In December, 2024, Ryan Manka, Beverage Director Butler's Pantry in St. Louis, Missouri was featured in The Knot. The article written by Chapelle Johnson is excerpted here detailing his four cocktail trends for 2025 weddings.
CBD Cocktails
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. 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.
DIY Cocktails Bar
Future weddings will be all about pumping up guest experiences, which is why this idea will be one of the most popular cocktail trends 2025 to-be-weds will see. Manka explains how it works and why the trend is all the rage. "Wedding goers can build their own cocktail by choosing their own mixers and garnishes (fruit, herbs, flowers and more) while the bartender adds a spirit and shakes it up for them. DIY cocktail bars are a fun way to get guests involved in the cocktail-making experience, plus you could even customize mini shakers to give guests as wedding favors."
Unique Wedding Mocktails
By offering well-crafted wedding mocktails, you make your sober or "sober curious" guests feel included and free to join in the celebration. Wondering what ways you can incorporate these drinks into your wedding? Manka has a recipe suggestion for you. "A mocktail we've worked on that has been highly requested is a mocktail inspired by a green smoothie, made from cold-pressed green juice (celery, spinach, cucumber and apple), fresh lemon juice, cucumber mint syrup, sparkling water, and garnished with fresh mint and a cucumber ribbon. It's a light and refreshing drink with a spritz feel," Manka says.
Luxe Espresso Martinis
With the rise of the Sex and the City-esque aesthetic, you can't mention bartending trends without talking about the espresso martini. "[They say] no caffeine past 3 p.m., unless it's an espresso martini. The espresso-based drink has been one of the most requested cocktails and we don't see that changing anytime soon. Something we've been incorporating with the drink is a late-night snacking option for guests to pair with their 'pick-me-up,' like vanilla ice cream or rice crispy treats," Manka says.
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