Choosing Signature Drinks
For the wedding reception, many couples today choose“ signature drinks” for the celebration. These can be off a venue’ s menu selected ahead of time or personalized with the help of vendors like Nejaime’ s Wine Cellars or include non-alcoholic options like those from TÖST, and even Canna Provisions, with some couples now opting for THC-infused beverages.“ We have had couples planning their wedding day, as well as local groups of wedding planners and wedding service providers, approach us for help and tips on how to infuse legal cannabis products into wedding receptions,” says Meg Sanders, CEO and co-founder of Canna Provisions in Lee.“ That includes setting up a‘ bud bar’ or pre-roll bar, pre-made cocktails, bespoke experiences and gift baskets, but also standalone products.”
Nejaime’ s Wine Cellars in Lenox and Stockbridge works with couples to select signature cocktails that reflect their personalities, as well as curated wine and beer menus and fully custom bars that complement the couple’ s theme or vision.“ We always recommend that couples choose signature cocktails that reflect their personalities and tastes,” says Lily Nejaime, manager of Nejaime’ s Wine Cellars.“ It’ s such a fun and memorable way to share a bit of who they are with their guests. At the same time, we help them strike a balance by selecting options that are crowd-pleasing and approachable, so there’ s something for everyone to enjoy. It’ s all about creating a bar that feels uniquely them, while keeping their guests happy and refreshed.” Another option for couples wanting a unique experience for an outdoor reception is Berkshire-based Two Sisters ' Spirits Mobile Bar. The mobile bartending experience is run out of a renovated horse trailer, bringing“ a little bit of elevated rustic charm to any event,” according to their website. For my own wedding this past June, my husband and I chose two delicious drinks off our venue’ s bar menu for our signatures— one cocktail and one mocktail— since we had an equal split between guests who drink alcohol and those who don’ t, giving each guest the chance for a fun, celebratory drink during cocktail hour and dinner service. Companies like TÖST, based in Manchester, Vermont, have recognized the need for this, too; the company says it saw the need for an alternative to wine and champagne that was still sophisticated and meaningful, according to its website. If the couple wants THC drinks, the best choice are state-licensed cannabis beverages like those found at dispensaries. Canna Provisions stocks pre-made non-alcoholic beverages infused with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and plant-based compounds in a variety of formats( like seltzers, root beer, sodas, etc) for different effects and experiences, Sanders explains. Canna Provisions also offers non-alcoholic craft mocktails that many consumers use as a base to infuse with cannabis tinctures sold at the store. Due to state law, alcohol and cannabis are prohibited in the same beverage— so there’ s no alcohol permit that covers THC drinks.“ If cannabis is present at a venue as an offering, it has to be separate from alcohol service,” Sanders says.“ We say a good rule of thumb is to always be respectful and ask a venue if they permit cannabis consumption on the private property at private events.” As far as cocktails, Nejaime says that“ aperol spritzes and espresso martinis are definitely having a moment.”“ They’ re stylish, fun, and guaranteed to excite your guests, but the best part,” Nejaime continues,“ is that there’ s plenty of room to make them your own. For example, some couples put a twist on the classic espresso martini by using tequila instead of vodka, adding a creamy element, or going bold with a black espresso base. We’ ve even crafted cherry espresso martinis with a splash of cherry liqueur and a luxardo cherry on top for a unique spin.”
One benefit of choosing signature or curated drinks— whether mocktails, THC-infused beverages, or classic cocktails— is“ a bar that not only fits their celebration but elevates it,” as Nejaime puts it. n
— Elise Linscott Gladstone( Photo at Catamount by Dear Edith and Lily)
Holiday 2025 2023 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 53