Dark Chocolate-Dipped Banana Slice from our Decadent Trio offerings.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Vodka
1 oz Cold Brew
1 oz Kahlua
0.5 oz Caramel Syrup
Coffee Beans

Directions:

Place all the ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake, pour into a martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.

Spritz Down the Aisle

4. Spritz Down the Aisle

Brides.com

Light and refreshing, with just the right amount of bitterness, this bubbly orange cocktail is served in a wine glass with an orange slice garnish. As the name suggests, a Spritz Down the Aisle is ideal for weddings, vow renewals, bridal showers and other wedding-themed occasions (bridal parties may even choose to sip them while getting ready for the big event!). This signature drink is a great introductory sip for your guests and we recommend serving it on our very own wrought-iron wine tree (stay tuned for our next blog all about our signature equipment!). We recommend pairing the Spritz Down the Aisle with our Watermelon, Feta & Grape Tomato Skewer, and Fresh Summer Roll hors d’Oeuvres.

Ingredients:

4 oz Prosecco
2 oz Aperol
0.5 oz Soda Water
Orange Slice

Directions:

Pour the Aperol over ice, followed by the prosecco and splash of soda water. Stir, then garnish with the orange slice.

Day Drinker

5. Day Drinker

Brides.com

This signature sip is essentially a Cape Codder with an upgrade of ginger ale, served with a lime rind garnish. Tart and bubbly, it pairs well with our Blueberry & Goat Cheese Crostini and Walnut Chicken Salad Bite hors d’Oeuvres and our vegetarian Cheese Ravioli entrée. A Day Drinker is a nice offering for daytime weddings and parties, brunches, and family gatherings.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Vodka
3 oz Ginger Ale
2 oz Cranberry Juice
Lime

Directions:

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add a squeeze of lime juice, followed by the vodka and cranberry juice. Top with ginger ale, stir and garnish with lime.

Grapefruit Basil Martini

6. Grapefruit Basil Martini

Brides.com

This unique drink is elevated with fresh ingredients like hand-picked basil and grapefruit and has a beautiful orange color. Served in a martini glass, it’s the perfect choice for a wedding, dinner party, or any other evening or summertime event. We recommend pairing it with our Stuffed Portobello Mushroom or Saffron Risotto Cakes (both vegetarian!).

Ingredients:

2.5 oz Vodka or Gin
1.25 oz Grapefruit Juice
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
2 Basil Leaves

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients and one basil leaf into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass over a slice of grapefruit. Garnish with the remaining basil leaf.

MOCKTAILS:

Sin City Sober

7. Sin City Sober

Cheers Online

Having mocktail options at your event is an inclusive option for those who enjoy the taste of a refreshing beverage, but prefer to stay sober. This creative recipe crafted by the mixologists at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is made with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup for a sweet and citrusy flavor. Paired with our Lemon Grass-Crusted Barramundi or Marinated Snapper, it’s ideal for summer and outdoor events. 

Ingredients:

2 Fresh Strawberries
5 Mint Leaves
0.75 oz. Lemon Juice
0.75 oz. Simple Syrup
4 oz. Water

Directions:

Muddle mint leaves and strawberries in a shaker tin. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, water and shake. Pour into a highball glass. Garnish with a strawberry and mint sprig.

Sparkling Tea Opt 1

8. Sparkling Teas

Some Good Clean Fun

For those seeking something similar to champagne, consider offering sparkling teas. They’re elegant, festive, and perfect for a non-alcoholic toast!

During cocktail hour, Catered by Design typically prepares hors d’oeuvres for the newlyweds to enjoy, either in their private suite or at the head table. With sparkling teas, Carlos and Lyndsay recommend our Raspberry Baked Brie, Chorizo Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Date, Shrimp Shooter, and our Grape & Goat Cheese Lollipop hors d’Oeuvres.

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CREDIT: Fika Foto https://www.fikafoto.co/ 
(Fun fact: Lyndsay can attest to the quality of sparkling teas, as she used them for her own wedding.)

Choose Catered by Design for your beverage catering service

With Chicago beverage catering packages that include, but are not limited to, our Premium, Prestige, and Platinum bars, Catered by Design offers a wide range of options that include top-tier liquor, wine, and beer brands to meet individual needs. Our number one goal is to enhance each client’s event by considering every detail. Lyndsay notes, “Clients can feel confident that what they envision will come to life on their day.” Please feel free to view our beverage catering packages or contact us if you have questions about our services.

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