The last Monday in May – Memorial Day.  A holiday that gives us a nice three day weekend to get out of town, throw a party and celebrate the upcoming Summer season. Let’s not forget the real history behind this day though. It’s a day to remember all of those whom we’ve lost in war. It wasn’t until after World War I that this remembrance holiday was observed across the country. Originally called Decoration Day, a day to honor the deceased of just the Civil War, was only acknowledged by the states in the north. Shortly after the First World War though, the holiday was changed to honor all those who died fighting in any war and became a nationally recognized day.

The old traditions of Memorial Day seem to have changed greatly over the years. In today’s time, Memorial Day has gained the popular label “kick off to summer” weekend. Many hit the road to take a short vacation or throw big backyard barbecue parties. Whichever way you like to celebrate this holiday, we thought we would share some of our favorite cocktails to use for giving a toast to those who fought or are still fighting for our country, or to give the start of the Summer season a proper welcome.

Watermelon Woo WooQ Ginger Beer - WatermelonWooWoo

Ingredients:

  • 6 ounces Q Ginger Beer
  • 1 ounce gin
  • 2 ounces watermelon juice
  • 1/2 small lime, juiced
  • Lime wedge, for garnish

Method: Place chunks of watermelon in a blender and blend well until watermelon is pureed. Strain over a fine mesh strainer into container. Save juice and discard pulp. Combine watermelon juice, gin and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with Q Ginger Beer and gently stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.


Knob Creek Blackhawkii_14d6720db9e9810e

Ingredients:

Method: In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, combine the whiskey and gin. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

 


unnamedCruzan House Punch

Ingredients:

Method: Combine all ingredients, mix well. Pour over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a fruit wedge.

 


Citrus Solimage007

This one is for those trying to live that gluten-free life!

Ingredients:

Method: In a shaker, muddle the peach and add in the vodka, lime juice and orgeat syrup. Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass. Top with Celia Saison and garnish with a peach slice.

 


GREY GOOSE Le Melon & Sodaimage010

Ingredients:

Method: Combine. Garnish with fresh cucumber slices and lime wedges.

 


Berry American

 Berry American

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 parts Jim Beam Original
  • 2 parts fresh Mixed Berries
  • 1 part Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 part Simple Syrup
  • Lemon-Lime Soda (to taste)

Method: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and serve over ice in a cocktail glass. Garnish with berries.

 


image003NOLET’S Silver Sangria

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. NOLET’S Silver Dry Gin
  • 750 ml Dry White Wine
  • 4 oz. White Grape Juice
  • 4 oz. Sugar
  • 4 oz. Sliced Seedless Grapes
  • 1 Sliced Apple (Green or Red)
  • 16 oz. Ginger Ale or Club Soda

Method: In a pitcher, dissolve sugar in white wine, NOLET’S Silver, and grape juice. Add grapes and apple slices and chill overnight. Add ice and top with ginger ale or club soda prior to serving.

 


image001American Honey Lemonade

Ingredients:

Method: Combine ingredients in pitcher, stir and add ice. Garnish with lemon wheels.

 

 


image004

The Shark Puncher

Ingredients:

Method: Combine all ingredients including Captain Morgan Coconut Rum in a pitcher and stir.

 


Grapefruit FizzScreen Shot 2015-05-19 at 11.25.30 AM

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. SKYY Infusions Texas Grapefruit
  • 1 oz. Coconut Milk
  • 1⁄2 oz. Ginger Juice
  • 1⁄2 oz. Lemon Juice
  • 1⁄4 oz. Honey Syrup (2:1 – honey cut with water)
  • 1 dash Angostura bitters
  • 1 Egg White

Method: Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and dry shake. Add ice and shake again. Double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with edible marigold flowers.


 

Spring PickingsSpring Pickings

Ingredients:

Method: Add all ingredients to a mixing glass or tin. Add ice, shake and double strain into a Coupe glass. Garnish with a Rose petal.  Syrup: blend equal parts sugar and water to make a simple syrup. Add a quarter teaspoon Rose Water per 2 ounces of simple syrup.

 

Whether you are toasting to our fallen heroes or to the beginning of the long awaited warm summer season, these drinks will work just fine for either occasion– or any occasion really. It doesn’t matter how you choose to celebrate Memorial Day, just be sure you make enough of these cocktails to go around. And as always, celebrate responsibly!

About The Author

Photographer/Contributor

Photographer, travel enthusiast and outdoor adventurer, Beth has no trouble enjoying life. She is always looking for the next “hidden gem” in the world of travel, the latest in outdoor gear to help her get there, and new and improved photography equipment to help document every moment. With her adventurous spirit and creative eye, Beth makes a great addition to our team.

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