30 Easy Cocktail Recipes To Try This Labor Day Weekend

29.08.2023 - 09:59 / forbes.com

I don’t know about you but in my mind there’s nothing sweeter than the last few weeks of summer: The days are warm but by no means brutal, we’re truly at peak corn and tomato season, and languorous fried-chicken-and-Champagne picnics at the park are still an acceptable way to pass a sunny Saturday afternoon.

And while the last official day of the season isn’t until the 22nd of September, Labor Day weekend is always celebrated like the last hurrah—three days of easy living and summer vibes. (And rightly so.)

So here are 28 stellar concoctions you most certainly have to try while you make the most of your festivities—whether you’re spending time entertaining family and friends, chilling at your Airbnb for a short getaway, or just enjoying your own company as you binge Netflix in your pajamas.

“One of the most popular drinks in Japan—the shochu highball, often referred to as Chu Hai—is the perfect refreshing summer drink. Featuring a base of shochu and soda, Chu Hais are topped with a mix of citrus or fresh fruit juices. The clean, refined notes of Iichiko Silhouette pair well with citrus for a bold and crisp cocktail to beat the heat.”—Tetsuro Miyazaki, representative at Iichiko Shochu

Ingredients

2 oz. Iichiko Silhouette

Club soda, topper

Muddled blackberries

Blackberries, garnish

Method: Muddle blackberries in a glass, then add ice. Add Iichiko Silhouette and top with club soda. Give a quick stir and garnish with blackberries.

“I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve adds a nice hint of sweetness and depth to this simple and refreshing cocktail, which has a tarter flavor profile because of the lemon and grapefruit juice. Off To The Races is a light cocktail with charming layers that are perfectly balanced.”—Creative Cocktail Duo at Whiskey and Rosemary (Atlanta, GA)

Ingredients

1.5 oz. I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve

1 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

0.25 oz. lemon juice

0.5 oz. honey syrup

Trimmed grapefruit twist, garnish

Method: Add I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup into a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass. Express the oil from a grapefruit twist over the drink and drop the twist into the drink with a skewer.

“I love to sip on sours in every season, especially summer. This cocktail requires very little prep time, but will have your guests thinking you slaved away in the bar all day—just for them. I’ve combined the brighter notes of tequila, lemon juice, and agave with the darker and spicier flavors of Licor 43 and vanilla liqueur to create something new and exciting. The egg whites help round out and soften the flavors to ensure this becomes your favorite patio pounder.” —Wynona Joy Vida, beverage director at Toshokan and