Lesbian Mixologist Tiffanie Barriere offers tips for creating a signature cocktail for couples
If the Supreme Court rules in favor of marriage equality this June, then you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be a hell of a lot more weddings next year to celebrate. Something that many couples are doing now is creating signature cocktails for their big day. Who wants a boring glass of chardonnay when you can have “Stacey and Emma’s Everlasting Love Martini”-or whatever your names are. (You get the drift.)
We chatted with expert mixologist (and out lesbian) Tiffanie Barriere about the best ways to craft a wedding cocktail that expresses the awesomeness that is you and your bride to be.
Infuse your drinks with flavor: “Infusions are a collection and collaboration of flavor,” Tiffanie says. “It’s easier than everyone assumes. Through fruit, herb, or spice, a little bit of time is all you need.” For herbs, which only take about an hour of infusion, she recommends rosemary, thyme, mint, basil or cilantro. Fruit infusions take a bit longer, but can be done two ways. “You could infuse by just allowing the fruit to sit for 1 to 2 weeks depending on the fruit OR you could boil the fruit in water once sliced. Boil and strain then add a little of that water to the spirit of your choice. Allowing a little dilution adds flavor and volume especially over GOOD ICE.” Her fruits of choice? Orange, strawberry, peaches, lemon, and cucumber.
Consult a professional: If creating recipes isn’t your forte, consider hiring or consulting with a professional. “I think it’s great to grab your favorite bartender or mixologist for advice for your nuptials.” Tiffanie suggests. “Your favorite bartender is a great way to start your pour vision whether it’s a big or small service.”
How to pick a combination that will get your guests’ attention: Punch is still classy and also by cocktail history the first great cocktail for many to share. There are a few great books out that share history and fun recipes for large parties like Dave Wondrich‘s “Punch” or “The Punch Bowl” by Dan Searing.” But what about something fun and different? How about a beer cocktail? Yes, a beer cocktail! “Champagne or beer cocktails are also fantastic to share. With spirits around it’s nice to involve all you have by perhaps batching a simple flavor and topping with beer or champagne.” Tiffanie even shares her go to favs. “My favorite in this category is rosemary infused vodka with grapefruit juice topped with champagne OR bourbon infused with ginger topped with a cold amber beer.
Tiffanie was kind enough to share with us one of her favorite recipes, which utilizes fresh and herbaceous basil.
No Envy
2 oz spirit of your choice
1 oz basil syrup*
Fever Tree Ginger Ale
Fresh lime squeeze on top on if tequila or fresh lemon squeeze if bourbon.
Combine all in a shaker EXCEPT ginger ale and shake cold. Pour onto fresh ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with pretty basil leaf. If batching.. multiply the number of guest by ounces and batch away.
*basil simple syrup
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
6-12 basil leaves depending on the size.
Bring all to a boil. Once water bubbles, take off heat and allow cooling. Fine strain to gather broken leafs and store into glass container and refrigerate.
So have some fun, experiment a little with infusions and flavor combinations and you can find the perfect cocktail to satisfy both of you and your guests. It doesn’t matter if you go with a tried and true recipe or one completely of your own invention, your guests just want to raise their glasses to celebrate your beautiful (and hopefully legal in every state) new marriage.
Special thanks to Tiffanie Barriere for all of her amazing advice. She is the Master Mixologist at One Flew South Sushi Bar and Restaurant in Atlanta, GA so be sure to stop by and enjoy one of her signature drinks when you are in the Atlanta area or flying through the Hartsfield-Atlanta airport. Follow her on Twitter: @drinkingcoach
