Labor Day has arrived, which means it’s almost time to say goodbye to summer. If you’re awaiting a break from the heat, you’re not alone. But as much as we look forward to cozy autumn recipes and holiday hosting, we’re just as sad to see the summer go. As Labor Day weekend approaches, we plan to see the season off in style with one big celebration to sum up the summer months.
Why We Celebrate
Most of us celebrate Labor Day in one way or another—whether it’s relaxing at home as the weekend stretches out or hosting a major bash. But why do we celebrate? The history of Labor Day is a storied tale, but here’s the gist: At the height of the Industrial Revolution, U.S. workers were overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated. Strikes and walkouts ensued, including one major workers’ march in New York City, made up of over 10,000 protesters. Now known as the first Labor Day parade, that march sparked many others across the United States, and eventually led to the induction of Labor Day as a federal holiday in 1894. Now, over a century later, we acknowledge hardworking Americans across the country with a well-deserved day off.
How We Celebrate
If you’re one of those hardworking Americans, this one’s for you. Pat yourself on the back and give yourself permission to enjoy the day. How you celebrate is entirely up to you, but we like to think the holiday is best observed with one last summer hurrah—whether it be a parade, barbeque, or weekend away. No matter how you mark the day, a summer cocktail is almost certainly an appropriate addition. Before we enter the season of pumpkin spice lattes and mulled wine, we like to make one last ode to the sunny summer months. And what better way than to head outside, soak up the sun, and whip up an ice-cold summertime classic: The Paloma.
Ingredients:
2 ounces tequila
2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
2 ounces club soda
½ ounce lime juice
¼ ounce simple syrup or agave nectar
Coarse sea salt
Tips and Tricks:
- Keep a filled ice bucket nearby—especially if you’re serving outside. Not only does it make for an elegant presentation, but it’ll come in handy when your guests request seconds (or thirds). Both the Helyx Ice Bucket and Sierra Ice Bucket are double-walled and crafted in stainless steel to keep your ice cold on even the warmest of days.
- Before you start mixing, make sure you have high-quality bar tools within reach. For a best-in-class kit, check out the Cosmo Bar Set. Handcrafted in stainless steel and Acacia wood, this 4-piece set includes everything you need to mix a pro-level cocktail. Not to mention, it looks ultra-sophisticated in any home bar.
- If you don’t have fresh grapefruit juice, agave nectar, or club soda on hand, don’t fret. Substitute your favorite grapefruit soda for a simple take on the classic cocktail.
Instructions:
- Salt the rim of your favorite highball glass. Run a lime wedge around its edge and dip it into a small plate of coarse sea salt.
- Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar or simple syrup to your cocktail shaker. To bring some mid-century flair to your space, reach for the Sierra Cocktail Shaker, featuring a clean, sleek design and beautiful Acacia cap. If it’s a modernist aesthetic you’re after, try the Helyx Cocktail Shaker—endlessly elegant with our signature knot on the cap for easy gripping while you shake things up.
- After adding your ingredients to the cocktail shaker, top with ice, secure the lid and shake.
- Strain into your cocktail glass, add ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge and enjoy.
Happy Labor Day!
