5 Cocktails for Your Labor Day Celebration
Labor Day looms. Do you know what you’ll be drinking as summer heads toward its end?
If you’re down to the wire and party guests are on the way, you don’t have time for crafting infusions and syrups. Enter these last-minute cocktails that require only three or four ingredients. Refreshing, bubbly and ready in seconds, there’s an option for every Labor Day party plan.
1. OUT TO SEA: THE PERFECT STORM
Charting a course for warmer waters with your friends? Consider this glass your trusty first mate. Spiced rum, lime juice and bitters make waves when topped with ginger beer and will keep your crew cheerful no matter the weather.
Get the recipe for The Perfect Storm.
2. GARDEN PARTY: BULLEIT MINT JULEP
Here’s an excuse to throw one last backyard bash while your herb garden’s still got legs. You already have the mint. Now muddle it into an edgy Julep made with spicy rye whiskey (instead of bourbon) and a slip of simple syrup.
Get the recipe for the Bulleit Mint Julep.
3. PICNIC IN THE PARK: FRENCH 65
When French 75s are a bit too strong for your shindig, swap them for this carefree younger cousin. The French 65 treats Cointreau and Angostura bitters to a round of Champagne, creating an ultra-quaffable picnic drink.
Get the recipe for the French 65.
4. BEACH BOUND: PATRÓN PINEAPPLE
Making one last run for the white sand? You’ll need an appropriately beachy cocktail companion. Golden as the fleeting summer sun, this tropical glass of tequila, orange liqueur, pineapple and lime juices will answer that call.
Get the recipe for the Patrón Pineapple.
5. EVERYBODY IN THE POOL: PINK FLAMINGO
Take a cue from the iconic summer lawn ornament and go pink with your Labor Day drinks. The simple formula: rum, lime juice and grapefruit soda, plus a long lime peel curlicue that loops around the glass. Bonus points if you serve it in a floating pink flamingo coaster.
