Arielle Cruz
Wedding toasts are an intrinsic part of any celebration, with the tradition stemming from ancient cultures across the world. While the exact origins are unknown, some believe it started with the ancient Greeks, who raised a glass to the gods as a symbol of offering. Today, wedding toasts are often accompanied by alcohol, with champagne being a popular choice for the first toast due to its celebratory connotations. However, there are no hard and fast rules, and couples may choose to serve alternative beverages such as sparkling wine, distilled spirits, or even non-alcoholic options like sparkling cider or flavoured mocktails. Ultimately, the choice of beverage for the wedding toast is a personal one, reflecting the preferences and style of the couple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic drinks | Champagne, sparkling wine, cocktails, spirits, beer, wine |
| Non-alcoholic drinks | Sparkling cider, sparkling water, non-alcoholic beer, tea, coffee, juice, water |
| Other considerations | Signature cocktails, open bar, limited bar, cash bar, non-alcoholic bar |
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What You'll Learn
Champagne is customary, but not compulsory
Champagne is the customary drink for a wedding toast, but it is not compulsory. While some sources claim that "a wedding just simply isn't a wedding without some bubbles and a Champagne toast", there are many other options to consider.
If you are serving alcohol at your wedding, it is customary to include some version of liquor. Vodka is a popular choice as it is easy to drink on its own and mixes well with almost everything. Bourbon is also a good option as it is a casual drink and is often preferred by whiskey drinkers. If you are looking for a clear liquor, vodka is the most common choice, while bourbon is the most common coloured liquor. Other popular liquors include gin, tequila, whiskey, and rum.
If you are serving champagne, it is recommended to splurge on a more expensive bottle for the first toast and then switch to something lighter for subsequent toasts. However, this is not necessary, and many couples choose to serve sparkling wine or cider instead of champagne. If you are serving wine, red wine is a good option as it can be served during cocktail hour, with dinner, and paired with chocolatey desserts.
If you are having a dry wedding, there are still options for toasting drinks. Non-alcoholic sparkling cider or sparkling water can be served in place of champagne. You could also offer guests a signature mocktail or a non-alcoholic version of a cocktail using sparkling water. It is important to have a variety of non-alcoholic options available, such as juices, tea, coffee, and water. Ultimately, the choice of toasting drink is up to the couple, and it should reflect their preferences.
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Sparkling wine is a cheaper alternative
While champagne is a popular choice for wedding toasts, it can be expensive, especially if you're serving a large number of guests. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, sparkling wine is a great option.
Sparkling wine offers all the bubbles and festivity of champagne at a more affordable price point. It's an excellent choice for wedding toasts, especially if you're on a budget. You can serve it as is or use it as a base for mimosas or other cocktails.
If you're concerned about costs, another option is to offer a signature cocktail instead of champagne or sparkling wine. This can significantly cut your bar costs, and your guests can still use the cocktail for the toast if they wish. Alternatively, you could offer a limited selection of spirits, beers, and wines, or provide a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, such as sparkling cider or sparkling water.
Ultimately, the choice of alcohol for your wedding toast is up to you and can be tailored to your preferences and budget. If you're serving alcohol throughout the wedding, you may opt for a more affordable option for the toast, such as sparkling wine, to balance the overall cost.
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Non-alcoholic options include sparkling cider
Non-alcoholic options for wedding toasts include sparkling cider. This is a great alternative to champagne and can be a good option if you're having a dry wedding or if your venue doesn't allow alcohol. You can present the cider in a similar way to how champagne is usually served, with servers bringing it to guests or by placing bottles on each table, perhaps in ice buckets.
There are several non-alcoholic sparkling ciders on the market, such as those made from 100% U.S.-grown fresh apples with just the right amount of bubbles. These ciders can be a delicious and festive way to celebrate your wedding while accommodating guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
If you want to get creative, you could even ask your bartender to make a non-alcoholic version of your signature cocktail using sparkling water or cider as a base. This way, everyone can feel included in the toasts, and you can still offer a unique and personalized drinking experience.
Some couples choose to serve sparkling apple cider in place of champagne, and you can also get creative with flavours that complement your wedding cake. For example, you could offer mocktails in flavours like mango bellini or pina colada.
Ultimately, the choice of beverage for your wedding toast is up to you, and there are many non-alcoholic options to choose from, including sparkling cider, sparkling water, and mocktails. These options ensure that all your guests can join in the celebrations, regardless of their drinking preferences.
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Liquor is a foundational staple
When it comes to liquor, variety is key. Separating your liquor selection into clear and coloured options will give your guests a broader range to choose from. Clear liquors such as vodka, gin, and tequila have a completely different flavour profile than dark liquors like whiskey, bourbon, and rum. Vodka is the most versatile spirit, mixing well with almost everything, and it is also easy to drink on its own. For this reason, if you're only going to choose one spirit, vodka is the way to go.
Bourbon is another popular choice, as it is easier to drink on its own than other whiskeys, and it is a key ingredient in signature cocktails like the Old Fashioned. If you're looking for a broader range of flavours, consider offering two liquors that will offset one another, like vodka and bourbon. This way, you can also cater to guests who prefer their liquor straight up, as well as those who like their drinks mixed.
In addition to liquor, beer is always a great option for a wedding. Whether it's domestic or craft, beer is a versatile choice that is sure to please a wide range of guests. For those who prefer something stronger, distilled spirits are a foundational building block for any wedding alcohol list. Champagne is also a popular choice, often considered a signature drink for any celebration, especially for the first wedding toast. However, it can be costly, and some guests may prefer to stick with their drink of choice.
Ultimately, the type and amount of alcohol you serve at your wedding are up to you. Whether you opt for a full bar, a limited selection, or a signature cocktail, your guests will surely appreciate the opportunity to toast to your happiness.
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Vodka is a versatile spirit
While champagne is a signature drink for wedding toasts, couples are increasingly choosing other beverages such as sparkling cider, sparkling water, or simply allowing guests to toast with whatever drink they have at the time.
If you're looking for a versatile spirit to include in your wedding toast, vodka is an excellent choice. Vodka is a distilled liquor that is primarily made from water and ethanol. It is typically clear and tasteless, with its flavour derived mainly from the burning sensation when consumed. This makes it a popular choice for mixing due to its neutral taste. Vodka brings strength to simpler drinks and is a base for many classic cocktails, such as the Screwdriver, Martini, Vesper Martini, and Moscow Mule.
The first written usage of the word "vodka" in an official Russian document was in a decree by Empress Elizabeth in 1751, which regulated the ownership of vodka distilleries. However, the origins of vodka go back much further, with the first vodka believed to have been brought to Moscow by Genoese ambassadors in 1386, who presented it to Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy. Vodka was originally used as medicine and contained little alcohol, with a maximum of about 14%. Over time, distillation techniques improved, and vodka became more widely produced and consumed.
Today, vodka is made from a variety of ingredients, including grains like rye and wheat, or starch-rich plants like potatoes and beets. The production process and ingredients used can impact the flavour and aroma of the final product. Vodka enthusiasts may choose to savour the spirit neat or on the rocks, allowing them to fully appreciate its characteristics. Vodka is also a versatile spirit when it comes to food pairings, and its smooth flavour can be enhanced by serving it chilled.
The versatility of vodka is further demonstrated by its ability to adapt to consumer preferences. From traditional potato vodkas to modern flavoured versions, vodka continues to evolve and remain a popular spirit worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular choices for alcoholic drinks for toasting at the end of a wedding include champagne, sparkling wine, and signature cocktails. Other options include distilled spirits such as vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, bourbon, and rum.
Non-alcoholic alternatives for wedding toasts include sparkling cider, sparkling water, and juices.
The tradition of wedding toasts dates back to ancient times, with evidence of similar practices in Ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures. In ancient times, people would raise a glass to honour the gods or pour out a drink in memory of a loved one. The term "toast" originated from the practice of adding spiced toast to wine to improve its flavour.
