Cocktails at events have come a long way from the simple gin and tonic on arrival. In 2026, the drinks menu is very much part of the experience – something guests talk about, photograph and remember.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate dinner or a private celebration, here’s what’s trending on the cocktail scene right now and why it matters for your event on the Costa del Sol.
Espresso Martinis aren’t going anywhere
If you’ve attended any sort of event in the last few years, you’ll already know the Espresso Martini has taken on a life of its own. In 2026, it’s still the most requested cocktail at weddings and evening receptions – and for good reason. It’s bold, energising and signals to your guests that the evening is really underway.
What’s changed is how bartenders are putting their own spin on it. Expect to see variations with caramel, dark chocolate notes, or a hint of spice creeping into the mix. The classic is still the classic, but there’s room to personalise it to suit your event.
Spritzes for the drinks reception
Nothing works quite like a spritz when guests are arriving and mingling. The Aperol Spritz has been a staple for a while now, and it remains a firm favourite – bright orange, photogenic, and refreshing in a way that holds up whatever the Marbella summer throws at it.
Alongside Aperol, the Hugo Spritz is making serious headway. Built on elderflower, prosecco and a hint of mint, it’s a little lighter and more floral, and it goes down incredibly well at outdoor receptions. Sparkling pink gin bellinis are another great option for that drinks reception feel.
Clarified cocktails: the showstopping serve
This is one of the more visually striking trends of the moment. Clarified milk punches and clear sours look, at first glance, like a glass of still water – yet the flavour is rich, complex and completely unexpected. That contrast is exactly what makes them such a conversation starter.
If you want a cocktail moment that genuinely surprises people, a clarified serve is worth considering. They take more preparation behind the scenes, but the impact when guests take their first sip is hard to beat.
Spicy cocktails and the interactive element
The Picante de la Casa – tequila, lime, agave and chilli – has become one of the go-to evening cocktails at many weddings and events. It’s bold, it’s flavourful, and offering an “extra spicy” option gives guests a fun, interactive moment at the bar.
Spicy Margaritas fall into the same category. If your crowd leans adventurous, these work brilliantly as a signature evening serve.
Dessert cocktails to close the night
The patisserie-inspired cocktail trend is one of the most indulgent and well-received of the year. Think chocolate and vanilla notes, warming spiced hot chocolates served in a cocktail format, or an Espresso Martini elevated with a caramel twist. These work especially well later in the evening when guests are already in a celebratory mood and want something a little richer.
They also photograph beautifully – which, at weddings in particular, never hurts!
The signature “His and Hers” cocktail
Many couples are choosing to create two signature cocktails that reflect their individual personalities – one for each partner. It’s a small detail that adds a lot of warmth and personalisation to the drinks menu, and guests genuinely enjoy the story behind them.
This doesn’t have to be complicated. It might be as simple as a floral gin cocktail alongside a smoky whisky serve – the contrast is part of the charm.
British classics with a twist
Some cocktails feel inherently British, and they’re as popular as ever at many events here on the Costa del Sol. The English Garden – gin, elderflower, cucumber and tonic – is perfectly suited to outdoor summer receptions and works beautifully as a welcome drink.
For autumn and late summer, a Blackberry Whisky Lemonade brings seasonal flavour and colour to the bar. And for something slower and more sophisticated, the Whisky Old Fashioned remains a timeless choice that never feels out of place, whatever the occasion.
Thinking about your cocktail menu?
The drinks menu for your event deserves as much thought as the food. The right cocktails set the tone from the moment guests arrive, and the best bar experiences are ones where everything feels considered – from the welcome drink to the last round of the evening.
If you’re planning an event and want to talk through how the catering and drinks experience can work together, Sana Catering would love to help. Get in touch with our team and let’s start planning.