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There is always that slightly awkward bit at a wedding when you have arrived, said hello to a few people, taken a couple of photos and are wondering what to do with yourself until the actual party starts. This is when a good welcome drink earns its place.
It should be easy to drink, refreshing and cold enough to make you forget that you have been standing around in wedding outfits for the last 20 minutes. But it also does not have to be the usual juice, soda and mint situation. Indian flavours, seasonal fruit and a few unexpected combinations can make the first drink of the evening feel just as considered as everything else.
Rose and saffron already have a wedding association, but there is a way to make them feel less like syrup in a glass. Keep the rose subtle, add a little saffron, fresh lemon juice and soda, and serve it very cold. A few saffron strands or dried rose petals are all the garnish it needs
Kokum has that lovely tartness that makes it particularly good in a drink. Mix it with lime, sparkling water and a sprig of rosemary for something that is refreshing without being overly sweet. It feels familiar, but not predictabl
Mango season and weddings are a pretty good combination already. Turn fresh mango into a cooler with lime juice and sparkling water, then finish with a chilli-and-salt rim. The little bit of heat cuts through the sweetness and makes the drink much more interesting.
For a daytime wedding, this is hard to beat. Cucumber, mint, lime and elderflower make a crisp, light drink that works particularly well outdoors. Serve it over plenty of ice with a few cucumber ribbons and let the freshness do the work.
Jamun brings a beautiful deep-purple colour along with its slightly sour flavour. Add basil, lime and sparkling water for a spritz that feels distinctly Indian without leaning too traditional. A basil leaf or a couple of fresh jamuns are enough to finish it.
Paan might not be the first thing you expect to see on a drinks menu, which is exactly what makes it interesting. Use betel leaf, mint, rose and a little fennel, then brighten it with lime and soda. The trick is to keep it fresh and lightly sweet. You want a drink, not a paan-flavoured dessert.
For an afternoon wedding, jasmine tea and peach make an especially nice pairing. Brew the tea, add peach, lemon and a little honey, then chill it properly before serving over ice. A peach slice or edible flower makes it feel wedding-ready without trying too hard.