Where did 2018 go? We could have sworn it was St. Patrick’s Day last week and Fourth of July could NOT have been almost two months ago. No matter what it feels like though, summer is coming to an end and Labor Day weekend is here. You have an extra day of the weekend to make the most of the fading glory of summer 2018 and we suggest you do just that…with a cocktail in hand.

Whether you’re going on an adventure, hosting a party at home or just relaxing for a few lazy days, these cocktails will take your long weekend up a notch without too much extra effort. Cheers to summer!

Sparkling Paloma

Ingredients:

5 ounces tequila
1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
5 ounces fresh lime juice
5 ounces agave nectar
Splash of grapefruit sparkling water
Grapefruit peel for garnish

Directions:

Combine tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice and agave nectar into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Add a splash of grapefruit sparkling water, and garnish with grapefruit peel before you serve.

Aperol Spritzer

Ingredients:

2 ounces Aperol
6 ounces lemon-lime soda
Orange twist for garnish

Directions:

In an ice-filled wine glass, add Aperol and float with the lemon-lime soda of your choice. Garnish with an orange twist and serve.

Volstead

Ingredients:

Fresh strawberries
.25 ounces simple syrup
.75 ounces vodka
.75 ounces St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
.25 ounces lemon juice

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 4-5 strawberries with simple syrup. Add remaining ingredients and ice. We recommend an unflavored, smooth vodka like Purity Vodka, so the alcohol doesn’t mask the fruity flavor. Shake vigorously, and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a strawberry on the rim of the glass.

Guilt-Free Mint Julep

Ingredients:

10 mint leaves plus extra for garnish
2 ounces bourbon
6 ounces lemon-lime soda

Directions:

Place the mint leaves and bourbon in the bottom of a glass. Gently muddle the mint in the bourbon until the mint leaves start to break down. Fill the glass with crushed ice, and then top with lemon-lime soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve.

The Great Gatsby

Ingredients:

1 ounce vodka
1 ounce Lillet Blanc
5 ounces ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
Orange slice to garnish

Directions:

Fill any mixing glass halfway with ice. Add vodka, Lillet Blanc and grapefruit juice. Stir until cold. Strain into a chilled or ice-filled glass. Garnish with orange slice. Cheers, old sport!