While we were unable to partake in our usual summer activities this year, we did get the chance to master the grill and practice our home bartending skills.
This Labor Day weekend, it is time to show off your newly acquired expertise with delicious recipes featuring all-American whiskey and vodka, a tequila giving back to the American Nurse Association**, several varieties of rum, whiskey-infused BBQ sauces, and frozen boozy treats. We even have ready-to-enjoy canned cocktails for those who prefer to enjoy a Labor-less long weekend.
CANNED COCKTAILS
Cutwater Spirits – Cutwater Spirits is a San Diego-based distillery known for its award-winning lineup of 20 canned cocktail classics made from its portfolio of premium bottled spirits (full portfolio HERE).
Cutwater just launched a brand-new canned cocktail: Long Island Iced Tea, the 13.2% ABV throwback everyone needs right now. Cutwater’s elevated interpretation of the notorious dive bar classic features four of the brand’s award-winning spirits: Vodka, Rum, Gin, and Tequila, along with citrus notes and a splash of cola. Cutwater Spirits’ top shelf take on the Long Island Iced Tea resurrects the infamous libation with real, quality spirits in a can, so it can be enjoyed beyond the bar.
Novo Fogo Sparkling Caipirinhas – Novo Fogo’s popular line of Sparkling Caipirinhas offers three flavors: Original Lime, Passion Fruit-Lime and Mango-Lime. The trio of these 200ml canned cocktails offers consumers a variety of ways to enjoy a carbonated twist on Brazil’s national cocktail. These cans feature fewer sugar, calories, and carbohydrates, and lower ABV, combining freshness, deliciousness, and shelf stability by virtue of their 100% natural ingredients that harmonize as balanced, carbonated drinks. They can be served chilled, straight from the can, over ice in a glass, and with or without a slice of lime. ($2.99/can; $11.99/4-pack)
SPIRITS
Woodford Reserve – Woodford Reserve is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. They proudly are among the first of American whiskey brands to offer all four unique expressions based on the US government’s guidelines of American straight whiskey: Bourbon, Rye, Malt and Wheat. (SRPs $34.99).
Starward Two-Fold Australian Whisky – Starward Two-Fold Double Grain Whisky brings together two classic Australian grains in the bottle: wheat (60%) and malt (40%) from their Double Gold winning Nova Single Malt, which are distilled and fully matured separately in the distillery’s signature red wine barrels from some of Australia’s leading wineries. The result is a deliciously approachable and full-flavored new world whisky (SRP $32.99).
Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey – Proper No. Twelve is a blend of Ireland’s finest golden grain and single malt. It is produced in an area known for its rich soil and pure spring water. It is triple distilled and aged in oak barrels delivering a taste that is smooth and approachable with hints of vanilla, honey-like sweetness, and toasted wood. For each case of Proper No. Twelve sold, $5 is donated to local First Responder organizations, up to $1 million annually (SRP $24.99).
Tanteo Tequila – Tanteo Tequila is an 100% agave tequila distilled, infused, and bottled by hand in Juanacatlán, Mexico at the only distillery owned by its co-op of agave farmers. With options including spicy Jalapeño, smokey Chipotle, extra spicy Habanero and higher proof Blanco, Tanteo is expertly crafted to make the perfect margarita, whether spicy or traditional (SRP $39.99)
- **LABOR DAY SPECIAL: From Monday, August 31st – Monday, September 7th, 5% of proceeds from any item purchased on Tanteo Tequila’s online shop will be donated to the American Nurses Association
Tod & Vixen’s Dry Gin 1651 by The Vale Fox Distillery – Tod & Vixen’s Dry Gin 1651 is made by The Vale Fox Distillery in Lagrange, NY. A 2020 SFWSC Double Gold Winner, Tod & Vixen’s Dry Gin 1651 was created by Master Distiller Roselyn Thomson and top bartenders the late & great gaz regan, Leo Robitschek and Jeffery Morgenthaler specifically for optimal use in classic cocktails. Distilled on a Forsyths gin still from 100% wheat neutral spirit, Tod & Vixen’s Dry Gin 1651 botanicals include juniper, coriander, angelica root, red rooibos tea and fresh orange peel. With non-chill filtering and an ABV of 48%, the resulting gin is robust and flavorful ($39.99/750ml).
Templeton Rye – Templeton Rye Whiskey, introduced legally in 2006, tracks back to the early 1920s when residents of Templeton distilled a much sought-after rye whiskey. The whiskey today may be slightly different, but the entrepreneurial spirit remains true to Templeton’s roots. In 2017, Templeton Rye broke ground with a new distillery and officially opened to visitors in 2018. The first distillery run of 100% Iowa-made rye whiskey also took place in 2018 and will be available for consumption in 2022. All current Templeton Rye product available for sale currently has been distilled and aged in Indiana, with blending and bottling taking place at the Iowa distillery. Templeton Rye currently has two core expressions: 4-Year-Old and 6-Year-Old along with the limited-edition releases of Barrel Strength Rye.
Seagram’s Vodka – Distillers of quality and tradition since 1857, Seagram’s Vodka is proudly made in America since 2005 as a valuable addition to the Seagram’s name. The liquid is five-times distilled with high-quality American grain to ensure a clean, extra smooth taste allowing Seagram’s to be served straight up or served on the rocks or as the perfect ingredient to any refreshing cocktail year-round. Expressions include Extra Smooth, Platinum Select, Lime, Pineapple, Juicy Watermelon, Golden Apricot, Red Berry, Apple, Grapefruit, Peach and Sweet Tea ($10.99)
Corralejo Tequila – Corralejo exemplifies Central Mexico’s rich culture, heritage and vibrant lifestyle. As one of the few tequilas produced in Guanajuato, Mexico, Corralejo’s deep roots and production methods are unique in the tequila industry. Made from only the finest agave, Corralejo Tequila’s flavor is rich, natural, and unsurpassed in quality and personality. Its line of authentic bottlings includes Corralejo Silver ($21.99), Corralejo Reposado (SRP $25.99), Corralejo Añejo (SRP $32.99) and Corralejo 1821 Extra Añejo (SRP $129.99).
Los Arango Tequila – Originally crafted to honor Jose Doroteo Arango, better known as Pancho Villa, for defending his people against the tyrants in the Mexican Revolution, Los Arango was born in his family name. Today, we continue to honor this triumphant moment in Mexican history throughout every batch of Los Arango tequila. It is made from 100% Blue Weber Agave, harvested just steps away from the Hacienda Corralejo where it’s fired in clay ovens and fermented with a specialty yeast strain. It’s then double distilled, bottled in blown glass, and hand-finished with premium leather, metal, and wood accents all onsite at the Hacienda. Los Arango’s line of authentic offerings include Blanco (SRP $45.99), Reposado (SRP $50) and Ańejo (SRP $62).
Zaya Gran Reserva Rum – Produced in Trinidad & Tobago, Zaya Gran Reserva is an ultra-premium rum composed of a blend of rare rums aged up to 16 years, carefully selected by the Zaya master blender to achieve a delicate balance and unique profile. On the palate, Zaya offers rich notes of vanilla, caramel, cocoa, apple, banana, and cherry and gives way to a heavy, velvety smooth finish (SRP $29.99).
RECIPES
Margarita Poptail
- ½ ounce Corralejo Tequila
- 1-ounce limeade
- 1-ounce pink lemonade
- 1 slice kiwi fruit
- ½ chopped strawberries
Cherry Lemon Caipirinha Poptail
- ½ ounce Novo Fogo Sparkling Silver Cachaça
- 2 ounces lemonade
- chopped cherries
Proper Iced Tea ~ Created by Taylor Meschke, Beverage Director @ Bounce Sporting Club
- 2 oz Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey
- 1.5 oz Irish Breakfast Tea
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon
- 0.25 oz Agave
- 2 bar spoons Raspberry Preserves
Seagram’s Sweet Tea Arnold Palmer
- 2 ozs of Seagram’s Sweet Tea Vodka
- 4 ozs of Lemonade
- Garnish with Mint and Lemons
Method: Combine Seagram’s Sweet Tea Vodka and Lemonade over ice in a highball glass. Stir then garnish with mint and lemon.
Vamonos Riendo Strawberry Kisses ~ Created by Cari Hah, Los Angeles Bartender
- 1.25 oz Vamonos Riendo Mezcal
- 0.5 oz Green Chartreuse
- 0.25 oz Small Hands Orgeat
- 0.5 oz Aperol
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 2-3 Fresh Strawberries (plus one half for garnish)
Method
Rim your glass with sour sugar (combine granulated sugar with citric acid powder and stir well) then muddle strawberries in a tin, add ingredients and shake with ice. Double strain into a sour sugar-rimmed cocktail glass. Garnish with half a strawberry.
Tanteo Tequila Sizzling Citrus Marg
- 2 oz. Tanteo Habanero Tequila
- 2 oz. Fresh Tangerine juice
- 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 oz. Light Agave Nectar (or simple syrup)
Method: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into an Ice-Filled Highball Glass. Garnish with a tangerine slice.
The Proper Whiskey Barbecue Sauce
- 1/2 cup Proper No. Twelve Whiskey
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Salt
- 3 cups Ketchup
- 1/3 cup Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup Packed Brown Sugar
- 1/3 tsp Hot Pepper Sauce
Method: Bring it to a boil in a sauce pot. Let it simmer for 20 minutes. Serve.
Proper Peppercorn Steak Sauce
- 2 tbsp Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey
- 1 tbsp cracked black peppercorns
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 large clove of garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Method:
- Cook steak to your liking, then remove and cover while you make the sauce.
- Add peppercorns to the same pan used to cook the steak and heat for 1-2 min.
- Add shallots, garlic and 1 tbsp butter. Sauté over medium heat until shallots soften.
- Add Proper No. Twelve Whiskey and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes. Deglaze the pan by stirring with a wooden spoon, incorporating any remaining bits from the steak.
- Add the beef stock and bring to high heat. Reduce the sauce by half (4-5 minutes).
- Mix in heavy cream and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat, add remaining butter and whisk for 1-2 minutes. Salt to taste. Optional: Add any juice from resting steak and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour over steaks and serve—pairs best with a Proper on the Rocks!