Labor Day Weekend Mixology

Sure, Labor Day weekend often involves beer. Your blogger will be tailgating at the football game on Saturday, enjoying a cold one or two. But we need to give proper respect to the cocktails that work well for cookouts and every part of the holiday weekend.

The Paloma

One of Mexico's favorite drinks, this simple combo of tequila, lime juice, salt and grapefruit soda tastes best when everybody makes their own. Just set up a small table with Patron Silver tequila, ice, a bowl of halved limes, a few bottles of Jarritos or Squirt and a dish of salt. It couldn't be easier.

Use 2oz Patron in a highball glass, squeeze in the lime, and fill with the soda.

The Basil Fizz

If you're throwing a party a bit earlier in the day, consider serving this concoction. While you might not normally think to top bourbon with Champagne, the wine's acidity actually plays beautifully with the whiskey's inherent sweetness.

Into a champagne flute, pour
1oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
4oz Alfred Gratien Brut champagne

Aperol Spritz

Add a touch of sophistication to your barbecue (without actually expending any more effort) by whipping up this classic Italian aperitif. It combines bubbly prosecco, the slightly bitter, low-alcohol herbal liqueur Aperol and club soda. And that's it. Just be sure you have enough food on hand—the drink is extremely effective at stimulating the appetite.

The coral-hued Aperol Spritz is one of the most popular aperitifs in Italy, and for good reason. Low in alcohol, aromatic with citrus and slightly bitter, Aperol pairs seamlessly with chilled Prosecco to whet the appetite. Meeting friends for an after work Spritz is a long-established Italian tradition—and one that’s easily replicated anywhere.

Fill a Collins glass with ice. Add
4.5oz Mionetti Brut Prosecco
2.5oz Aperol
1 lime wheel
1oz club soda

Three simple and delicious cocktail options for Labor Day weekend, or anytime. Cheers!