If you joined us Monday, you already know I shared all my tips on designing a welcome cocktail with intention. One detail I purposely left out is to consider the unexpected. While creating a themed welcome drink or one that’s filled with surprise can feel a bit kitschy for some, depending on the style, vision and type of celebration you’re hosting, the welcome cocktail can be not only a beautiful experience but a playful one too. Take a peek at some of the most unexpected welcome cocktails served at our events:
A TWIST WITH A TWIST
For a stunning wedding we recently designed at Meadowood in Napa, the couple chose to have their initials branded into the twists used to accent their welcome drink. It was not only unexpected but it was a sophisticated way to make the cocktail that much more personal.
Image by Lauren and Abby Ross
CREATIVE VESSELS
Tropical fruit can make fun vessels for cocktails in island destinations. For a recent VIP getaway we designed in Hawaii, we greeted guests with cocktails in fresh pineapples on the first night and hulled coconuts on the second. It was the perfect way to set a playful tone as soon as guests arrived.
Images by Brandon Kidd
MAKE IT ART
For the right celebration, don’t be afraid to go a little or a lot extra. For Trilby’s birthday celebration at the Nomad Hotel, guests enjoyed cocktails out of skulls, sliced fruit and lots of added details making this drink look a lot more like an edgy piece of art than a welcome cocktail.
Image by Lindsey Boice
ADD A SURPRISE
Popsicles inside a little bubbly or even straight tequila is not only delicious but makes guests feel like a kid again. For Lana and Adam’s wedding in Mexico City, we greeted guests with champagne accented with paletas in regional flavors such as mango, papaya and more. 
Image by Steve Steinhardt
MAKE IT INTERACTIVE
Guests love to see a beautiful cocktail being made and they love being involved in the experience even more. At Olivia & Freddy’s welcome party in Sardinia, we had an interactive Bellini station where guests learned all about the history of this authentic Italian cocktail.
Image by Lauren and Abby Ross
PUT IT IN JELLO & ADD A BIT OF CONFETTI
While I know for many of us, Jello shots haven’t made an appearance since college, for Samira and Lauren’s funfetti inspired celebration, we served champagne jello shots with edible confetti glitter. And to say this detail was a hit is an understatement. The couple wanted to ensure the wedding was not only celebratory but playful and fun. And these little cuties did their job in sending that message as soon as guests arrived to the ceremony.
Image by Jose Villa
