Cocktail of the Week: Top Labor Day Drinks

Summer…is it over already? Back-to-school commercials are broadcasted non-stop, those hard-to-get bikinis are 70% off, and one glance at the calendar causes us to groan. However, why should we spend the entire Labor Day weekend mourning the last three months when we could instead throw rooftop bashes, posh soirees, beach fiestas, or just dance under the stars and begin making plans for summer 2010? Another idea is to lift our moods with some fruity, tropical-themed cocktails. Here are some ideas:

Cherry Bomb

A batch of Cherry Bomb can serve up to 20 guests, but if you get everyone involved, you could make one giant, fire red number all thanks to cherries. Ruby-red cherries have a thick flesh that’s deeply aromatic, all while having a full-bodied flavor that ranges from sour and tart, to red wine. Cherry Bomb is not too bitter or sweet, in part to dried apricots and other citrus liqueurs balancing out the cherry’s naturally bold taste. Be warned, Cherry Bomb carries a mean punch and once you start, you just won’t stop.

Ingredients:
2 lt. Campari
4 lt. SKYY Infusions Citrus
3 lbs. Cherries (Stemmed and lightly macerated)
¾ lb Dried Apricots

Preparation:
Add all ingredients in a giant punch bowl and stir well. Serve drink individually in a cocktail glass. Garnish with three cherries.

Blue Lagoon

Just like Pina Coladas, Blue Lagoons are a classic summer cocktail that can’t be beaten. While most drinks made for rising temperatures include a little too much cream and fluff, we like the idea of keeping our bodies fit all year round. However, what can one prepare when the weather calls for something frozen, mildly sweet, and above all, a tasty thirst-quencher? That’s what Blue Lagoons are for (and no guys, they aren’t inspired by Brooke Shields, so get your mind out of the gutter). Its azure blue-hue is created by curacaos, a Spanish liqueur made from orange peels. Along with freshly made lemonade, ripe cherries, and vodka for a much-needed kick, you won’t have to hunt for a shaded spot on the beach to wind down and enjoy summer as if it was the first day all over again.

Ingredients:
1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Curacao
4 oz. Lemonade
1 Cherry
1 Lemon slice

Preparation:
Pour vodka and curacao over ice in a highball glass. Then, fill with lemonade. Top drink with cherry and lemon slice.

Go here for more great Labor Day cocktail ideas!