Wedding Drinks: 5 Delicious Ideas Your Guests Will Actually Love
If there’s one thing your wedding guests will talk about long after the last sparkler’s gone out, it’s the drinks. Whether it’s the first sip of something bubbly after “I do,” or the late-night cocktail that fuels an impromptu dance-off, great wedding drinks make memories.
Planning your wedding bar doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs a little personality (and maybe a splash of prosecco). Here are five drink ideas that suit every style of New Zealand celebration, from chic vineyard receptions to backyard BBQ weddings.
1. The Aperol Spritz — The Icon That Started It All
No surprises here. The Aperol Spritz is the life of every good party — bright, refreshing, and unapologetically orange. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels effortlessly European yet somehow right at home under the Kiwi sun.
Try this at home:
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3 parts Prosecco
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2 parts Aperol
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1 part soda water
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Slice of fresh orange
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Ice
Pour everything into a large wine glass filled with ice, add the soda last for that golden sparkle, and give it a gentle stir.
Want to mix it up? Try its equally charming cousins: the Limoncello Spritz (a lemony burst of sunshine) or the Campari Spritz (bolder, more bittersweet). Both are classics from the same Italian family of aperitivi — and both can be served on tap with the right setup.
➡️ For more ideas, check out 5 Spritz Cocktail Ideas to Try This Summer.
Pro tip: If you’re serving spritzes for a crowd, you’ll love How Sprizzer Makes Serving Wedding Drinks Easy — it’s like having your own Italian bartender, without the airfare.
2. The Sparkling Rosé Punch — Pretty, Pink & Perfect
The Sparkling Rosé Punch is a dream for daytime receptions or vineyard weddings — light, fruity, and ridiculously photogenic. It’s also a practical choice if you want to serve a signature drink that’s easy to batch ahead of time.
Try this at home:
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1 bottle sparkling rosé
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500 ml lemonade or soda water
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250 ml cranberry juice
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Sliced strawberries and mint
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Ice
Combine everything in a big jug or punch bowl. Serve in coupe or stemless glasses, and garnish with mint or edible flowers. Bonus: it doubles as beautiful table décor.
Pro tip: Freeze berries or flower petals in ice cubes the night before — guests will think you hired a stylist.
3. The Hugo Spritz — Floral, Fresh, and Totally Charming
Think of the Hugo as the softer, greener cousin of the Aperol Spritz — perfect for summer afternoons and garden weddings. It’s a crowd-friendly cocktail that even non-cocktail drinkers fall in love with.
Try this at home:
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3 parts Prosecco
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2 parts elderflower syrup or liqueur (like St-Germain)
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1 part soda water
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Fresh mint leaves and lime slice
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Ice
Add ice to a large wine glass, pour Prosecco and elderflower syrup, top with soda, and stir gently. Add mint and lime to garnish.
The Hugo Spritz is one of the most popular cocktails served via Sprizzer systems — light, aromatic, and consistent with every pour. It’s proof that “simple” can still taste sophisticated.
4. The Martini Bar — For Couples Who Like a Little Drama
Nothing says celebration with edge like a Martini Bar. It’s sleek, timeless, and oh-so-fun to personalise.
Offer a short menu — two or three styles max — so guests can feel fancy without clogging the bar line.
Try these at home (choose one or two):
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Classic Martini: 60 ml gin + 10 ml dry vermouth + lemon twist
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Espresso Martini: 45 ml vodka + 30 ml espresso + 15 ml coffee liqueur + ice shake
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Lemon Martini: 45 ml vodka + 15 ml triple sec + 15 ml lemon juice + sugar rim
Serve in chilled glasses with garnish options — lemon peel, coffee beans, or even a rosemary sprig for an aromatic twist.
Note: Martini Bars work best with a professional bartender or designated mixologist. They look glamorous in photos but require precision — and a steady hand after 9 p.m.
5. The Kiwi Citrus Spritz (Zero-Proof & Zesty)
For a balanced bar and responsible service, every wedding needs at least one standout non-alcoholic option. This one delivers all the sparkle and ceremony, minus the buzz.
Try this at home:
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½ cup lemon cordial or fresh lemonade
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½ cup orange juice
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1 cup soda water or sparkling mineral water
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Dash of elderflower syrup (optional)
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Slice of lemon & sprig of mint
Serve over ice in tall glasses. It’s crisp, aromatic, and looks just as festive as its boozier counterparts.
Pro tip: Make a separate dispenser or carafe station with fun signage — “Driver’s Delight” or “Sunshine on Tap.” People will appreciate the thought.
Bonus Ideas to Elevate Your Wedding Bar
1. Keep it local. Show off New Zealand’s craft scene — Central Otago rosé, Marlborough gin, or Hawke’s Bay citrus syrups.
2. Signature cocktails. Name your drinks after your story: “The First Swipe,” “Two Rings & a Spritz,” or “The Bay of Love.”
3. Efficient service. Batch or on-tap systems like Sprizzer keep lines short and flavours consistent — perfect for guest lists over 50.
4. Hydration matters. Always keep sparkling water and non-alcoholic choices nearby — it keeps the fun going longer (and the next morning gentler).
Final Thoughts
Great wedding drinks strike a balance — stylish but accessible, delicious but not fussy, festive but responsible. Mix variety with intention and serve everything beautifully; your guests will rave about your bar long after the cake is gone.
Because at the end of the day, the best drink isn’t the fanciest one — it’s the one shared in good company.
Disclaimer
Sprizzer New Zealand promotes the safe and responsible enjoyment of alcohol. Always serve alcoholic beverages in accordance with New Zealand’s legal drinking age and licensing requirements. Provide plenty of food, water, and zero-alcohol options. For information on moderation and safe hosting, visit alcohol.org.nz.