The Signature Drink

Shaken or stirred, blended or on the rocks, top shelf or virgin...a celebration just isn't a celebration without a few tantalizing libations.  I mean let's face it, next to the guest(s) of honor, it's often the bar that attracts the most attention at events, so it's worth putting a little thought and effort into what's going to be served.


While hosting a fully stocked bar may suit some, it's just not practical for everyone since it can add thousands to your budget.  So how do you show your guests a good time, without breaking the bank? Enter the signature drink!


I'm a huge fan of signature cocktails at weddings and events. By serving up one or two customized creations, along with a beer and white & red wine selection, you can avoid the sometimes exorbitant costs of the fully stocked bar.


Plus, beyond just the cost-savings appeal, these customized concoctions are an excellent way to add a personal touch to your event. Signature drinks typically mirror the theme and/or colors of the event and provide an excellent way engage your guests by carrying that theme into not only what they see, feel and hear, but what they taste and smell as well.


Here is one of my favorite summer recipes, the Strawberry Mojito.

Strawberry Mojito

Ingredients

• white sugar, for rimming
• 2 large limes, quartered
• 1/2 bunch mint leaves
• 7 strawberries, quartered
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup white rum
• 2 cups club soda
• 8 cups ice cubes
• 
  
• Directions

1. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 inch of sugar onto a small, shallow plate. Run one of the lime quarters around the rim of each cocktail glass, then dip the glasses into the sugar to rim; set aside.
2. Squeeze all of the lime quarters into a sturdy glass pitcher. Toss the juiced limes into the pitcher along with the mint, strawberries, and 1 cup of sugar. Crush the fruits together with a muddler to release the juices from the strawberries and the oil from the mint leaves. Stir in the rum and club soda until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into the sugared glasses over ice cubes to serve.