The issue of soft drinks may not be up there on your priority list. After all, what's wrong with orange juice? And your younger guests will love guzzling fizzy drinks... right?
While a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice might be heavenly at breakfast time, the prospect of a whole afternoon and evening of drinking it will be less than appealing for many of your guests. What's more, the sky-high sugar levels of fizzy drinks may cause concern for parents destined to spend the majority of the reception running around after their increasingly hyperactive offspring.
"Wedding guests vary at each event, but we often encounter 20% of guests are not drinking when discussing wines and drinks on the day with couples," comments Nigel. "A combination of young guests, drivers, non-drinkers and people abstaining till later are always present and often overlooked where it comes to the matter of liquid refreshment."
It's not much fun drinking glass after glass of orange juice when everyone around you is supping on fine champagne, luscious cocktails and full-flavoured wine. The non-alcoholic options should look as appetising as the alcoholic drinks, and made with the same attention to taste and detail.
With a little flair and imagination, it is possible to come up with some delicious soft drinks for your wedding reception, which are more exciting than your run-of-the-mill Coca-Cola and saccharine orange squash options. We charged Nigel with the task of creating some refreshing and original drinks to whet your guests' appetites.
"We have some fantastic drinks producers in the region and decided to focus on Cornish Orchards from Cornwall and Luscombe Drinks from Devon," says Nigel. Sourcing your drinks locally is important for giving your reception a personal - not to mention eco - touch. "Both of these producers offer an incredible array of natural fruit drinks; there are no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colourants or flavourings. Furthermore, the drinks are made from whole fruit and not concentrate, which drives the commercial market."
Nigel's recipes have been designed with volume in mind; hence, the drinks have been kept relatively simple so as not to put extra strain on the caterers on the day. "By topping up with sparkling water or soda water you are not only stretching the budget - the drinks are less concentrated and therefore make easier drinking over a long period of time," he comments.
Don't forget to consider the crucial issue of aesthetics. Glasses come in all shapes and sizes and most caterers will have access to a range of glasses. If not, contact a good hire company. Also think about the garnish: a statement strawberry or slice of lemon can really lift the appearance of a drink.
Elderflower Presse
Cornish Orchards Elderflower Presse makes a stunning alternative to sparkling wine for the toast and a welcoming glass of fizz for the drinks reception. "We suggest serving the drink in flutes," says Nigel. "This is incredibly refreshing when served chilled with elegant and subtle elderflower notes."
Apple and Ginger
The smooth flavour of late season apples teamed with a fiery twist of ginger is a classic and satisfying pairing. Serve Cornish Orchards Rich and Mellow Apple Juice over ice with a dash of ginger cordial and topped up with sparkling water. Garnish with a slice of lime and serve in a highball glass. "A good tip here is to use a very fizzy sparkling water."
Blueberry and Cranberry
For a colourful and juicy tipple, serve Luscombe Blueberry Crush and Cranberry Crush over crushed ice with a dash of lime cordial and topped up with sparkling water. Garnish with blueberries throughout the drink, a blueberry spike and a strawberry slice in a hurricane glass. The result: a drink that looks punchy and tastes deliciously fruity.
Elderflower, Apple and Pear
This gem combines drinks from both producers: Cornish Orchards Elderflower Presse with Luscombe Apple and Pear Juice over ice and topped up with soda. Serve in a hurricane glass and garnish with pear, lemon and lime for a mellow and elegant flavour.
Ginger and Lime
For a tantalising flavour with real bite, which Nigel describes as "one of my personal favourites," opt for Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer with a dash of lime cordial. Serve over ice and garnish with a lime twist in a highball glass. "The ginger adds a delicious kick," he adds.
Lime and Mint
Luscombe Lime Crush and fresh mint served over crushed ice is one of the most refreshing concoctions. "The trick here is to gently muddle the mint in the glass to release the mint oils." Garnish with fresh mint and a wedge of lime, and serve in a highball glass for a zesty and revitalising beverage.
Stockists
Cornish Orchards
Experience Wine, Truro
01872 240058 www.experiencewine.co.uk
Luscombe Drinks
Dean Court, Buckfastleigh
01364 643036 www.luscombe.co.uk
words Rebecca Matthews
photos Ben Photography
Copyright WED Magazine 2011
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