As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, it’s time to start planning your festive celebrations. What better way to kick off the unofficial start to summer than with refreshing cocktails to enjoy with friends and family? One delicious option is a Bourbon Berry Cocktail, featuring Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey, raspberry syrup, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and soda water or Prosecco. This colorful and flavorful drink is perfect for batching for a crowd or scaling down for a more intimate gathering. Simply combine all the ingredients in a pitcher, stir, and serve over ice. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint for a touch of freshness.
Another delightful option for your Memorial Day Weekend festivities is a Watermelon Bourbon Cocktail. This unique drink features a whole baby watermelon, Old Elk Bourbon, Lustau Amontillado Sherry, Cocchi Americano Vermouth, lime juice, blackberries, basil, and ginger ale. By blending the scooped watermelon and straining out the pulp for fresh juice, you create a delicious base for this cocktail. Combine all the ingredients in the hollowed-out watermelon, top with ginger ale, and garnish with blackberries and basil. Serve with multiple straws or create a dispenser by cutting a small hole in the bottom of the watermelon.
For a more elegant option, consider a Sparkling Bourbon Cocktail featuring Malfy Arancia and Mumm Sparkling Brut Rosé with a hint of Angostura Bitters. This sophisticated drink can be served individually or scaled up for a crowd by adding the ingredients to a pitcher and stirring gently. Garnish with a cracked cinnamon stick and a Meyer lemon wheel for a touch of style.
If you’re looking for a cocktail with a kick, try a Spicy Pickle Tequila Cocktail. This zesty drink combines muddled serrano chile, fresh lime juice, Olive My Pickle’s Aji Amarillo Pepper & Mango LiveBrine, Tequila, and Triple sec. Shake with ice, strain, and serve up in a Martini glass or over ice in a margarita glass with a salt and chile rim for a spicy twist.
For a fruity and fizzy option, consider a Passion Fruit Champagne Cocktail made with Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, Chinola Passion Fruit liqueur, and Champagne or a dry sparkling wine. This delightful cocktail can be prepared in a pitcher for serving a crowd. Simply pour the first three ingredients into a gallon pitcher filled with ice, stir well, and slowly add the Champagne. Serve in Champagne flutes or coupe glasses for a touch of elegance.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a Savory Italian Spritz from the innovative team at Corzetti in San Francisco. This unique cocktail combines La Sirene Bitter Artigianale, oregano syrup, fresh lemon juice, jaline jolution, and Lambrusco for a delightful fusion of flavors. Serve over ice in a white wine glass and garnish with a piparra, olive, and cherry tomato on a pick for a truly special experience.
As you prepare for your Memorial Day Weekend celebrations, consider adding these unique cocktail recipes to your menu. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet evening with loved ones, these drinks are sure to impress. Cheers to a wonderful holiday weekend filled with delicious cocktails and great company!