GOOD MIXERS

Cocktails are a great way to add a signature element to your reception while kick-starting the party. Jo Fitch of The Buffalo shares her top five for a modern wedding

words Rebecca Matthews

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There’s nothing quite like a cocktail menu for stirring the party spirit, as Jo Fitch of The Buffalo (thebuffalo.co.uk) – the Southwest’s wow-worthy mobile Airstream bars – can testify. “We serve a fully stocked bar with wine, beer, bubbles, spirits, cider and soft drinks but the cocktails are by far the most popular when we rock up!” she says. “Guests have been waiting a long time for this day to come around and they are delighted when there is a whole host of great drinks available rather than just wine and beer options.”

Recent years have seen a cocktail renaissance, resulting in more people recognising great cocktails and being willing to try something new. “Trusting your bar company is essential,” asserts Jo. “Have a chat with them to let them know what cocktails or spirits you both like so they can tailor a cocktail menu specific to what you and your guests will love.”

From retro favourites with a modern spin to bubbly cocktails, bitter concoctions and non-alcoholic sips, there’s a dizzying choice of cocktails out there. To help you narrow down a crowd-pleasing selection for your menu, we’ve asked Jo to pick out some favourites for a modern wedding or, as she says: “Some which we have tried and tested and enjoyed so much that people keep coming back for more”.

Negroni

It might be over 100 years old, but today the negroni is all the rage everywhere from hip bars to coolly contemporary weddings. “It’s not to everyone’s taste, but those who appreciate it won’t be disappointed,” comments Jo. “Quality ingredients are particularly key when there are few ingredients in a cocktail and when it comes to the negroni this is essential. Use a great gin, vermouth and Campari, stir well and garnish with an expressed slice of orange peel rubbed round the rim.”

The Buffalo

Hurricane

Invented in a pub in New Orleans during the second world war and made famous by the song It’s Five O’clock Somewhere, a hurricane is a long, fruity and super popular cocktail. “This is sunshine in a glass!” says Jo. “Rum-based with plenty of sweetness, it ticks a lot of boxes for a great cocktail experience and is a brilliant all-rounder for those who may be cocktail shy.”

Elderflower collins

The drinking usually begins soon after your guests arrive from the ceremony, so consider your welcome cocktail carefully and start with something to set the tone of your reception. “All our cocktails are a double measure of spirit but for a welcome drink we suggest you take it easy and offer something refreshing, light and fantastically delicious,” advises Jo. “Elderflower collins does this very well. If you’d prefer something bubbly, make it a bellini.”

Espresso martini

A delicious pick-me-up, the espresso martini is fast becoming a key ingredient of a modern wedding and works particularly well after the meal to ward off the post-feasting slump. “It’s a classic but can be done so badly,” warns Jo. “When I go to a cocktail bar, the espresso martini is a good tester of how great their cocktails are. The key to this, again, is quality ingredients as, with only three ingredients, there’s not much to hide behind: you’ll need good vodka, real Kahlua and, most essential of all, awesome espresso.”

Whisky sour

Light and refreshing with delightful citrus notes, the whisky sour is another cocktail which is sure to wow the crowds. “At first, the word whisky may put people off, but hang on,” says Jo. “This is bourbon, our American friend with a sweeter finish than the Scotch whisky you may be familiar with. Tempered with lemon and sugar, it is much easier to drink than you would assume and, once tried, guests just can’t get enough.”