Labor Day Libations

Is it really Labor Day Weekend already?! This year is flying by even though the days seem to somehow blend together. I’m especially excited for LDW this year because I’m really going to take the time to slow down and enjoy. I don’t know about you, but even though the world has seemed to slow down, life hasn’t! With all the prep for “when things go back to normal” and the underlying stress that comes with it… it’s easy to feel like you need a little vacation - physically and/or mentally. I know I’m not the only one! What better way than with a cocktail? Head to your nearest pool (or even sit under a sprinkler, old school style) and whip up one of these delightful Labor Day libations. Relaxation mode… ON!

Chili Cucumber Sour 

2oz Doña Vega Mezcal

3 Jalapeño slices (muddle)

2 Cucumber (muddle)

.75oz Lime Juice

.5oz Agave

Egg Whites/ Aquafaba

Hard shake

Dry shake 

Strain over fresh ice 

Garnish with salted cucumber/ jalapeño slice skewer.

Oceanside

2 parts Gray Whale Gin 

3/4 part Salted Simple Syrup 

3/4 part Lime Juice Soda Water 

Garnish: 6 Mint Leaves 

To make Salted Simple Syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a saucepan. Heat until sugar and salt are fully dissolved. To make the Oceanside, add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake for 3-4 seconds. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint leaves.

CANTEEN Paloma Fresca

6 OZ CANTEEN Grapefruit

1 OZ JC Traditional Silver Tequila

1 OZ Giffard Pamplemousse Liqueur

.5 OZ Lime Juice

Method: Shaken - Strain over ice into a Collins Glass.  Add CANTEEN. 

Garnish: Grapefruit wedge. Salt and Chile spice rim optional

Note: Serve remainder of CANTEEN can to guest

End of Summer Cocktails to Celebrate Labor Day with Friends

How have we already reached Labor Day?! I feel like it was just 4th of July. Well, I am totally a summer girl and I'm having a hard time accepting this, like I do every year. On the bright side, there's fresh and festive cocktails to be made to celebrate Labor Day and beyond with friends. Especially here in SoCal, it may be summer till November. LOL. Here are my 3 faves for celebrating with a group - total crowd pleasers!

Carrot Pineapple Punch

Ingredients: 

2 cups NOLET’S Silver Gin 

2 cups Carrot Juice 

2 cups Pineapple Juice 

1/2 cup Lemon Juice 

1 tsp. Fresh Grated Ginger 

2 cups Ginger Beer 

Directions: 

Mix all ingredients together in a punch bowl and stir gently. Add ice and garnish with edible flowers and citrus wheels. Make ahead: freeze an ice mold adding citrus fruit or edible flowers. Makes 8-10 cocktails.

Sweet Heat Margarita

Ingredients:

2 oz Tanteo® Jalapeño Tequila

1 oz Fresh Lime Juice

¾ oz Agave Nectar

4-5 Raspberries

Tanteo Jalapeño Salt Rim

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice

Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed, ice-filled Rocks Glass

Garnish with a raspberry or jalapeño slice

Bushwick Punch

Ingredients: 

4½ cups Smoke Tree Rosé

2 cups unsweetened black tea

¾ cup lemon juice

½ cup bourbon

½ cup raw cane sugar syrup

1 cup blueberries

1 lemon sliced

Directions:

Fill a punch bowl with ice

Top with Smoke Tree Rosé, unsweetened black tea, lemon juice, bourbon and raw cane sugar syrup.

Stir to chill and combine ingredients

Top with lemon slices and blueberries