OCALA ESTATE BLOG: THE NEW TREND IN ALCOHOL
Alcoholic beverages are often a big part of celebrations including weddings. It can also be a
point of contention with some families for various reasons. Whether or not to have alcohol on
your wedding day and how the alcohol will be provided is one of the big decisions for each
couple while planning their wedding. A cash bar is an option for those who want to offer alcohol
for their guests but stay on budget. Some couples have decided to offer two drink vouchers per
guest so they don’t have to pay for their first two pours. Any drinks after that are paid for by the
guests. This is a good way to compromise on this decision. Alternatively, when hosting any sized
gathering that is sure to be a hit, many couples offer an open bar. This can be a big part of the
budget but it ensures that everyone is provided with the spirits they desire to celebrate the
occasion.
The recent trend that a lot of weddings have been introducing is the implementation of mocktails.
Couples who opt out of serving alcohol on their wedding day but still want a fancy drink to share
with their guests will serve up a choice of 2 or 3 mocktails that a mixologist can prepare for the
celebration. A mocktail consists of the same or similar non-alcoholic ingredients of a regular
cocktail with some recipes adding in a splash of Sprite or soda water to jazz it up a bit depending
on the drink itself. It is a fun way to celebrate with your friends and not feel like something is
missing from the party. The couples that insist on offering alcoholic beverages to their guests
may also provide a mocktail option for those foregoing alcohol.
Another consideration when incorporating cocktails and/ or mocktails into your event is when
and where will your festive drinks be served. When designing your wedding make sure the event
space has multiple possibilities for a bar or bar buildout. That way you have ample choices on
the design of the movement and flow of the guests during each transition of the event. Often
times a line can form at the bar, as we all know, which can clog up the flow of the property. With
multiple spaces to choose from for a bar area, you can be assured that the flow of the guests will
not be interrupted.
There are several points through the day/ evening when drinks are typically served. A glass of
champagne might be served to the guests upon the transition from ceremony to reception or upon
arrival to the reception area. Cocktail hour is a great time for guests to mingle while the wedding
party and family are capturing those important photographs before joining the party.
The bar usually opens up around that time and traditionally remains open through the remainder
of the party. But, have you ever thought about getting a little creative with when and how to
serve beverages?
Some unique ideas for serving cocktails and mocktails can really add flare to your big day. If
hosting your wedding on a warmer day, consider having a signature drink (with or without
alcohol) as a welcome for the guests as they arrive and find their seats at the ceremony. A
refreshing little treat is sure to set the tone for the rest of the day and intrigue your guests. Other
creative brides have incorporated a hidden bar setup with a bell to ring for a cocktail or a fancy
set up with the couple’s initials as the main centerpiece of the bar itself. Keeping in mind that
mocktails can be included in these ideas, our creative couples are sure to please every guest.
At Ocala Estate we offer our very own signature cocktail recipe for our couples to incorporate
into their celebration.
The uniquely designed cocktail created by our very own vendor partner mixologist is called the
“Vivian". Our personalized drink was designed with our brand in mind and invokes the feeling of
a sweet southern day. The “Vivian” is also easily mixed as a mocktail upon request. We are
thrilled to share this recipe below in case you find it to be a valuable addition to your reception
whether celebrating on our grounds or not.
The Vivian Cocktail Recipe:
½ Cup Bourbon Whiskey (Maker’s Mark or your choice)
2 Tablespoons Granulated sugar
½ Lemon Juiced (Fresh)
¼ Orange Juiced (Fresh)
½ Cup unsweet tea (Green tea is a good alternative)
Splash of Champaign
Grated fresh nutmeg as a garnish (Do not use powdered)
Mocktail Alternative:
1 tiny drop of vanilla extract (instead of Bourbon)
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
½ Lemon Juiced (Fresh)
¼ Orange Juiced (Fresh)
½ Cup unsweet tea (Green Tea is a good alternative)
Splash of Club Soda
Grated fresh nutmeg as a garnish (Do not use powdered)
At Ocala Estate we offer a session with our couples to meet with our vendor partner mixologist
and design their very own signature cocktail/ mocktail that represents the couple and their
wedding theme. This is a fun way for you to have a little fun in the wedding planning process.
Sit down with a certified mixologist and share your vision, style, likes, and dislikes so they can
work with you to create your very own signature drink. If you are thinking ahead, it might be a
good idea to consider making your personalized cocktail simple to convert into a mocktail
without losing the flavor and style of the beverage.
Be sure to ask our preferred mixologist about our gentleman’s signature cocktail, the “Mr. O.”
For more information on how to book your dream wedding with Ocala Estate, or for information
on our preferred mixologist please contact us through our website or social media. Instagram
@OcalaEstateGA FaceBook @OcalaEstateVenue