10 Summer Party Drink Recipes

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, a time for relaxation, reflection, and of course, celebration.

As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, there’s no better way to bid adieu to the season than with a fabulous outdoor gathering. And what’s a party without the perfect cocktail? Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a rooftop revelry, or a lakeside luncheon this Labor Day, these handcrafted libations are sure to impress your guests and leave a lasting impression.

The key to an exceptional cocktail lies in the quality of its ingredients. Fresh, seasonal produce is essential for capturing the essence of summer in every sip. From juicy citrus fruits to fragrant herbs, these flavors should shine through in your chosen concoctions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spirits, bitters, and liqueurs to create unique and unforgettable taste combinations.

When planning your Labor Day spread, consider the overall atmosphere you want to achieve. A casual barbecue calls for refreshing and easy-to-make drinks, while a more sophisticated gathering might warrant elegant and complex cocktails. No matter the occasion, it’s important to offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes.

For those who prefer something light and bubbly, a classic spritzer or a sparkling wine cocktail is always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, a well-balanced whiskey sour or a bold margarita can be a refreshing change of pace. And for those who crave something sweet and indulgent, a decadent daiquiri or a tropical piña colada is sure to satisfy.

Remember, the best Labor Day parties are those where the host feels relaxed and enjoys themselves. So, while it’s important to have a well-stocked bar, don’t stress about creating the perfect drink menu. Focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where your guests can unwind and connect. With delicious food, great company, and of course, expertly crafted cocktails, your Labor Day celebration is sure to be a memorable one.

Cheers to the end of summer!

Samurai Spritz

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Oishii Clear Sake
• 1 oz Chinola Mango Liqueur

Instructions:

1. Top with club soda over ice

Recipe courtesy of Oishii Sake

Strawberry Fields Negroni

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Grand Brulot
• 0.5 oz Gin
• 0.5 oz Campari
• 0.5 oz Strawberry Liqueur

Instructions:

1. Stir in rocks glass and serve with a king cube
2. Garnish with fresh or candied strawberry

Recipe courtesy of Grand Brulot

Agua Fresca Margarita

Ingredients:

• 1.75 oz Desolas Mezcal
• 1 oz Watermelon Juice
• 0.25 oz Agave Nectar
• 0.25 oz Campari
• 0.75 oz Lime Juice
• 4 drops Hellfire Bitter

Instructions:

1. Shake and strain ingredients into rocks glass with ice cubes
2. Garnish with a watermelon slice

Recipe courtesy of Desolas Mezcal

Cucumber & Tonic

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin 
• 3 oz Premium Tonic Water
• Garnishes: Thyme Sprigs, Lemon Wheels, Cucumber Slices

Instructions:

1. Fill a copa glass with ice
2. Add Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin and premium tonic water
3. Garnish with cucumber and lemon slices and thyme sprigs

Recipe courtesy of Empress 1908

Lemon Spritz

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin 
• 1 oz Limoncello 
• 0.5 oz Lemon Juice
• Dry Sparkling Wine, to top 
• Soda Water, to top 
• Garnish: Lemon Slice

Instructions:

1. In a copa glass filled with ice, add gin, limoncello, and lemon juice
2. Top with sparkling wine and a splash of soda water
3. Give a quick stir to combine
4. Garnish with lemon slice

Recipe courtesy of Empress 1908

Matcha Do About Nothing

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Empress 1908 Cucumber Lemon Gin 
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 0.75 oz Matcha Syrup
• Soda Water, to top 
• Garnish: Edible White Flower 

Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients (except for soda water) over ice and serve in ice-filled Collins glass
2. Top with soda water
3. Garnish with edible flower

Recipe courtesy of Empress 1908

Italicus Spritz

Ingredients:

• 1 part Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto
• 2 parts Prosecco
• 3 Green Olives to garnish

Instructions:

1. Simply combine one part Italicus with two parts Prosecco or Champagne in a wine glass over ice
2. Add garnish with three green olives to balance the floral aromas with a touch of saltiness

Recipe courtesy of Italicus

Bloody Maria

Ingredients:

• 4 Parts Barcoop Bevy Bloody Mary
• 1 Part Tequila or Mezcal
• Optional Garnishes: Lemon, Celery, Pickles, Olives, Bacon, Shrimp

Instructions:

1. Build over lots (lots!) of ice in a tall glass
2. Garnish, garnish, garnish!

Recipe courtesy of Barcoop Bevy

Blu-sicle (Pop)

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Hpnotiq
• 3 oz Gatorade

Instructions:

Recipe courtesy of Hpnotiq

Blu-jito

Ingredients:

• 0.75 oz Hpnotiq
• 1 oz White Rum
• 0.25 oz  Simple Syrup (or replace with Sprite)
• Muddled Mint

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint
2. Add all chilled ingredients to Collins glass over crushed ice

Recipe courtesy of Hpnotiq