Unique Kitchen Tea Themes & Matching Cocktails For 2023

Transforming your kitchen tea into an unforgettable experience requires more than just gathering friends and a few snacks. One of the most effective ways to elevate this casual get-together is by choosing a theme that complements the occasion. This can be achieved by selecting a unique and captivating concept that resonates with your guests, making them feel like they’re part of something special.

To help you create an extraordinary kitchen tea, we’ve curated 8 distinct themes along with expertly crafted cocktails to match each one for the year 2023. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a vintage vibe or explore a modern twist, our suggestions will guide you in crafting an unforgettable experience.

Festival

As the sun shines bright during summertime, it’s no surprise that planning a kitchen tea becomes an all-time favorite activity. What’s more, it provides the perfect excuse to host your own unique festival! For those who adore classic festivals like Rocking The Daisies and Ultra, or aspire to experience Coachella one day, creating your own personalized celebration is a must. And the best part?

You can bring this dream to life anywhere – in your backyard, a rented cottage, or even a picturesque vineyard. All it takes is your imagination and creativity to turn your vision into reality.

Matching Cocktail: Flower Child

To craft this refreshing cocktail, begin by infusing 60ml of tequila with a combination of fresh hibiscus and chamomile flowers for at least thirty minutes to up to overnight. Once the infusion is complete, strain the mixture into a shaker filled with ice. Next, add 30ml of freshly squeezed lime juice, one teaspoon of orange blossom honey, and shake vigorously. Strain the cocktail over rocks in a glass, then top it off with Topo Chico or your preferred sparkling water.

Finally, garnish with edible flowers of your choice for a visually stunning finish.

Black & White

A classic combination, black and white creates a sophisticated atmosphere when incorporated into wedding decorations. To achieve this elegant look, consider draping archways or tables with a harmonious blend of the two colors. Additionally, you can add a touch of contrast by having guests wear black while the bride stands out in her radiant white attire. This timeless theme is sure to leave a lasting impression on your loved ones.

Matching Cocktail: Black Widow

To craft this intriguing cocktail, begin by combining 60 ml of vodka, 90 ml of cream de cassis, 30 ml of Kahlua, and an optional half-teaspoon of activated charcoal in a chilled cocktail shaker filled to the brim with ice. Next, shake the mixture vigorously to meld the flavors together, then strain the concoction into a martini glass to showcase its sleek appearance. To add a tangy twist, gently splash 30 ml of ginger beer atop the drink and finish by garnishing with two plump blackberries.

Candy Pastel Dreams

Imagine a whimsical celebration where sweet treats abound and soft hues create a romantic ambiance. Cotton candy, donuts by the dozen, and a pastel theme come together to transport the bride-to-be to a fairytale world of pure delight. With every sugar-coated detail carefully curated by MK Event Management, this fairytale becomes a reality.

Matching Cocktail: Aviation

To craft this enigmatic cocktail, start by combining 60 ml of gin, 8 ml each of maraschino liqueur and crème de violette liqueur, and 15 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Give the mixture a thorough shake to meld the flavors together. Next, strain the concoction into a chilled cocktail glass. Finally, add a touch of drama by garnishing with a flamed lemon peel, its fiery hue adding an air of mystery to this already intriguing drink.

Pyjama Party

As the big day approaches, it’s essential to allow the bride-to-be to unwind with her closest friends and family. A pyjama party is an excellent way to create a relaxed atmosphere where she can let loose and have fun without worrying about the pressures of wedding planning. Encourage everyone to dress in matching pyjamas, set up a delicious grazing table with her favourite treats, and play some of her go-to movies in the background to really get the party started.

Matching Cocktail: Raspberry Pina Colada

To craft this delectable cocktail, begin by preparing the ingredients. Start by muddling three fresh raspberries in a tin using a muddler, releasing their natural sweetness and tartness. Next, add 45 ml of white rum, 30 ml of gourmet raspberry syrup, 50 ml of RumChata, and 90 ml of pina colada cocktail mix to the tin. Add four ice cubes to chill the mixture, then secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.

Finally, strain the cocktail through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving glass. To add a touch of whimsy, garnish with a heart-shaped marshmallow threaded onto a cocktail stick.

High Tea

As television shows like Downton Abbey and Bridgeton continue to captivate audiences, there’s no denying the allure of a charming afternoon tea. In an era where elegance is redefined by whimsy and playfulness, hosting a high tea for your soon-to-be-wed loved one has become an increasingly popular choice. Gone are the days when such an affair felt stuffy or overly formal – instead, it’s a celebration that exudes warmth, sophistication, and joy.

Booking your decor from Muse Concepts ensures that every detail is meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable experience.

Matching Cocktail: Earl Grey Spiked Tea

Combine the essence of Earl Grey tea, the smoothness of gin, and the sweetness of honey in a unique cocktail experience. To start, brew 170ml of cold Earl Grey tea, which will yield approximately 4 cups to use for future cocktails. Store the brewed tea in the refrigerator to maintain its chill. Next, prepare the honey simple syrup by dissolving 1 cup of honey into 5 cups of water in a saucepan over low heat. Allow the mixture to cool before refrigerating it as well.

Once both components are ready, add the following ingredients to a cocktail shaker: 36ml of good quality gin, 36ml of honey simple syrup, 7ml of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and 2 sprigs of lavender. Fill the shaker with ice and give the mixture a few good shakes. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with one large ice cube and garnish with an additional sprig of lavender to complete the experience.

Wine Tasting

Why not plan a wine-themed kitchen tea that reflects the bride’s love for wine and cheese? You could organize a visit to local wineries with personalized signage or set up a DIY wine tasting bar at home, complete with customised wine labels. To make it even more engaging, consider hosting a wine tasting game where each guest writes down which wine reminds them of the groom- and bride-to-be and why. This activity encourages creativity and is sure to generate plenty of laughs.

Matching Cocktail: Red Wine Sangria

To craft this delectable sangria, combine 2 tablespoons of agave nectar, 1/4 cup of grand marnier, and 1/4 cup of brandy in a large pitcher. Next, add halved and sliced oranges, limes, and pears to the mixture. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds and 2 sticks of cinnamon over the fruit for added depth of flavor. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Then, pour in the entire bottle of dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) and cover the pitcher.

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together – the longer it sits, the better it will taste. Just before serving, stir in 3/4 cup of ginger ale to give the sangria a refreshing fizz. Serve chilled over ice or enjoy at room temperature.

Casino Royale

Immerse yourself in a thrilling game night with personalized quizzes that bring excitement and entertainment to the groom-to-be and bride-to-be. You can either head to an actual casino or set up a mini casino at a rented hall or house. To add an extra layer of fun, you can even design custom fake money featuring the couple’s faces. As the night comes to a close, the winner receives a thoughtful gift basket. This unique theme is sure to bring laughter and joy to the celebration.

Matching Cocktail: Pornstar Martini

To craft this exquisite cocktail, start by preparing the passion fruit puree. Cut two ripe passion fruits in half, scoop out the seeds, and place them in a sieve over a bowl. Use the back of a spoon to press repeatedly on the seeds until all the juice has been extracted. Discard the pips and set the puree aside. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Add the passion fruit puree, lime juice, vanilla vodka, Passoa, and sugar syrup to the shaker.

Close it and vigorously shake for 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into two martini glasses, then top each glass off with champagne. For added flair, garnish each glass with a halved passion fruit and serve with an additional shot of champagne on the side.

Disco

Transform your kitchen tea into an unforgettable celebration by adding a touch of glamour! Imagine a space filled with the sparkle of glitter, the shine of silver accents, and the radiant glow of disco balls. Every gathering is elevated to new heights when you inject a little extra flair. Turn your kitchen tea into a disco-themed extravaganza and watch as the atmosphere is transformed before your eyes. With Gauteng’s top decor services at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless.

Matching Cocktail: French 75

To craft this refreshing cocktail, start by combining 60 ml of dry gin, 45 ml of fresh lemon juice, and 45 ml of simple syrup with ice in a shaker. Thoroughly shake the mixture until it is well-chilled, then strain it into champagne flutes. Top off each glass with 60 ml of Champagne or another type of sparkling white wine. The result should be a delightful balance of citrusy flavors and effervescence.

As you explore our collection of unique kitchen tea themes and matching cocktails for 2023, which one stands out to you? Do the classic combinations or bold new flavors catch your eye?