It’s time to start planning the most important part of the upcoming Labor Day holiday: what you’re going to drink.
Labor Day marks the end summer, which means it’s your last chance to get away with fruity cocktails best suited for warm weather, and your last opportunity to hit the neighborhood pool before they shut it down for the year.
If you’re in charge of the cookout for the crew this year, or if you’re just looking for something awesome to bring to the festivities, here are a few great Labor Day cocktails that can be easily made (or made pitcher-style) to ensure your party experience is as labor free as possible.
Island Time Spritz
Created by Pamela Wiznitzer, USBG NY Chapter President and Creative Director Seamstress, NY
Ingredients:
1 part Sugar Island Coconut Rum
1 part Pineapple Juice
¾ part Lemon Juice
¾ part Aperol
¼ Simple Syrup
Sparkling Rose
Directions: Combine together over ice. Garnish with pineapple chunks on a skewer.
Citrus Caress
By Niccole Trzaska of The Liberty, NYC, NY
This one isn’t exactly a pitcher-style cocktail, but it’s one you can set out the ingredients and just let your guests mix the drink on their own.
Ingredients:
1 ½ parts Ménage a Trois Citrus Vodka
¾ part blood orange juice
¾ part sparkling wine
Directions: Shake and strain Ménage a Trois Citrus and blood orange juice into a rocks glass; top with cold sparkling wine and garnish with an orange twist.
Spiked and Sparkling
Ingredients:
1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Ginger Beer
6 oz. Truly Spiked & Sparkling Colima Lime
Directions: Combine 1 oz. vodka and 1 oz. ginger beer in a pint over ice. Top off with Truly Spiked & Sparkling Colima Lime. Add Lime for garnish.
Angry on the Beach
Ingredients:
4 12 oz. bottles Angry Orchard Crisp Apple
4 cups Watermelon Juice
1 cup Vodka
1 cup Cointreau or Orange Liqueur
1 cup Lime Juice
0.5 cup Orange Juice
1 Navel Orange Sliced
1 Lime Sliced
Watermelon Chunks
Directions: In a large container add the watermelon juice, Vodka, Cointreau, lime juice and orange juice. Stir in ice, orange slices, lime wheels, and watermelon chunks. Top off with Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider and stir gently to combine. Serve!
Prickly Pink Margarita (serves 8)
Ingredients:
1 cup Sauza® Signature Blue Silver Tequila
1/2 cup Dekuyper Triple Sec
1/2 cup prickly pear syrup
1 cup limeade
Pear slices
Lime wedges
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a pitcher with ice and stir. Strain into salt-rimmed glasses and serve. Garnish with prickly pear slice and lime wedge.