Labor Day weekend is the unofficial send-off to summer. Whether you’re firing up the grill, heading to the lake, hosting friends in the backyard, or simply enjoying an extra day off, a few essentials can make the long weekend even better.
Good food, great company, plenty of ice, and a bottle of Belfour Spirits are a pretty good place to start.
Here are our Labor Day essentials for making the most of the final stretch of summer.
1. A Great Bottle of Whiskey
Every Labor Day gathering needs something worth pouring.
For bourbon drinkers, Belfour Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey is an easy addition to the bar. Enjoy it neat, over ice, or use it as the foundation for a classic whiskey cocktail.
Looking for something a little different? Belfour Bourbon Finished with Texas Pecan Wood brings Belfour’s signature approach to whiskey-making together with the distinctive character of Texas pecan wood.
And for anyone who prefers a little more spice, Belfour Rye Whiskey is a great option for sipping or mixing.
Explore the full collection of Belfour Spirits and choose a bottle for your Labor Day celebration.
2. Plenty of Ice
It sounds simple, but don’t underestimate the importance of ice when you’re hosting.
Stock up before guests arrive so you have enough for cocktails, whiskey on the rocks, coolers, and everything else you’re serving. Large cubes are especially useful for bourbon and rye because they melt more slowly and help keep your pour cold without diluting it too quickly.
3. Simple Labor Day Whiskey Cocktails
You don’t need a complicated cocktail menu for a great Labor Day party. A bottle of Belfour Spirits, fresh citrus, simple syrup, bitters, and plenty of ice can go a long way.
Belfour Old Fashioned
A classic that’s easy to make for Labor Day weekend.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz Belfour Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 2–3 dashes aromatic bitters
- Orange peel
- Large ice cube
Add the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled, then strain over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel.
Belfour Whiskey Sour
Bright, refreshing, and perfect for the final days of summer.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz Belfour Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Lemon wheel or cherry for garnish
Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry.
Belfour Rye Lemonade
An easy option for backyard parties, cookouts, and afternoons outside.
You’ll need:
- 2 oz Belfour Rye Whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2–3 oz sparkling water
- Ice
- Lemon wheel
Add the rye whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to an ice-filled glass. Stir, top with sparkling water, and garnish with a lemon wheel.
4. Something From the Grill
Labor Day and grilling go hand in hand.
Burgers, steaks, ribs, barbecue, grilled vegetables, and smoked meats can all pair beautifully with whiskey. The caramel, oak, spice, and toasted characteristics commonly found in bourbon make it a natural companion for smoky and savory flavors from the grill.
Try pairing your cookout favorites with Belfour Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Belfour Bourbon Finished with Texas Pecan Wood, or Belfour Rye Whiskey and let everyone find their favorite combination.
5. A Backyard Whiskey Tasting
Turn your Labor Day get-together into something a little more memorable by setting up a simple whiskey tasting.
Pour small samples of different Belfour expressions and encourage everyone to notice the aroma, flavor, texture, and finish of each whiskey.
The Belfour 200ML Trio makes this especially easy, giving your group an opportunity to explore multiple Belfour Spirits without opening several full-size bottles.
Add a few glasses, water, simple snacks, and tasting notes, and you’ve got an easy activity for the group.
6. Good Music and Great Company
The best part of Labor Day weekend isn’t what’s on the table. It’s who’s around it.
Put together a playlist, bring everyone outside, pour something good, and enjoy one more long summer weekend with the people who make it worthwhile.
Raise a Glass to Labor Day
However you’re spending the holiday, Labor Day is a chance to slow down, gather together, and toast to a summer well spent.
Stock the bar with Belfour Spirits, fire up the grill, and make the most of the long weekend.
Explore Belfour Spirits and find the perfect bottle for your Labor Day celebration.
Please enjoy responsibly.