Labor Day weekend marks a transitional period, moving from the bright days of summer to the emerging hues of autumn. This change is the perfect excuse to experiment with cocktails that blend the fruity essence of summer with the sweet and tart flavors of fall. In this spirit, here are 11 cocktail recipes that showcase an array of ingredients and spirits, from the traditional to the innovative.
Hennessy Berry Mojito
A delightful mix for your backyard gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Hennessy V.S
- 0.5 oz Fresh lime juice
- 5 Berries and mint
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
- Garnish with mint sprig and fresh berries
MethodMuddle the berries, mint, and simple syrup in a mixing tin. Add the remaining ingredients and ice, then shake. Double strain into a Collins glass filled with ice and garnish.
Royal Treatment
Perfect for when you want to pamper yourself.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 3 oz White Cranberry Juice
- Sparkling Wine
- Kiwi, Berries, & Mint Leaves for garnish
MethodCombine the gin and cranberry juice in a stemless wine glass. Top with sparkling wine, stir gently, and garnish with kiwi slices and berries.
Campari Spritz
A vibrant, bitter take on a classic.
Ingredients
- 2 parts Campari
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 1 part soda water
- Orange slice
MethodPour the Campari, Prosecco, and soda into an ice-filled wine glass and garnish with an orange slice.
Knob Creek Peach Old Fashioned
A simple yet sophisticated cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 parts Knob Creek 9 Year Old Bourbon
- ¼ part Peach Syrup
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters
- Peach wedges for garnish
MethodCombine the bourbon, peach syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with peach wedges.
The Open Road
Highlighting the flavors of a new whiskey brand.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Stetson Bourbon
- 1 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ oz Benedictine
- 1 tsp 2:1 simple syrup
MethodShake all ingredients with ice and strain into a Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with grapefruit peel.
Mango Margarita
A late-summer favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Chinola Mango Liqueur
- 2 oz Tequila or Mezcal
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Agave
- For a spicy kick, add 2 dashes of spicy bitters
- Optional: Rim glass with salt
MethodShake all ingredients with ice and strain over fresh ice in a glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Aspen Dirty Shirley
Ideal for casual gatherings, day or night.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aspen Vodka
- 1 oz Grenadine
- 4 oz Lemon-Lime Soda
- Garnish: Maraschino Cherries
MethodCombine all ingredients in an ice-filled highball glass and stir.
Haku Matcha Martini
A matcha-infused twist for a unique flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 parts Haku Japanese Craft Vodka
- 3/4 part Fresh lime juice
- 3/4 part Matcha simple syrup
MethodCombine all ingredients in a shaker, shake, and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Roku Gin Fizz
A refreshing gin cocktail with a fizzy finish.
Ingredients
- 2 parts Roku Japanese Craft Gin
- 1 part Lime Juice
- 1 part Simple Syrup
- 1 part Club Soda
- Lime Garnish
MethodShake the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice, then strain into a Collins glass. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wedge.
The Rémy V en Rose
A fruity and refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Rémy V
- 0.25 oz Cointreau
- 0.25 oz Maraschino Cherry Juice
- 2 oz Lemon-Lime Soda
- Garnish: Lemon wedge and Maraschino cherry
MethodBuild all ingredients over ice in a highball glass, stir gently, and garnish.
ALB
A citrus-forward creation from ALB Vodka.
Ingredients
- 2 oz ALB Vodka
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz Fresh Orange Juice
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Passion Fruit Syrup
- 0.5 oz Grenadine
MethodFill a glass with ice and combine the vodka and juices. Stir or shake briefly, then pour over ice. Slowly drizzle grenadine to create a layered effect and garnish with an orange wheel and cherry.
These cocktails not only celebrate the flavors of summer but also usher in the refreshing notes of fall, making them perfect for your Labor Day festivities.
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