Bartenders Say the Spritz Is the Signature Wedding Cocktail of Summer 2024

The signature cocktail (or cocktails!) has become a mainstay of most wedding celebrations. “[A signature cocktail] really lets the personality of the couple shine through,” says Heather Ramirez, beverage director of Tipsy Pear. “It creates some intimacy with their guests as they share a special day with a drink that is important to the individual or the couple's story. It can also add to the ambience of the wedding in terms of the drink matching the colors or the garnishes adding a detail.”

Many couples often choose their favorite classic drink, like a French 75 or an old fashioned, while some dream up a special creation inspired by a moment in their relationship or their honeymoon destination. But for warm-weather nuptials in 2024, expect to see one drink at almost every celebration; according to bartenders and hospitality experts, the spritz is signature wedding cocktail of the summer. "The spritz is affordable, versatile, and looks fantastic in everyone’s hands," shares Tiffanie Barriere, mixologist and educator.

Below, see what the experts have to say about this Italian wine-based drink, which has so many interpretations, as well as other trending options couples are requesting (or should consider) for summer 2024 weddings.

Spritzes of All Styles

The spritz is the reigning champ of summer weddings this year, which likely comes as no surprise since the Aperol spritz, in particular, has been the go-to drink for a few summers in a row. “I always love a good summer sipper like an Aperol spritz or anything in the spritz family,” says Ramirez, citing the aesthetic quality of the beverage and its lower alcohol content. Lynnette Marrero, chief mixologist of Delola, agrees: “A traditional Italian spritz is popular due to its vibrant orange hue, light and bubbly nature, and citrusy flavor, making it a popular choice for outdoor celebrations,” she says.

Individuals are even planning spritz stations for guests to enjoy on the big day, notes Veronica Vergara, senior catering sales manager at W Aspen. “Couples are looking for fun ways to enhance the experience for their guests, so these cocktails can be incorporated into a spritz bar—entertaining and interactive—to include other options such as Hugo spritz, Lillet spritz, and many other great creations.”

Non-alcoholic options are also being requested for guests who don’t or can’t drink. “The creativity involved in making sure that all of your guests, whether they imbibe or not, have the opportunity to enjoy something truly crafted is only amplified during the summer, as you have a bounty of fresh ingredients to play with,” explains Jason Marshall, bar manager and curator at The Ritz-Carlton, Portland. More specifically, Dani Porter, director of food and beverage at Hotel Viata in Austin, Texas, suggests a cucumber mint spritz—club soda, ice, cucumber, and a pop of mint—for those currently searching for a refreshing mocktail choice.

Classic Aperol spritz ingredients:

• 3 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz club soda

Other Trending Signature Cocktails for Summer 2024

The spritz isn't the only signature wedding drink being served this summer. Here, the experts share several other cocktails that everyone can expect to see at warm-weather nuptials.

Throwback Cocktails

Bartenders and venues have seen an uptick in couples asking for ‘90s and Y2K-era signature cocktails for summer weddings this year. “Riffs on classic cocktails shake things up,” says Karl Goranowksi, beverage director for BATA restaurant in Tucson, Arizona. “Gen Z and millennials are driving the nostalgia trend, and weddings are no exception.” He adds that cocktails like appletinis and cosmopolitans will be the most popular this season.

Espresso Martini

Another trendy throwback fave? The espresso martini is back in a big way, including at weddings. “It’s perfect as a transition after dinner to celebrating the night away with family and friends,” says Amani Macaulay and Chima Burey, founders of Duke & Dame salted caramel whiskey. “And just like coffee, you can customize it to your liking.” This drink is also great because couples can batch-serve mini espresso martini shots to keep the party going. 

Espresso martini ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka (or your choice of alcohol)
• ½ oz coffee liqueur
• ½ oz Irish cream liqueur
• 1 oz espresso

Gin and Tonic

Sometimes the best cocktail is the easiest one, which is why Ramirez says that the classic gin and tonic is making a “huge comeback.” It’s a beloved summer go-to due to the crisp combo of tonic and gin—plus, it can be easily customized with different flavored gins and garnishes to make it unique.  

Gin and tonic ingredients:

• 2 oz gin 
  
• 4 oz tonic
• Ice

Spicy Margarita

“The margarita never gets old,” says Barriere, adding that she’s seen more and more couples request to offer a full margarita menu at their weddings. The drink is easily customizable, so it works well as a signature cocktail. Plus, when you add a little dose of spice, whether it’s with jalapeno or a spicy liqueur, the margarita becomes much more memorable. "Everyone loves a margarita in the summer!” shares Ellen Christie, director of sales at Easton Porter Group, a luxury hospitality company. “At Pippin Hill, we do ours with a slightly spicy honey-habanero syrup, and some folks have customized it with a Tajin rim for added flavor.” 

Spicy margarita ingredients:

• 1 lime wedge
• 2 jalapeno coins, seeds removed
• 2 oz blanco tequila
• ½ oz orange liqueur
• 1 oz lime juice
• ½ oz agave syrup

French 75

A French 75 is a sophisticated, timeless summer cocktail, and one everyone will see all over this summer. “The French 75 is a must, especially for toasting moments,” Macaulay and Burey share. Since all you need is Prosecco or Champagne, gin, fresh lemon juice, and some simple syrup, it comes together quickly and is refreshingly bright on a hot summer day.

French 75 ingredients:

• 2 oz Champagne or Prosecco
• 1 ½ oz gin
• ¾ oz lemon juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup

Hibiscus Berry Smash

Fruity flavor profiles are always popular during warm-weather seasons, and for summer 2024, couples are embracing the hibiscus berry smash for their nuptials. “It’s a refreshing and fruity cocktail with a hint of floral sweetness from the hibiscus syrup,” says Marrero. “It's perfect for sipping on a warm summer day or serving at gatherings.” Not to mention, it's an aesthetically beautiful drink!

Here's how to make it: In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the blackberries and strawberries to release their juices. Add gin or vodka, hibiscus syrup, and fresh lemon juice to the mixing glass. Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir well to chill the mixture. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Top up with soda water to your desired level of effervescence. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and additional berries for a pop of color and flavor.

Hibiscus berry smash ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz gin or vodka
• ½ oz hibiscus syrup
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• 4-5 fresh blackberries
• 2-3 fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• Soda water
• Fresh mint leaves and additional berries for garnish or an edible flower

Local Signature Cocktails

Lastly, couples are choosing to honor their wedding venue locale with signature cocktails that are popular within the location they are saying "I do." For example, Timika L. Spurlock, director of catering and convention services at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, says she’s seeing individuals ask for classic New Orleans cocktails instead of trendier picks.

“We find that brides are sticking to tried-and-true favorites instead of jumping on a trending cocktail, making New Orleans' classics, like Sazeracs and hurricanes, more popular than ever as a signature cocktail choice this summer,” Spurlocks shares. “You can't go wrong choosing a classic cocktail that reflects your wedding destination. Local guests will love the familiarity and out-of-town guests will appreciate getting a taste of the city's culture.” Think: ranch water for a Texas wedding, a Manhattan in Manhattan, a brandy old-fashioned in Wisconsin, or an Alabama slammer.