Saying I Do - Part 2 : Cocktails

Once we were officially Mr. and Mrs. W, it was time to have fun! But first we had to get to Marriott Ranch and the bus driver....well...his GPS broke and that caused a slight delay. Cocktail hour was supposed to be held on the front lawn of the Ranch's Manor House, but the rain changed that plan.

The rain may have drowened my spirits for a second, but not the spirits we served our guests.

It was important to Mr. Dubs and me that our wedding celebration reflect lots of personal touches.  We wanted our guests to leave saying, "That was so them!"  Nearly all decisions were made with that goal in mind, right down to the signature drinks. We served Tennessee Juleps, because I grew up in Tennessee; they were SO yummy! I loved those tiny mason jars, too! Those fun, fruity things are Black-Eyed Susans. Named for Maryland's State flower, this cocktail is the official drink of the Preakness Stakes.  Mr. Dubs is an official Maryland native.

So, with a drink in their hands, and comfy shoes on their feet......

our guests were ready to (and I hate to say this because it does make me kind of squeamish to use "party" as a verb, but....) party!

RSVP YES for tomorrow's post:  The Reception and The After Party

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RECIPES

THE TENNESSEE JULEP

1 jigger Gentleman Jack Tennessee whiskey1 1/4 cup vodka

1 jigger apricot schnapps
1 tsp powdered sugar
10-12 fresh mint leaves
crushed ice
water

In a bowl cover mint with sugar. Add a few drops of water and muddle. Remove half of muddled mint and place in a silver julep glass. Top with crushed ice to half full. Add whiskey and schnapps, remaining muddle and top with crushed ice. Stir with a long spoon until frost appears on the outside of the glass. Rub lip of glass with lime and dress with fruit and mint


BLACK-EYED SUSAN


1 1/4 cup light rum
3/4 cup triple sec
Juice from one lime
4 cups orange juice
4 cups pineapple juice
Lime slices or maraschino cherries (optional)


Chill all ingredients. Combine in a punch bowl. Serve over crushed or chipped ice in tall glasses or punch glasses. Makes 10 large or 20 small servings. Garnish, if you prefer, with a slice of lime and/or a maraschino cherry.