There are two main reasons why I chose these drinks for my in-booth bar. First, I always want to bring a little bit of Charleston with me when I’m in New York City for bridal market. And when I thought of ways that I could spread some Southern hospitality, I thought about things that I enjoy. One of the first things on that list is a good drink (whether or not it’s alcholic). And second, I always want to offer something that sets me apart from other designers that goes beyond the designs.

Choosing the Right Cocktail

So, for this year’s market cocktail and mocktail, I chose to do an Arnold Palmer with a Charleston twist. The original recipe for the cocktail comes from the Firefly Distillery in Charleston, SC. Like their other spirits, the Mint Sweet Tea vodka is made locally using tea leaves from the local tea garden. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to duplicate and make substitutions with if you don’t have the same liquor. And the mocktail is an alcohol-free version based on the cocktail that is still sure to tingle your tastebuds.

“So Nice to Mint You” Southern Cocktail

My favorite things about this cocktail are that it is a smooth sip without a harsh alcoholic bite while also being refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Mint Sweet Tea Vodka
• 1.5 oz. Lemonade
• Splash of soda water

Preparation:

Put equal parts Mint Sweet Tea Vodka and lemonade to a glass. Add a splash of soda water and add ice. Top with mint leaf for garnish or a lemon wedge if you desire.

Sweet Tea Lemonade Mocktail

For the mocktail, I substituted the vodka with a non-mint sweet tea. Sweet tea is usually pretty hard to find outside of the South, but when I came across the Cold Brew Sweet Tea that’s available in NYC, I knew it was the substitution I needed. If you still want that mint flavor, muddle some mint leaves first before you pour your tea and lemonade into the glass.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Cold Brew Sweet Tea
• 1.5 oz. Lemonade
• Splash of soda water

Preparation:

Put equal parts Sweet Tea and lemonade to a glass. Add a splash of soda water and add ice. Top with mint leaf for garnish or a lemon wedge if you desire.

Looking for more bridal market behind-the-scenes?

We have more behind-the-scenes peeks at past bridal markets over here in our “Events” category.