Rocket's Guide to Wedding Wines and Cocktails

At Rocket, every wedding is an exciting opportunity to curate something truly extraordinary and bespoke for our couples. Each wedding is made up of countless little details, and we believe that selecting the perfect wine and cocktail list to celebrate the occasion is just as essential as curating a personalised menu.

We sat down with Rocket co-founder and director Michael Symonds to chat all things drinks list and get his expert tips on creating a drinks menu as entertaining as the food.

Choose wines which harmonise with your dishes

“Your wedding wine selection should complement your menu,” says Michael. For a summer wedding with bright salads, opt for equally delicate wines to balance the elegance of the dishes. As an example, he adds that if you’re having a Tuscan-inspired menu, pair it with wines from Tuscany. Coupling the provenance of the dish’s ingredients with your wine not only makes for a harmonious match but also enhances the overall dining experience of your guests. “Say you have a lovely panzanella, or some sort of tomato-based dish, I would have something like a Vermentino or Vernaccia.”

He suggests to choose wines that are light and easy to enjoy as weddings are often lengthy, all-day celebrations, versatile enough to suit different palates, and which pair well with various dishes. Additionally, choosing wines with personal significance, such as bottles from your family’s wine cellar, can add a meaningful and memorable element to your wedding.

“I also think it’s nice if you can find your wines in magnums – they just look really generous.”

Celebrate local craftsmanship in your drinks menu

Michael suggests considering winemakers that are local to the couple. “English sparkling wines are a fantastic option for weddings,” he says. “If your family is from Hampshire, for instance, I would recommend Hambledon Vineyard or Hattingley Valley wines. Alternatively, if your wedding is in Kent or another wine-producing area like Sussex, choose local sparkling wines to honour the region like Gusbourne. It’s a wonderful personal touch which extends beyond the couple and includes loved ones too”

Make way for creative cocktails

“I think cocktails are a really good way to reflect the couple’s personalities; whether it’s a theme or a particular style that you want to go for, cocktails are always a brilliant way to personalise your drinks list.” For truly showstopping cocktails consider using foraged or locally sourced ingredients, which can provide a fresh, one-of-a-kind twist on classic recipes. Think fresh herbs, seasonal fruits, or even edible flowers that tie into your wedding’s aesthetic.

Another way to elevate your cocktail menu is to change up the selection throughout the day. For example, offer light, refreshing cocktails during the cocktail hour, followed by richer, more complex drinks for evening festivities. This will keep the experience exciting for your guests as day turns to night.

Additionally, make sure your cocktail choices align with the overall theme of your wedding or complement the season. A summer wedding, for instance, could feature refreshing, citrus-based drinks, while an autumn wedding might embrace more warming notes like cinnamon or apple. This thoughtful approach to your wedding’s drink menu is sure to create a memorable experience for everyone attending.

Include those not drinking

Michael explains “more people are moderating their drinking than ever before and it’s essential to really think about drinks for all your guests”. He adds “instead of offering just non-alcoholic wines, which can sometimes lack the richness of their alcoholic counterparts, consider adding creative alternatives like sparkling teas from Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company, which have an aromatic depth that will appeal to a broad range of tastes.” For those who prefer to sip cocktails, our newly launched Low and No Alcohol menu is the perfect starting point for inspiration “our non-alcoholic aperitivo spritz is a delicious Italian-inspired spritz with a delicate herbal bitterness from alcohol-free aperitivo and crisp sparkling white wine, and a real crowd pleaser”.

For guests who still wish to enjoy wine but prefer a lighter option, wines with an ABV under 15% are a great choice. Wines such as Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc offer a balanced flavour profile that allows guests to savour the experience without the heaviness of stronger alcohol.

To view our full drinks menu or chat through your party or event in more detail, please email parties@rocketfood.com or call us on 020 7622 2320.