On the last, official summer weekend, let’s celebrate the hottest one in our lifetimes, pay homage to the trends that we’ll soon forget, and savor the bittersweet lessons learned by going out with a boozy, bopping bang. Enjoy the cocktails and accompanying Beautygeoise Late Summer Cocktails Playlist to maximize this Labor Day Weekend.
A Mocktail to Calm
When you feel like an island of sanity in an archipelago of crazy, yet can’t help but laugh at life’s absurdity, the perfect drink to savor the complexity of life, to appreciate the balance of sweet and bitter, brat and demure, is not a cocktail at all. At all times of day, the sweet, refreshing, and floral notes of Lavender Lemonade are made possible by All the Bitters Lavender Bitters. From bartenders who earned top mixology bonafides at none other than culinary mecca The French Laundry, All the Bitters bitters are alcohol-free and work equally well in traditional cocktails and wellness-guided mocktails.
This effervescent mocktail is equally centering before going out or in the afternoon to power through work like a boss. “Haha” by Belgian 2019 Music Industry Awards nominee Charlotte Adigery captures the battle to maintain one’s cool with a rhythmic blend of electronica and R&B.
All the Bitters Lavender Lemonade
- ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (or lavender syrup)
- 5-7 dashes All The Bitter Lavender bitters
- 5 ounces sparkling water
- Add lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters to a highball glass and stir.
- Fill glass with ice, top with sparkling water, and stir to combine and chill.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge.
A Gin Cocktail to Rally
Common Ground California Sunset
- 2 oz Common Ground Gin Recipe No. 1
- 1/2 oz basil simple syrup
- 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- Shake and top basil and lemon peel in a martini glass.
- Serve!
A Vodka Cocktail for Dancing
Now that the brat energy of early summer may have settled into more demure lifestyle options, Labor Day is an occasion to rally and get pumped by a girl anthem with staying power. For a party vibe that celebrates girl empowerment with an irresistible call to dance the night away, pair the OOLA Distillery Spicy Mule with the “mute” remix. This collab from Shygirl, Lolo Zouaï, and Club Shy brings the party every time.
- 2 oz OOLA Chili Vodka
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- Shake and top with blood orange ginger beer in a Colin glass
- Float two bar spoons of pepper tincture
- Serve!
A Gin For Your Thoughts
If feeling introspective, in need of decompression to dissect a romance, the climax of family issues, and/or drama in a friend group, the night lends itself to sipping an artisanal foraged liquor with soul-searching lyrics from Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime.” OOLA Left Coast Gin, like the female crooner, is a one-of-a-kind blend of roots and flowers nourished by the Pacific. The non-saccharine spirit in a gorgeous, rose pink hue evokes Lana herself.
A Tequila Cocktail to Tantalize
Sometimes a little contemplation only scratches the surface of what we’re going through. All the thoughts racing through our minds, the self-doubt of imposter syndrome and the guilt of success, are akin to talking to our demons. Let Doja Cat, the e-girl who stuns with every performance and never shies away from her darker side, guide this conversation in tandem with a cocktail that epitomizes the struggle between sweet and spicy natures. Tequila Travesuras Chili Lime Mango Margarita kicks up a standard margarita recipe with the spiciness of chili powder and hot sauce.
- 5-3 oz Tequila Travesuras Spicy Mango
- 1 oz Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur
- 1-3 tbsp Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup
- 1 cup Orange Juice
- 2 Small Limes
- 1 Dash of Hot Sauce
- 3 Dashes of All Bitter
- 1 Lime Wedge for Rimming
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- ¼ tsp Sea Salt
- Add the ingredients to the blender. Blend until creamy and smooth.
- Add ice and shake vigorously. Rim a serving glass with a lime wedge and dip the rim in salt
- Garnish with a wedge of lime and serve.
A Whiskey Cocktail For The Amorous
Whether spent from all the partying and ready for an intimate conversation that ends in a hot and heavy makeout session, DuBlasé’s Paradise Isle balances the vanilla notes of artisanal bourbon with the chill vibe of a night cap. Sweet and smooth, it sips perfectly while setting the mood for a downtempo cover of Sade’s most beloved song. Mix, serve, and put The Sweetest Taboo Dub Remix by Scubba on replay all night long…
- 1 ½ ounces DuBlasé Bourbon
- 1 ½ ounces Grand Marnier Liqueur
- 1 ounce Pineapple Juice
- Cherry (garnish)
- Shake and Serve!
Happy Labor Day Weekend!
