Cocktails aren’t the first thought when it comes to Labor Day. It’s the start of football season, and with it comes beer. For those who still operate under liquor is quicker though, here are a few cocktails to try this Labor Day. There’s absolutely nothing Labor Dayish about them, but I at least stuck with American booze because it’s our holiday.
Aviation Rickey
Gin isn’t just for the English and old people. Aviation is a new school, less juniper-forward gin made right here in the USA.
- 1.5oz Aviation Gin
- .75oz Fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp Simple syrup.
- Soda water
In Collins glass, add ice, spirits, and mixers.
Stir. Top with soda. Garnish with lime wedge.
Attempt to sip rather than gulp. Fail. Repeat.
The Brooklyn Cocktail
Brooklyn isn’t exactly a bastion of the labor movement, but it’s a damn good cocktail to usher in the fall.
- 2oz Wild Turkey Rye 101
- 1oz dry vermouth
- .25oz maraschino liqueur
- .25oz Amer Picon, or a few dashes Angostura or orange bitters
Combine ingredients with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
The Grackle
Cocktail by Marty Bohannon
Fernet is the official currency of bartenders. Pour yourself a shot as you make the cocktail.
- 1.5oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- .5oz Fernet Branca
- 2oz fresh squeezed blood orange juice
Pour orange juice over ice. Then add Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Fernet Branca.
Stir and serve with a cocktail straw.
Kentucky Champagne Cocktail
If you really want a working class hero, use Cook’s. If you want to wake up free of thoughts about trepanning… don’t.
- 1oz Makers Mark
- .5oz peach schnapps
- Dash angostura bitters
- Korbel Brut
In a mixing glass with ice, combine whiskey, schnapps and angostura.
Strain into a chilled champagne flute. Fill with champagne.
Knob Creek Smoke & Char
Recipe by Celebrity Chef Michael Symon
You don’t have much longer to eat fresh peaches so do it while you can. Throw one on the grill this weekend then drop a few slices in your drink.
- 2oz Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon
- 1oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- .5oz Demerara Syrup
- 2 Slices of Charred Peaches
- 4 Large Basil Leaves
Char peaches slices on grill until nice grill marks appear.
Muddle charred peach slices with basil leaves.
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.