A Signature Cocktail Inspiration - Orange Mint Julep

It's Friday afternoon...
definitely 5 o'clock somewhere...
a three day holiday weekend...
and almost 70 degrees in San Francisco!

I feel it's only appropriate to post a delicious signature cocktail inspiration.

Since we are deep in the details of many of our summer weddings this season, I'm sharing a cocktail that's fitting for a warm summer day but also packs a punch for the gentleman.

The Orange-Mint Julep is a twist on a classic Mint Julep cocktail but refined enough to serve for any chic affair. This drink is best served during any high point of the citrus season when the fruit it ripe and bright.

As with all details of your wedding, it's all about the presentation - the crystal, the garnish and display. I love the little handheld bottle basket these gorgeous amber glasses that are presented in shown in the image above.

Orange Mint Julep
2/3 cups of sugar
1 cup snipped fresh Mint
1 teaspoon shredded orange peel
2 cups orange juice
2/3 cups lemon juice
1/3 cups of Bourbon (or Vodka)
2 cups water

Directions: Mix sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; pour over mint leaves. Stir in orange peel, orange juice and lemon juice. Cover. Let stand at room temp for one hour. Strain mixture through a mesh strainer and add liquor. Cover and chill up to 24 hours. Serve over crush iced and garnish with a sprig of mint and slice of a ripe orange.

Cheers!
~simone

A Signature Cocktail Inspiration - Champagne Julep

Photo by Katie Stoops

Signature cocktails are a big part of any cocktail hour and selecting the right one entails more than just than picking your favorite liquor. If you are planning your wedding, then you know its all about the details...including your signature cocktail.

When selecting what you want to serve your guests, think about a few things -

1) What time of year is it? If it's in the summer months and weather is hot, try and select something refreshing and easy to drink.

2) What is seasonal and fresh? It's always important to select a cocktail that can incorporate the amazing produce that's available in the surrounding area. It matches both the region you're hosting the wedding in and also adds a delicious and original twist to a common beverage.

3) Presentation. Again, it's all about the details and you want it to look beautiful. Speak with your caterers about the best possible presentation and start looking at crystal stemware, cute mason jars or cocktail glasses that will wow your guests. Also, don't forget how they are served. Many caterers employ bartenders who can show a little showmanship. Also, if it's a fancy affair, pretty vintage or silver trays for passed service will elevate the formality of the presentation.

I fell in love with this Champagne Mint Julep (pictured above) signature cocktail. Nothings says "celebration" like champagne, and with a twist of Gin and some mint in beautiful crystal, it's just superb.

1940's Champagne Julep:
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
2 ounces chilled Champagne
4 torn mint leaves
Dash of Angostura Bitter
Ice cubes and crushed ice 
1 ounce fino sherry
1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice  

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the mint, bitters, sherry, Simple Syrup and lemon juice and shake well. Strain into a flute half-filled with crushed ice and top with the Champagne.

Enjoy!

~ simone