What Classic Cocktails are Labor Day Favorites?

Labor Day is right around the corner, and with it comes one of the last opportunities to enjoy summer festivities before the arrival of fall. Naturally, many of us participate in the holiday by spending time with friends and family partying, BBQing, or even just relaxing while enjoying each other’s company. In these situations, easy to make or readymade classic cocktails are ideal. These drinks save us time and give us the chance to really wind down.

At Crafthouse, we are often asked by friends and family which classic cocktails are typically Labor Day favorites. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular Labor Day cocktails and have even included a few ways they can be spiced up for a festive unofficial end of the summer season.

Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a very popular drink during the summer because of its insanely refreshing combination of ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka. We’ve found that the Moscow Mule is a fan favorite around Labor Day as well, in part because some of the summer heat is still around in many parts of the country. With or without the copper mug the Moscow Mule has become a quintessential end of summer drink, and our version is no exception. We strive to make a Moscow Mule that is high-quality, cooling, and not missing any of the fresh flavors of the original. One thing that people tend to love about the Moscow Mule is its flexibility. Garnishing with a slice of lime, cucumber, or mint is an excellent way to boost the flavors of our Mule and add a refreshing twist to this classic cocktail.

Margarita

There’s something about a margarita and late summer weather that just goes hand in hand. The zippy cocktail is a popular Labor Day drink as it is simple to put together, tasty, and fresh tasting. Our margarita in a can is a great way to make the simple even simpler. At Crafthouse Cocktails, we have a Smoky Margarita and Spicy Margarita, both made with just the right amount of sweetness and fresh flavors. The Smoky Margarita is especially popular among our fanbase around Labor Day because the smokiness of the Traditional Oaxacan mezcal we use reminds many of us of bonfires we enjoy around this time of year.

Old Fashioned with a Twist

An interesting detail about the Old Fashioned is that there are a lot of different schools of thought about the king of classic cocktails. For some, it is a wintertime favorite, but its position as one of the most popular (and enduring) cocktails means that many of us are enjoying it year round. We find that the Old Fashioned is popular around Labor Day, especially among those of us who enjoy twists that make it feel more at home in the unofficial end of summer. Our rum Old Fashioned is a perfect example of such a twist, featuring Plantation 5 Years Barbados Aged Rum often called “whiskey drinker” rum. Adding the quintessential spirit of the summer really gives the classic cocktail and update that fits the Labor Day spirit. If you are really mixing things up, you can also garnish with fruits that are in season in around Labor Day season such as a slice of apple, peach, or pear.

What are We Usually Looking for in Labor Day Cocktails?

When exploring the idea of a Labor Day classic cocktail, we acknowledge that there are a few factors that define which are fan favorites. As the unofficial end of summer, many cocktail enjoyers gravitate to cocktails that remind them of passing season featuring fresh, zesty, and bright flavors. Others may instead look to cocktails that are more crisp, bold, and remind them of the upcoming fall season. Both are great options and there is an extensive list of cocktails, both that we offer at Crafthouse and beyond, that fit the bill.

There is one important quality of a favorite Labor Day cocktail, and that is simplicity. Whether it’s a margarita in a can, an Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule, or any other classic cocktail, most of us want a drink that is easy to grab or put together during the holiday. After all, Labor Day is about having the time to relax and soak in the last bits of summer ahead of fall’s arrival. The more convenient the better!