While Monday is a solemn day to remember the fallen, Memorial Day cocktails can be the toast to that ultimate service sacrifice. Beyond certain spirits that have a connection to veterans or military affiliations, a boldly flavored cocktail can capture the perseverance, dedication, and honor that those servicemen epitomize. Ready to raise a glass?
Summer cocktails come in all varieties. From a light spritz to a bold Tiki cocktail, there are certain flavor categories that pair well with the warmer temperatures. Additionally, these beverages tend to be more fun. Just like the festivities that are enjoyed all day long, these cocktails tend to be easy drinking with a little bit of a punch.
These three Memorial Day cocktails will get everyone talking at any gathering.
Spice, Girl
Created by the Valerie Bar Team, this cocktail has a little bit of everything in a single glass. The smoky notes from the Montelobos Mezcal combined with the spicy from the Ancho Reyes creates depth. With bitterness from the Aperol and the brightness from the fruit, it is a cocktail that makes everyone take note.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Montelobos Espadin Mezcal
0.75 oz Ancho Reyes
0.5 oz Foro Amaro
0.25 oz Aperol
0.25 oz Raspberry Oleo Syrup
0.09 oz Blood Orange Tincture
Method:
Build in Glass – Add all ingredients to a double rocks glass, add 3-4 cubes and stir to incorporate ingredients with half dilution. Top with fresh ice and garnish
Cruel Summer
While some people might start singing that classic song, Cruel Summer, created by Jillian Vose, Brand Ambassador of Badger Bevs, never disappoints. The flavors celebrate seasonal produce. From the juicy watermelon to the vibrant tomato, it is a beverage that should be enjoyed before summer fades.
Ingredients:
.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
.75 oz Fresh Watermelon Juice
.75 oz Fennel Bulb Syrup
1.5 oz Tomato Infused Syrup
Badger Bevs Club Soda
Method:
In a small shaker tin, add all ingredients except the club soda. Fill the tin with cube ice, seal the tin with the other larger tin and shake vigorously for roughly 15 seconds. Fine strain the drink into a coupe glass.
Sagamore Paper Plane
While a Paper Plane is a classic cocktail, this version from Baltimore’s Sagamore Spirits feels new. The use of the Sagamore Rye Whiskey adds a spicy note. With the bitterness from the Amaro and the brightness from the lemon juice, it is a well-balanced cocktail.
Ingredients:
.75oz Sagamore Rye Whiskey
.75 oz Aperol
.75 oz Lemon Juice
.75 oz Amaro
Lemon for Garnish
Method:
Combine Sagamore 93 Small Batch Rye, Aperol, lemon juice, and Amaro into a mixing jar. Add ice and stir. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
These three Memorial Day cocktails are perfect to sip one per day of the holiday weekend. Which one will you sip first?