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I got the idea to mock up a project that has been in the back of my mind lately: the signature cocktail sign.
I think we’ve already established that Mr Pretzel and I are beer snobs (if we haven’t established that yet—we are, in fact, beer geeks). If it was up to us we would serve 5 different types of brews and forgo the wine and cocktails. But that wouldn’t make us good hosts. We’ll be offering red and white wine in addition to a signature cocktail. Mojito, Margarita, Mimosa? Not here. Our signature cocktail has a story. One that makes me both happy and sad every time I think about it.
My mom got married in the summer, on a blistering hot day. The reception was at my Grandparents’ house and they served wedding punch, among other things. The guests drank a lot of punch to quench their thirst. But, there was an itty-bitty problem: the recipe was almost all alcohol. Needless to say, it was quite the party. My dad refers to the punch as “White Lightning” and I think all of the attendees of their wedding remember the punch, even though some don’t remember how they got home.
My grandma learned her lesson. At my Aunt’s wedding she cut down the amount of punch she made. This is marked clear as day on the recipe card. Betty 4 batches, Jane 2. When I found the recipe among Grandma’s recipes I didn’t think I would serve it at our wedding. Punch, especially alcoholic punch, really isn’t in vogue anymore (gosh, I sounded like my Grandma there!) and I wasn’t acquainted with the concept of a signature cocktail. We were discussing drink options with our caterer when she suggested a signature cocktail, and instantly, the punch jumped into my head again. I looked at Mr Pretzel and we both had the same thought: we could update the punch, make it more cocktail like, and serve it at our wedding. I emailed a scan of the recipe to the caterer and told them the story. They thought it was the coolest.
I love this photo of my Grandparents. It always make me smile!
Why am I thinking about signature cocktails 9 months before our wedding? I’ve been thinking about my Grandma lately. Sadly, she has Alzheimer’s and won’t be able to attend our wedding. Mr Pretzel and I were able to visit her the days following the proposal. Multiple times we told her about our engagement and showed her my ring. Each time she was so excited and exclaimed how pretty my ring was. She took my face in her hands and gave me a hug. For an instant she shared our joy, but sadly it doesn’t last. I recently removed her from our invitation list, and this was hard. I knew that she wouldn’t be able to come but a part of me wanted to believe that she would get the invitation and for a second, remember and share our joy. Sadly, the invitation would just confuse her.
So, having her wedding punch at our wedding is my way of honoring her and I want to have a sign at the bar to share this with our guests. Here’s my first try at it. I am not sure if I am happy with it yet, but it really made me happy to get something on paper.
How are you incorporating your loved ones that can’t be at your wedding into your day?
I love the story and that you put all of it on your sign. And you can take this or not, but maybe make the photos black and white since your wedding is kodachrome and the colors in the pictures aren’t the same kind of saturation. But it’s great as is, I’m just a fan of constructive criticism and just hope that it doesn’t offend.
That is such a sad and sweet story. I’m really glad you’ll have wedding punch at your wedding. And I think the sign looks awesome. I love that the original recipe is on there!
Pretzel, this post is so touching. What a sweet way to commemorate your grandmother and the happy memory of your mom’s wedding.
I really like the idea of wedding punch, and I think it is the next thing to return as a hip happenin’ wedding detail (and your recipe sounds pretty delicious). It totally fits with your retro/modern style too. Is it bright purple from the grape juice?
@Miss Moonbeam: Thanks for the feedback Moonbeam! I’m partial to the washed out look that the photos, I’ll have to see what B&W looks like.
@Miss Snow: I’ll ask my mom what color it is. I think she said that is was almost a pink color but I could be wrong.
This totally hits home. My grandmother (Babcia) has promised to come to our wedding, but she lives in Poland and is in her mid-eighties, so I worry about whether or not she will be able to handle the stress of the trip. I too am trying to find a way to ensure that she can be there in spirit, even if she can’t make it in person.
Oh, and I love punch!
What a great story! I think “punch punch” as in “bowl and ladle punch” is kind of out, but I was searching WB and SMP and saw some great punch bar inspiration, so that’s what we’ll be doing! I love fun drinks!
What a sweet story!
Sad to hear about your grandma. I can somewhat relate. My fiance’s grandmother has very advanced Alzheimers, to the point where I haven’t even been introduced to her (there is also a language barrier, since his family is all in Brazil).
However, she did attend his younger sister’s wedding last year. I sat behind her and of course was curious how she would react. She didn’t quite understand what was going on, but at least knew who the people standing up in front were (kindof). She was able to sense that it was a celebration and was generally very happy, even if she was a bit confused. I am sad that we won’t be inviting her to our own wedding for the same reasons as you (and of course because the travel from Brazil to Seattle is too much!)
I really hope you find a way to share parts of your wedding with your grandmother, because at least for a moment she will treasure it.
That punch sounds so yummy (and dangerous)! This is such a great and unique way to honor her and keep the tradition going.
That’s a great (but sad) story! I think it’s a great way to honor your grandma!
What a lovely story and a great way to honor your grandmother. I don’t think punch is out of style at all, especially when done right 
Oh, and I have GOT to stop reading these sentimental stories while at work. You’ve got me in tears at my desk!
I love that you included the photos in the cocktail sign!! I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother but I’m sure she’d approve of the updated punch.
BTW, thanks for giving us the secret recipe too!
What a lovely and very personal way to commemorate your grandmother, and the fact that she can’t attend your wedding. My grandmother and FI’s grandfather (our only remaining grandparents) are both too elderly at this point to make the trip to our wedding. It’s definitely sad, but we will also try to find a way for them to be present in spirit.
Aw, this post made me tear up. Life has so many ups and downs, doesn’t it? I think this is an incredibly sweet way to honor your grandmother.
Your story absolutely made me cry! I’m so sorry about your grandmother but I am so glad you’re able to include her in spirit. My boy is in the beer camp and has already claimed all rights to beer selection… which I am totally okay with.
I loved how you will incorporate this drink in honor of your grandmother. My grandfather had Alzheimer’s before he passed away, and it is a hard thing to deal with.
your grandparents were one stylish couple! i think this is a wonderful way to honor her
It is pink–bordering on red We had it, but you weren’t allowed to drink it, at our wedding
@tigs_pal: Thanks for clearing that up MOH Pretzel that answers Miss Snow’s question.
@tea: Oh i should show you photos, my grandparents loved to entertain and party!
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Mrs. Pretzel, Seattle Age and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development Specialist Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing Engineer Engagement Date: September 2, 2009 Wedding Date: July 2010 Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown Studios About Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married. Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
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