by Chapelle Johnson, Associate Editor
Whether it’s an alcohol-based drink or the newest adaptogenic bev, your refreshments can make or break your celebration. This is why engaged couples should be up to date on the latest wedding cocktail trends (and other 2025 wedding trends). According to The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study, to-be-weds pay a little under $2,800 for alcohol and bar services for the wedding day. This may seem like a lot, but many couples view it as a worthy cost because of the story they can tell through their drinks and the joy they get from seeing their loved ones break it down on the dance floor. But with so many different types of liquor, mixers and garnishes to choose from, you might not know how to start crafting your cocktail menu. Check out the top cocktail trends of 2025 we can’t wait to see at couples’ weddings.
1. Wedding Mobile Bars
Photo: Joel Atanacio Photography; Shaken Not Spurred Events & Mobile Bar
Yes, we know this isn’t a new trend, but it’s making a big comeback because who doesn’t love drinks on the go? Instead of having one designated area for bartenders to serve drinks, rent a mobile bar service for a more fluid feel. “Mobile bars will step up to match the quality of traditional brick and mortar cocktail lounges, offering unique and exciting drinks while also understanding the complexities of event bartending and the preparation and logistics that come along with it,” Myles Saunders, founder of The Royal Bartending Co. who has seven years of experience as a mixologist, says.
2. Canned and Bottled Cocktails
Photo: Sposto Photography; Bartender: Mint Bartending
“Ready-to-drink canned cocktails will make a bigger appearance at weddings. Alcohol brands are elevating their canned and ready to pour offerings, making them more extravagant and ‘crafty.’ While they lack the personal charm of hand-crafted cocktails, their convenience and growing popularity secures them a place in 2025 cocktail trends,” Saunders tells us.
Shay Gonzales, owner of Too Shay Spirits with over a decade of service industry knowledge, thinks you’ll also see more bottled cocktails on reception tables in 2025. “I’ve seen this start to trend with mini Topo Chico bottles, but fun high-end ready to drink cocktails served in personalized bottles with custom labels for the couple. It’s a fun, unique and memorable way to welcome guests to cocktail hour. Think French 75 in a mini Veuve Clicquot Champagne bottle with an image of the couple on the label,” Gonzales says.
3. Adaptogenic Wedding Drinks
Photo: Stocksy
An adaptogenic drink is an alcohol-free cocktail containing plant and herbal ingredients like CBD and ginseng. Some adaptogenic beverage producers assert they increase a person’s energy, are an alcohol replacement or help with relaxation. This unique wedding cocktail trend has gradually become popular with people who want to try a sober lifestyle while drinking something that can loosen them up. With the rise and acceptance of functional drinks, adaptogens and THC-infused cocktails will be a big thing we see in 2025. Giving guests these options adds a memorable and unique experience for [sober and non-sober] guests,” Nyina Muigai, passionate expert on zero-proof experiences and founder of Noliq Drinks, says.
Wondering how you can incorporate adaptogenic drinks at your wedding? Ryan Manka, cocktail connoisseur and beverage director at Butler’s Pantry, suggests couples experiment with having a CBD bar that has freshly squeezed juices and sparkling CBD drinks.
4. Take-home Wedding Glassware
Photo: I Heart My Groom
Saunders says couples giving memorable glassware to their guests to take home is a trend he loves. “I’m a huge fan of the idea of giving guests reusable glassware or flasks with the couple’s wedding logo. It’s practical, memorable and a great way to reduce waste during the event,” Saunders says. If you want to make this idea more cost-effective and sentimental, go to second-hand stores to pick up quirky drinking vessels that stand out to you and your partner. Yes, that means that cute and odd-shaped vintage mug you saw last week at the thrift can be on display at your wedding.
View more photos and the full article from The Knot, here.