3 Labour Day cocktails to toast the end of summer

Although there are still three weekends left before the official end of summer, Labour Day is what I like to call our “two minute warning,“ indicating that the season is coming to a close.

Excuse the football reference, but in my view, Labour Day weekend wouldn’t be complete without getting together with friends, firing up the barbecue and watching back-to-back football games before we pack it all in for the dreaded rainy season.

However you choose to spend it, enjoying a summertime libation (or two) is a perfect way to toast the end of what has been a long and hot summer. Here are three quick and easy cocktails for you to shake up with friends this weekend.

Wreck Beach Punch

Named after Vancouver’s famous “clothing optional” beach, this cocktail is the perfect accompaniment for barbecue chicken and ribs.

Ingredients

• 2.0 oz Cachaça 51
• 1.0 oz Lime Juice
• 0.5 oz Passion Fruit Purée
• 0.5 oz Orgeat
• 0.5 oz Cane Sugar
• 3 dashes Bittered Sling Grapefruit & Hops Bitters

Method 

• Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Pour over fresh ice in a double old fashioned glass.
• Garnish with hibiscus leaves.

Professor Suzuki

Created in honour of B.C.’s famed environmentalist, this riff on a Cosmopolitan pairs perfectly with a simple cheese and fruit platter.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Long Table Vodka
• 3 sprigs Thyme
• 0.25 oz Okanagan Spirits Cranberry Liqueur
• 0.5 oz Fresh Cranberry
• 0.5 oz Honey Water
• 0.5 oz Lime Juice
• 3 dashes Bittered Sling Lem Marrakech Bitters

Method

• Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
• Fine strain to a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a thyme sprig.

Wild Mule

This is my signature twist on the popular Moscow Mule, featuring Vancouver’s own Dickie’s Ginger Beer, and best served at your end-of summer soirée along with some tasty Mexican fare — there really couldn’t be a better pairing!

Ingredients

• 4 Lime Wedges
• Pinch Cilantro
• 2 oz Cabrito Reposado Tequila
• 3 dashes Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters
• 2 oz Dickie’s Ginger Beer

Method

• Muddle limes and cilantro in a julep cup or an old fashioned glass.
• Fill with crushed ice all the way up to the rim.
• Add remaining ingredients, and stir with a bar spoon to incorporate.
• Top with more crushed ice, and garnish with a cilantro leaf.