ISSUE FW’26
In our new FW’26 issue, we take you to the south of France and to Renée and Jan’s wedding, which was a celebration of love, friendship and style. We also sit down with Louis Abel founder Jimmy Loutfi for an in-depth interview about how his own wedding rings marked the start of a new chapter in fine jewellery, and look ahead to New York Bridal Fashion Week for the silhouettes, details and ideas that will set the tone for the coming season.
Food & Drink
This Summer’s Drinks Edit – Four Favourites for the First Toast at the Wedding
The first toast of the wedding marks the start of a day full of memories. Whether you prefer something bubbly, with a zesty citrus flavour or floral notes, we’ve put together four welcome drinks that are just as suitable for a country house wedding as they are for a dinner under the open sky.
Wedding drinks and that very first glass set the tone for your whole big day. Before dinner, the speeches and the dance floor are filled with memories, all the guests gather for the very first toast of the wedding.
Your wedding welcome drink is therefore much more than just something refreshing in a glass. It becomes a natural part of the experience, an extension of your personal style and a detail that sets the tone for the entire celebration. Whether you’re planning a manor house wedding, an al fresco dinner or a seaside party, a well-thought-out signature drink is a simple way to add a touch of luxury to the day. In our Summer Drinks Edit, we’ve put together four favourites we’d be more than happy to raise a glass to this summer.
Hugo Spritz – Summery, refreshing and full of elderflower.
Is there anything that feels more like summer than a Hugo Spritz? The refreshing combination of elderflower, mint and prosecco makes it the perfect start to a relaxed get-together in the sun.
RECIPE
6 cl elderflower liqueur (St-Germain or similar)
• 9 cl
prosecco • A splash of soda
water •
Mint •
Lime • Ice
Method: Fill a wine glass with ice. Pour in the elderflower liqueur and prosecco, top up with soda water and garnish with mint and lime.
Limoncello Spritz – A trip to Italy, but in a glass.
This drink immediately brings to mind the Amalfi Coast. Fresh lemon, bubbles and that sunny holiday feeling make it the obvious choice for a summer wedding.
RECIPE
• 6 cl
limoncello• 9 cl
prosecco•
Sparkling water•
Lemon slices• Ice
Method: Pour the limoncello over ice, top up with prosecco and finish with soda water. Garnish with a slice of lemon.
French 75 – For those who love champagne.
If you want to welcome your guests with something that feels festive right from the first toast, the French 75 is a safe bet. Champagne, gin and lemon create a refreshing cocktail with a classic feel.
RECIPE
• 3 cl
gin• 1.5 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice•
1.5 cl simple syrup•
Champagne•
Lemon zest
Method: Shake the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a champagne glass and top up with champagne. Works just as well with cava or prosecco.
Elderflower Gin Fizz – Nordic flavours at their best.
Elderflower, lemon and cucumber create a light and refreshing drink that’s just as perfect at a garden wedding as it is at a country estate.
RECIPE
• 4 cl
gin• 2 cl elderflower juice or elderflower liqueur•
2 cl lemon juice•
Sparkling
water•
Cucumber•
Mint• Ice
Method: Shake the gin, elderflower and lemon juice with ice. Pour into a glass with fresh ice, top up with sparkling water and garnish with cucumber and mint.
Fancy more tips on sparkling drinks?
Read our guide to champagne for weddings or search for catering services in our supplier directory
