Image: nd3000 for Getty Images.
While Memorial Day is reserved for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, it is also a time for family and friends to gather for fellowship. Many mark the long holiday weekend as the “start of summer” and a time to pull out the grills, dust off the patio furniture and whip up a spread like no other.
From hot dogs—with the burn marks—to fall-off-the-bone barbecue and all the sides, nothing screams Memorial Day kickback like a few cocktails to accompany the menu. So whether you’re hosting at home or heading out of town for a weekend getaway, we’ve curated this roundup of cocktails for you to mix up. And to make things easy, we’ve even added direct links for you to order the necessary spirits and mixing ingredients.
From the EBONY family to yours, have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!
Tito’s Spicy Watermelon
Image: Courtesy of Tito’s.
Tito’s Spicy Watermelon
- Muddle jalapeño slices in a shaker.
- Add Tito’s Handmade Vodka, watermelon juice, lime juice, and ice.
- Shake and strain over fresh ice into a Tito’s Copper Mug.
- Top with ginger beer and garnish with a watermelon and jalapeño slice.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Price: $29
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Price: $8
D’usse New Fashioned
Image: Courtesy of D’usse.
D’usse New Fashioned
- 2 Parts D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac
- 3/4 Part Simple Syrup
- 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until cold. Strain into a rocks glass with a large-format ice cube.
- Twist orange peel over the cocktail to release the oils.
D’usse VSOP Cognac
Price: $60
Angostura Bitters
Price: $11
The Coco Blanco
Image: Courtesy of Vita Coco.
The Coco Blanco
- 1.5oz of Casamigos Blanco
- 4oz of Vita Coco Coconut Water
- 0.25oz of Agave
- Lime
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously with ice to chill
- Strain and serve over low ice
- Garnish with a lime
Vita Coco Coconut Water
Price: $28
Casamigos Blanco Tequila
Price: $53