Post # 1
Member
2338 posts
Buzzing bee
We’re going to have some kids at the wedding (probably 10-15) and I’m toying with the idea of making sure there’s some fun kid-appropriate beverage options for them at cocktail hour. Most of them will be in the 6-10 yr age range.
I can remember when I was a little girl thinking I was just the bee’s knees when I got to drink something like a shirley temple at a grown-up party, and it would be nice to make our younger guests feel special.
We’re going to be having beer, wine, champagne, and a few speciality cocktails (still TBD). And water, of course.
I’d love some suggestions for mocktails that the kids might enjoy – bonus points if they’re something adults who would prefer not to drink might enjoy too!
So far, all I can think of is Shirley Temples and Roy Rogers.
Post # 2
Member
3591 posts
Sugar bee
I always loved getting sparkling grape juice during special occasions as a kid. I still like it actually.
Post # 3
Member
2461 posts
Buzzing bee
misslucy : Shirley Temples were my go to when I was allowed to have a sugary drink. I would suggest sparkling apple cider too, that’s kind of “fancy” for kids.
Post # 4
Member
693 posts
Busy bee
Virgin strawberry daiquiri and virgin pina coladas. My mom used to manage a restraunt/bar and I thought I was hot shit when I ordered those.
Post # 5
Member
232 posts
Helper bee
Its as much about the nice glass as the actual drink.
What about Shloer served in wine or champagne glasses.
Post # 6
Member
88 posts
Worker bee
Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider! That always made me feel like I was a 20-something at a fancy bar in a big city celebrating a big promotion at my magazine job, haha.
Post # 7
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542 posts
Busy bee
I would lean towards clear or light colored options, especially if there are younger kids. I’m thinking of spills- on themselves, other people, sticky hands touching random decor, etc.
Post # 8
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3951 posts
Honey bee
Are you trying to make it so they feel sophisticated like the adults or just have something that they would enjoy? I would probably do an Italian soda bar and pick up a few varieties of Torani syrups.
Post # 9
Member
1924 posts
Buzzing bee
- Wedding: September 2017 - Pearson Convention Centre
For our cocktail hour we had alcoholic cocktails and virgin cocktails very similar
Post # 10
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1353 posts
Bumble bee
Personally, I’d stick to lemonade and Shirley temples. Maybe a half lemonade half iced tea.
Keep it it simple. When I get too fancy my kids hate it. 🙂
Post # 11
Member
2737 posts
Sugar bee
misslucy : I forget what it’s called, but orange juice, grenadine and sprite was my favorite mocktail when I was pregnant!
Post # 12
Member
223 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: November 2025 - City, State
I love this idea! So many posters seem to view their younger guests as a nuisance to be tolerated. It’s refreshing that you’re putting effort into planning something special for them.
Frozen mocktails would be awesome, but more trouble for the bar staff. Plus the adults would want to know where their version was. 🙂
Maybe a blueberry or raspberry lemonade, served with an orange slice on the rim of the glass (And/or an umbrella, and/or a maraschino cherry – when it comes to kids and making them feel fancy, more is more!).
Post # 13
Member
724 posts
Busy bee
MollyCatherine : I completely agree! More is more!
Kids can be fussy about the taste of things, so rather than a complicated drink, go for a sparkling grape/apple or fancy lemonade and use garnishes and fun stuff! When I was a kid we went to a local restaurant that served Shirley Temples with a plastic toothpicky thing that had a mermaid on top, a cherry and an orange slice. I felt so grown up and classy! You could also get coloured sugar for the glass rims!
Post # 15
Member
168 posts
Blushing bee
How about a root bear float, just for the kids? Zombie potion (grape soda and orange juice with granadine) looks particularly gross but tastes great! Sprite with a few skittles dropped in is also a treat!
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