Labor Day weekend is a bittersweet occasion. It is the unofficial end to the sweet days of summer, yet for many Americans it is a long, three day weekend in which you are free to do as you please. Personally, I'm looking forward to a break from the heat waves of the last month, so autumn is welcome in my world. However, as we have one big party weekend left in the season, I wanted to share some libations to sweeten up the beach parties, camp outs, and barbecues.

Midori Berry Bliss

First of all, let's start with punches. Labor Day is filled with gatherings and parties and there is no better way to quench a crowd's thirst - besides a case of beer, but where's the creativity in that - than with a colorful bowl of punch. The Midori Berry Bliss is an excellent example of what you may want to look for this weekend. It is a fruity, bright green drink that is easy because it's a mix and serve punch, and there are no exotic ingredients - all can be found at any liquor or grocery store - but the combination of melon, vanilla, raspberry, and pineapple make it seem exotic. It also has that sparkling, tropical feel that is ideal for toasting away another great summer.

Other punch recommendations for this weekend include: Dutch Appel Sangria, Old Sydney-Town Punch, Red Stag Lemonade, and the classic Fish House Punch. For kid-friendly punches you cannot go wrong with a Sherbert Punch.

Second, we have some whiskey recommendations for Labor Day from Lance Mayhew because sometimes we just need a straight sipper to relax. From a couple of bottles of Scotch to a bourbon, a rye, and the new Black Diamond from Canadian Mist, this list is pretty impressive. Whiskey lovers should definitely check out Mayhew's weekend picks...

Have a happy and very safe Labor Day weekend, Cheers!

More Summer Cocktails...

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Photo Courtesy: © Shannon Graham

I just wanted to remind you that today (Tuesday the 31st) is the deadline for submitting your original bourbon cocktail to August's Cocktail Contest. I'll be shutting down the submissions early tomorrow morning so this is the last chance for all of the procrastinators who have a drink to show off. Remember, it has to have bourbon whiskey in it.

You can view the submissions and submit your own here...

Good luck!

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Once again, I've been diving into some of my old bar books and over the weekend came across two "Jersey" drinks that are ripe for this summer-fall transition we're approaching. Both the Jersey Cocktail and the Jersey Flashlight can be found in The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book and both use a spirit that lost some steam after Prohibition. However, there's hope!

Starting off with the Jersey (because the Flashlight is just an enlightening version of it)... The Jersey is almost too simple, but has that classic "cocktail" mix of spirit, sugar, water, and bitter. The key to this one is the apple whiskey. Unless you're distilling or infusing your, this is a spirit that can be a challenge to locate. If you were to use any other whiskey you'd have a Whiskey Cocktail, it is the apple that puts the Jersey in the Jersey. With luck, I found at least one commercial producer of apple whiskey, Leopold Bros. New York Apple Flavored Whiskey. With that small batch whiskey base I have tried the Jersey and it is a fabulous drink.

Jersey Cocktail recipe...

While the Jersey Cocktail may be easy peasy, its offshoot, the Jersey Flashlight is a little more dynamic. This is one of the flaming drinks and, as with all fire-induced drinks, should not be taken lightly, mixed by anyone who does not have their wits about them, and best to be practiced outside away from anything that could catch fire. Sure, the Jersey Flashlight does not involve rolling flaming liquid back and forth like the Blue Blazer, but it does involve lighting the drink on fire. If you attempt and perfect this drink you will have this wonderfully baked apple toddy-esque flavor is unforgettable. When showing it off for a crowd, dim the lights for a great show.

Jersey Flashlight cocktail recipe...

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As we wind down to the last days of summer there are some interesting whiskies that you may want to take note of. Thanks to Lance Mayhew we have a few recommendations.

• Canadian Mist Black Diamond - If you're a fan of the good-old Canadian whiskey that is great in almost any cocktail and reasonably priced, you're probably going to dig this newest release from the brand.  It is supposed to be the bolder, richer, higher proof version of Mist. Out in select markets now, it's going to see a wider release early next year. Read more...
• 5 Late Summer Whiskey Picks - From Maker's 46 (which, by the way, makes an excellent Whiskey Sour) to classics like Old Forrester and Four Roses Small Batch, these are some sips you have to check out. Read more...