Spruce up the cocktail hour with flavors of the season like peppermint, butterscotch, and cranberry. Try a peppermint-infused martini garnished with mini candy canes for a decidedly December wedding. Or try a cranberry cosmopolitan garnished with tiny dried cranberries. For a drink that's sophisticated yet unique, serve pear champagne cocktails garnished with frozen pear wedges or mint sprigs.
Also, a winter cocktail hour calls for warm, comforting drinks. You really can't go wrong with hot chocolate and warm apple cider, but it's your wedding -- why not take every opportunity (drinks included) to add an element of surprise?
What's Hot Now: Serve up white hot chocolate in small espresso cups and eggnog in small punch glasses for your guests as they arrive. At the bar, offer saketinis (Japanese rice wine and sweet-flavored vodka) in glasses rimmed with sugar crystals.
When you're selecting your cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres, choose flavors that mesh well with your signature drink. You might love mini quesadillas, but sipping a peppermint martini at the same time could leave an odd aftertaste.
Like your cocktails, opt for savory winter bites infused with seasonal foods and flavors, such as rosemary, almond, and warm cheeses. Try a menu of mini shortbread tarts, cheddar herb rolls, and white chocolate pretzels. Or go for spinach-cheese phyllo triangles, sausage-stuffed mushrooms, and crackers topped with a walnut-date spread. Talk to your caterer about making sure the hors d'oeuvres match the libations, and let seasonal ingredients be your guide.
advice from The Knot.
