Sparkling Seasonal Chianti

Looking for a festive drink for an upcoming event? We had some fun trying our hand at mixing up a holiday season cocktail this week. This sparkling wine and Chianti recipe with hints of vanilla and a dash of fruitiness is perfect for this time of year. It’s incredibly easy to make and we couldn’t resist adding a little garnish for some extra charm!

 

Ingredients

1	Bartlett pear
3	Small apples
3	Fresh plums
¼ cup	Cane syrup
1 bunch	Rosemary sprigs
1 tablespoon	Vanilla
1 bottle	Chianti
1 bottle	Sparkling white wine, chilled

 

1. Cut pear lengthwise into ¼ inch slices, cutting from stem end through the bottom. Cut apples crosswise into ¼ inch slices, and cut the plums into wedges.
2. Stir together pear, apples, plums, cane syrup, 2 rosemary sprigs, and vanilla in a 3-quart glass container until the fruit is coated. Gradually stir in the Chianti. Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours.
3. Stir in sparkling wine just before serving. Serve over ice and garnish with rosemary sprigs if desired.

 

Photography: Sarah Kay Photography

Recipe: Southern Living

Vendor Spotlight: Borrowed Bar

Today’s vendor spotlight is on Borrowed Bar in Madison! Borrowed Bar is owned by Adam and Marla Bergh, a husband and wife team that fired up their business in the Summer of 2017 with a soft launch at an anniversary party for Revel – Madison’s hip new DIY craft bar destination downtown. Borrowed Bar plans to officially launch by end of Fall 2017 with a website and social presence coupled with promotions and contest for rentals. Just in time for brides to book for their 2018 weddings and all the Holiday and New Year parties being planned!

Borrowed Bar rents pre-made and custom tap walls for events. The tap walls allow for a self serve bar where you can provide anything from champagne, wine, beer, coffee, kombucha, soda, and more – all on draft, from a keg! Borrowed Bar staff provides the customized tap wall rental plus the tapworks and gas to move the beverage from its keg behind the wall, to your glass! Owner Marla states that “having beverages on tap at your party is an amazing option and the fun customizations you can apply to your wall are endless. The tap wall is a centerpiece and definitely takes your event to the next level.”

Check out some of of these CBE parties that Borrowed Bar has done as well as a few other parties they have served! This Packer tap wall was perfect for our game day event and cheering on our favorite team (GO PACK GO!) while enjoying some delicious drinks. We also loved how our Old Fashioned tap wall turned out for our Camp Wed retreat featuring calligraphy by Saffron Avenue and was a huge success with our guests!

 

Photography credits:

Angela Mondloch of Saffron Avenue

Marla Bergh of Borrowed Bar

Cocktail Trailers

The most impressive way to serve cocktails! This new, hip option is a sure way to add a little extra jazz to your wedding to make it stand out from the rest. Imagine serving his and hers signature drinks out of something this snazzy! With rental companies popping up in hot spot locations, these trailers are becoming easier to come by. Even better—if you or a friend owns a trailer it could become a fun DIY project. If you aren’t a DIY-er no problem! Barmadillo in Madison is one of our favorite beverage options for any event!

These adorable trucks and trailers are a great way to add style to your outdoor reception. Whether you’re going for a retro vibe, or rustic charm, you can find these trailers in all shapes and sizes. Try adding a custom sign to the outside to add a personal touch, or string the perfect set of lights to create an ambiance that will keep your friends and family dancing all night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Wedding Cocktails

 

The chilly fall weather is the perfect excuse to add a seasonal twist to your signature cocktails for your wedding. But, don’t think you need to save these just for your special day; they will delight your guests whether served at your shower, rehearsal dinner, or bachelor or bachelorette party. Shaken, stirred, or mulled, these fall drinks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Cranberry Cosmopolitans

Take a seasonal spin on the classic Cosmopolitan by incorporating red and white cranberry juice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) vodka
• 5 ounces Cointreau
• 5 ounces red cranberry-juice cocktail
• 5 ounces white cranberry-juice cocktail
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• Fresh cranberries, for garnish

Directions

• Pour all ingredients except cranberries into a large pitcher with ice; stir vigorously. Strain into glasses, discarding ice. Garnish with festive berries!

Mulled Wine

Is a guaranteed crowd-favorite, especially during the colder months! Plus, you can prepare it days in advance and reheat it when it’s time to celebrate. (Pre packaged mulled spices can also be purchased if you don’t want to make it from scratch)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 bottle red wine
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup brandy
• 1 large orange
• 2 cardamom pods
• 4 star anise
• 6 whole cloves
• 6 allspice berries
• 6 whole black peppercorns
• 1 cinnamon stick, plus 4 for garnish (optional)

Holiday Mulled Wine

• Switch out the orange for ½ cup cranberry juice and ½ cup whole cranberries

Directions

• First, zest then juice the orange
• With the flat side of a knife, press firmly on the cardamom pods to open them a bit. In a large pot combine zest, cardamom, cloves, allspice, star anise peppercorns, cinnamon, juice, wine, water, sugar, and brandy. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves.
• Once sugar has dissolved reduce heat to low; simmer for about 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; serve immediately.

 

Fall Manhattan

 Give this classic cocktail a fall shake up by adding blood orange, apples and maple syrup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 ½ ounces applejack
• 1 ½ ounces rye whiskey
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• A few dashes of orange bitters
• 2 ounces Champagne
• Blood orange rind for garnish

Directions

• Combine applejack, whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters in a cocktail shaker; shake over ice. Strain into 6 ounce martini glass, top with champagne, garnish, and serve.

 

Photography:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fc/8d/20/fc8d2052db3b0e321c777f899f193ab7.jpg

http://theviewfromgreatisland.com/slow-cooker-crock-pot-mulled-wine/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/529313762434122205/

 

Vendor Spotlight: The Lageret

 

We are so excited to have an inspiring new venue in the area. Nestled in the heart of downtown Stoughton, WI The Lageret is a vast, historical and industrial warehouse with enough room to host a separate ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

    
The 18,000 sq. ft newly renovated tobacco warehouse is on our short list for popular venues this upcoming season. Using a warehouse as a wedding venue ties in the popular elements of a barn wedding with modern comforts and amenities. The venue has two floors of functioning space with enough room to comfortably fit 240 people.

  

Owner Jame Ramsden is no stranger to the wedding business. She has run Flora Designs by Jamae  for over 17 years, and is excited to start this new venture! The venue has already been featured on websites such as Style Me pretty and the Knot, and Jamae assured us that the inquiries are flying in! For more information on hosting your wedding or event at The Lageret, please contact Jame Ramsden, owner, at 608.921.6400 or http://www.thelageret.com/warehouse/.

 

Photography Credit:

http://maisonmeredith.pass.us/lageret-open-house/

Entertain your Guests Throughout your Whole Wedding Weekend (2 of 2)

 

The ceremony may be over, but the party is just getting started! A popular trend for many newlyweds is incorporating extra parties into their special weekend. This trend is gaining popularity because many guests and couples don’t want the evening to come to a close. In addition, many couples spend the majority of the reception greeting and chatting with guests and don’t get anytime to spend with close friends and family. Besides, consider it another chance to impress your guests with surprising details and personal touches. Here are some ideas to inspire you!

Cocktail Hour

A cocktail hour is a great way to set the tone and warm guests up for the reception. Keep it simple, but make sure there are enough servers so each guest gets something to drink and eat. Most guests won’t mind standing and mingling, but just in case make sure there are seating options available. Finally, it may be laid back but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! Bring in entertainment, exotic cuisine, or personalized drinks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After Reception Party

Go out and hit the town! If you have a large wedding party consider booking a bar for a private event. Keep in mind that some of your guests may have already started drinking; plan accordingly with a shuttle or taxi service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post-wedding Brunch

Newlyweds if you are not leaving for your honeymoon right away, a brunch can be the perfect way to bring the celebration to a close. It’s a great opportunity to thank guests for a lovely weekend, or to spend some quality time with loved ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography Credit:

http://www.brit.co/signature-cocktails/?utm_campaign=pinbutton_hover

http://www.brit.co/diy-glitter-party-decor/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/66709638204385614/

https://www.theknot.com/content/8-easy-ideas-for-and-amazing-morning-after-wedding-brunch

Entertain your Guests Throughout your Whole Wedding Weekend (1 of 2)

Inviting a large number of family and friends together can be a slightly stressful, yet wonderful time. If you plan on extending your wedding celebration into a whole weekend, it can be a great idea to have extra festivities to keep your guests occupied while they meet and mingle. These are definitely not required, but if you have it in your budget, it can be a generous and fun gift to your guests who may not know each other, or the city where you’re getting married.

Welcome Party

Throwing a welcome party is a great way to kick off your wedding weekend, and to greet and introduce your guests in a relaxed atmosphere. Get inspired by backyard barbecues, cocktail parties, or find a place that showcases local flavor, such Texas barbecue, Chicago deep-dish pizza, or Wisconsin cheese curds. This is also an opportunity to introduce guests to the area.

 

Wedding Party Field Day

If you have a large wedding party the dress rehearsal may be their first time meeting each other. To break the ice and let everyone bond, throw a wedding party field day. Think classic backyard party games like three-legged races or water balloon toss. After, continue the fun by heading out to your favorite local bar or attraction.

Morning Yoga

Have a favorite yoga teacher or studio in town? Host a special wedding day yoga class for your guests at the studio or their hotel. This can be a great way to get everyone’s day started, and fill the time gap before the ceremony. If you have time feel free to join too, taking an exercise class can reduce any last minute stress or jitters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography Credit:

http://www.weddingchicks.com/2013/07/11/welcome-wedding-bbq/

http://jwileyphotography.com/carrie-sean-pre-wedding-field-day-extravaganza/

 

 

 

Make a Splash with Signature Cocktails

It’s tempting to craft a tried-and-true cocktail at your next event, but this season’s up-and-coming cocktails are a great way to add a unique touch to any event. From a martini to a Shirley temple, a unique cocktail or mocktail adds a personalized touch that can surprise your guests at your party.

Many Takes on Moscow Mules

The Moscow Mule is 2015’s comeback kid. Combining vodka, ginger beer and lime, this classic cocktail is something both my girlfriends and grandfather can agree on. Light and refreshing, the Moscow Mule is a great drink to add to your essential drink list. In addition, this timeless drink can be transitioned to fit any season. For example, add apple cider to this combination for a fall reception.

A classic, crowd-pleasing moscow mule is a great addition to any event.

Transition to autumn with an apple cider infused moscow mule, combining refreshing tastes with apple and cinnamon.

Moscow mules

Classic Moscow Mule – Vodka, Ginger Beer, Lime: Combine two ounces of vodka, juice of half a lime and top with ginger beer. Add a lime slice for garnish.

Apple Cider Moscow Mule –Apple Cider, Vodka, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer: Combine apple cider, vodka, and lime juice in a glass, topping off with ginger beer. Add cinnamon, an apple slice or cinnamon stick for garnish.

Alcohol Alternative: Italian Soda

Highly customizable and easy to prepare, Italian sodas are a refreshing, alcohol-free cocktail. Choose a few different flavors of simple syrups, such as my favorites: strawberry or blueberry, to create a crowd-pleasing drink. Combine simple syrup with carbonated water and you’re set!

Homemade Italian Sodas

Homemade Simple Syrup – Fruit, Water, Sugar: Boil sugar and water until water is dissolved. Add berries and boil for at least ten minutes until berries are mushy. Strain the mixture, discarding the berries but keeping the fruit.

Italian Soda: Combine homemade syrup with ice, club soda and cream for taste.

After crafting your perfect beverage, make sure to share your signature cocktail with us on Instagram, @cherrybevents!

Photos and recipes: Classic Moscow Mule – http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/10/a-moscow-mule-love-story.html & Apple Cider Moscow Mule – http://sugarandcharm.com/2014/09/apple-cider-moscow-mules.html/?crlt.pid=camp.Yl8vd8I8XYyn. Italian Soda Photos via tidymom.net

Cocktail Hour: The ‘Before’ Party

Finally, the bride and groom have said “I Do!” So that only means one thing, it is time to celebrate. But before we have the grand opening to the reception site, guests get to get the party started with a cocktail hour. This is a great prelude to the fun planned for guests the rest of the night! Pulling off a great cocktail hour is simple. Here are some must-haves to start the night off with a bang!

Seating:
Guests have just been sitting for a good amount of time due to travel and the ceremony. So remember, not a ton of seating is necessary during cocktail hour. However, make sure there is enough comfortable seating for those who choose to sit or require seating. Space out the seating to allow guests to mingle and walk around. A great look is to incorporate low and high tables. It gives the cocktail hour a different feel than the reception and keeps the guests interested all night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music:
You can’t have cocktail hour without some good jams! Be sure to keep the volume low so guests can talk and congratulate the couple! Another great idea is to incorporate a different style of music than the reception. Think Bluegrass band, jazz trio, or an acoustic guitarist as a few fun ideas. Also, you never know who is already ready to dance!

Food and Drinks:
Cocktail hour needs drinks, hence the name. We love including signature cocktails as a great way to showcase the couple and their personality.! They can help control bar costs and get the guests ready for a fun memorable night and help set the tone! Don’t forget to have non-alcoholic drinks for under age guests and those who choose not to drink! Fun glasses and straws always are a nice touch! Obviously, drink and food go hand in hand. Have some easy to eat hors d’oeuvres that go with your theme!

Personalization:
Whether it is cocktail napkins or signage, make sure to incorporate your theme or design into cocktail hour. Display the new couples marriage name, date, etc. The guests are here to celebrate you, so spread the love throughout cocktail hour! A great personal touch is a slideshow of the couple! From their younger years up to their wedding day, this is always a heart touching element guests love to view as their sipping on their drinks and munching on snacks!

Activities:
Guests will be itching to get the fun started after the ceremony. Include some form of activity for them to start getting in ‘celebration’ mode. For an outdoor wedding, lawn guests are always a go to! Otherwise, bring out the guestbook early or open up the photo booth before guests sit down for dinner!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit:

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/41/81/e6/4181e62628ed51707106412b8523785f.jpg

http://sly45.com/weddings/

http://spinachtiger.com/why-you-should-eat-drink-and-get-merry-in-columbus-ohio/

http://www.theknot.com/weddings/photos/wedding-signs/cocktail-hour

http://www.theknot.com/weddings/photos/wedding-signs/cocktail-hour

http://blog.briankelm.net/tag/cocktail-hour-activities-wedding-planning/