A sun-dappled reception, guests milling in the golden hour, the clink of glasses as they sip on something fruity and delicious… it’s the stuff summer wedding dreams are made of. And if there’s one person who knows her cocktail menu, it’s Jo Fitch at The Buffalo (thebuffalo.co.uk), a travelling 1964 Airstream bar that brings the cool factor – and a heady dose of flavour – to your big day.
“Sipping fruity cocktails adorned with a flower garnish just ticks all the summer wedding goal boxes, doesn’t it?” she says. Having witnessed countless dreamy weddings across the county, Jo is full of advice for cocktails that never fail to hit the spot at celebrations during the warmer months.
“When we think of summer cocktails, our minds instantly turn to Tiki. Originally created in California in the 1930s by Don Beach, Tiki was inspired by the Polynesian culture in the South Pacific,” she says. “These cocktails scream warm weather and sunshine with plenty of delicious fruity flavours all mixed up with a good measure of rum. They’re perfect for a summer wedding as they are long and refreshing, perfect for sipping in the sun rather than a short and strong cocktail that'll have you on the floor in a state of dehydration and heat stroke!”
Keep cool and refreshing in mind – as well as your favourite flavours – as you whittle down the heady choice of cocktails which capture the colours and flavours of the season. Remember that your cocktails can set the tone of your celebration as much as any other detail – and comprise a party-starting feature your guests are sure to be talking about long after the last Piña Colada has been supped.
“Summer cocktails should epitomise sunshine and smiles, long warm evenings and dancing as the sun sets,” says Jo. “Our outdoor Airstream bars give the glow needed to enjoy dancing the night away under the stars and keeping your thirst at bay with insanely good cocktails for all to enjoy. Your wedding will go down as one of the best!”
From classic crowd-pleasers to Caribbean vibes, Jo has selected her favourite cocktails for bringing the wow factor to your reception. Choose one or two to offer your guests or go big and bold with a cocktail menu with something for everyone!
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
Piña Colada – white rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream. The key to a perfect Piña Colada is a blender, no chunks of ice, just the silky smooth ice-cold taste of pineapple, coconut and rum!
Hurricane – rum, passionfruit syrup and lemon juice. This is often the most popular drink of the day! Long, fruity and shaken, it ticks all the boxes of deliciousness.
Passionfruit Martini – xxxxxxxx. Similar to (but in my opinion better than) a Pornstar Martini, this will give you the zing in your jawbone, the shiver down your spine and the ‘wow’ that all great cocktails should give you!
Bahama Mama – rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine. Close your eyes and you'll be on the beaches of the Caribbean sipping this fruity cocktail with a hint of coconut.
Elderflower Collins – Gin, elderflower cordial, lemon juice, soda water. We very often serve this as a welcome cocktail when your guests arrive after the ceremony. Long, light and refreshing with subtle flavours of spring.
Aperol Spritz – Aperol, Prosecco, soda water. This Italian classic is traditionally served to ladies while the men are served a Campari Spritz for a more bitter cocktail.
Basil & Ginger Fizz Mocktail – basil and ginger syrup, lemon juice and soda water. This is refreshing to the max with tastes of summer all over. There's no need to leave anyone out when it comes to drinks; Tiki cocktails minus the rum are delicious!
Summer Garden Gin Fizz – Gin, martini bianco, basil, lavender syrup, lemon, peach bitters. Combining all the flavours of a summer garden, this is another long refreshing cocktail served with plenty of ice for those hot summer wedding days.
Photography The Buffalo
