Labor Day cocktails toast to summer’s ultimate sendoff

Looking for some Labor Day cocktails? The fun in the sun does not necessarily have to be shelved immediately. With these libations, it is time to shake up some celebrations and send summer off with a bang.

Some people took advantage of the long weekend and headed out of town. For others who stayed closer to home, the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is sharing its recipe for Mama Sandia.

While this cocktail has a stunning visual, the combination of watermelon juice and Thatcher’s Cucumber Liqueur is a touch unexpected. It is juicy and zesty. With a hint of sweetness and the floral tequila notes, it feels a touch feminine, but not too girlie.

Mama Sandia

Mama Sandia (Tara O’Connor, Renata’s Hearth, 2023) Recipe courtesy of Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Ingredients:

• .5 oz lime juice
• .25 oz agave
• 1 oz watermelon juice
• .5 oz Thatcher’s Cucumber Liqueur
• 1.5 oz blanco tequila

Method:

• Shake & strain into a champagne flute
• Top with One Hope Sparkling Wine
• Garnish with edible flower

As many photographers appreciate, the golden hour often produces some of the best photographs. The way that the light hits makes everything warm, glowing, and inviting. In this Golden Hour cocktail, the combination of Basil Hayden and Lillet is the ultimate welcoming sip that soothes the soul.

Golden Hour

Ingredients

• 1 part Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 3/4 part Lillet Blanc
• 3/4 part Aperol Aperitif
• Grapefruit peel

Method

• Combine ingredients over ice in a mixing glass.
• Stir thoroughly.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass over a large ice cube.
• Garnish with a grapefruit peel.

Fruit forward desserts are a summertime favorite. With this Labor Day cocktail from Redemption Bourbon, the traditional fruit cobbler is the inspiration for the libation. The hint of spice in the Redemption Rye Bourbon plays off the juiciness of the raspberry flavors. With a hint of citrus for brightness, it is an easy drinking cocktail both before and after dinner.

Rye Cobbler

Ingredients:

• 1 part Redemption Bourbon
• 1 part Manzanilla Sherry
• 1 part pink grapefruit juice
• 1⁄2 part raspberry liqueur
• 1⁄2 part lemon juice

Instructions:

• Swizzle in a julep cup.
• Top with crushed ice.
• Garnish with fresh berries tossed in sugar.

Similar to how the perfect outfit makes any day even better, a visually stunning cocktail makes any occasion more memorable. With this cocktail from Empress 1908 Gin, the lovely, layered cocktail is appreciated even before the first sip. It is floral, sweet, and quite enticing.

Empress Lavender Haze

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
• 1 oz Lavender Honey Syrup
• 2 oz Lemonade
• Lavender Sprig
• Garnish: Lavender Sprig

Method:

• Fill a stemless wine glass with crushed ice. Shake lemonade and syrup on ice and strain into the glass. Layer Empress 1908 Gin on top and add more crushed ice. Garnish and enjoy.

Summertime and beaches always bring the fun. For people who want the relaxation but prefer to skip the sand in their shoes, this Truly cocktail is a great choice. Whether it is 5 o’clock somewhere or the watch has been left in the drawer, this easy drinking option is always a spirited choice.

“Truly Peach on the Beach”

Ingredients:

• 2oz Truly White Peach Vodka
• 2oz Cranberry Juice
• 2oz Orange Juice

Directions:

• Combine ingredients in a tall cocktail glass with ice and gently stir to combine

While many people might dream of escaping to the Riveria Maya, a taste of Mexico can be enjoyed in the glass. This cocktail from Cierto Tequila sparkles in its simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Similar to a great recipe, all the extras become necessary when quality ingredients are in the glass.

Cierto Aire Libre

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz Cierto Tequila Private Collection Reposado
• ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
• ½ oz Mayan Honey Syrup
• 1 oz Champagne

Method:

• Add all ingredients (minus Champagne) and shake with ice until chilled. Strain into a flute glass, top with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

Peach is often a favorite summertime fruit. Whether it is a simple grilled peach with a scoop of ice cream or the secret to an amazing barbecue sauce, the stone fruit is always a flavorful choice. In this cocktail from Dewar’s the classic scotch gets a little extra from the peach’s juicy qualities.

Dewar’s 12 White Peach Palmer

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Dewar’s 12 Year Old
• .5 oz. Peach Liqueur
• .75 oz. Lemon Juice
• .25 oz. Simple Syrup
• 2 oz Unsweetened Green Iced Tea

Method:

• Shake all ingredients and strain over fresh ice in a highball glass. Top with iced green tea. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with dehydrated peach and mint.

The combination of fruit and herbs makes for a refreshing sipper. That burst of freshness from the basil on a warm day is delightful.

Strawberry Basil Fizz Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 Basil Leaves
• 3 oz Club Soda
• 2 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 Strawberry Hulled and quartered

Directions:

• Muddle the strawberry and basil in the bottom of a glass
• Add Cointreau and fresh lime juice with ice and top with club soda
• Stir briefly
• Garnish with a strawberry and basil leaf

As many people appreciate, a touch of spicy flavors can offer a respite from the heat. As that slow burn rises in the back of the throat, the warm temperatures feel not quite as sweltering. In this cocktail from El Bandido Tequila, that kick of spice with refreshing cucumber is a great choice.

El Bandido Yankee’s Cucumber Picante

Ingredients:

• 3 slice of cucumber
• 1 oz orange liqueur
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz agave
• 2 ozEl Bandido Tequila (white)
• 1 sliced fresh jalapeño

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients, shake, and strain over ice.

While the florals might be replaced by oranges, leaves, and gourds after sipping these Labor Day cocktails, this libation from Hendrick’s Gin Flora Adora keeps those blooms going no matter the time of year.

Flora Adora Wildgarden Cup

Ingredients:

• 2 Parts Hendrick’s Gin Flora Adora
• 1 Part Lemon Juice
• 1 Part Simple Syrup
• Top with Premium Sparkling Water
• 4 Raspberries
• 6 Mint Leaves
• 3 Cucumber Wheels

Method:

• Combine all ingredients in a highball glass filled with cubed ice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with cucumber wheels, mint leaves & raspberries.