According to other people and the internet, everyone needs a big drink in 2020, and Labor Day is upon us, so why not celebrate with some cocktails? Three day weekends are the perfect time to spend a little extra effort making drinks extra special since this is traditionally considered the end of summer. Those of us in the Southeast know that's not particularly true though, as our warm temps are likely to last through Halloween, depending on the year.
These cocktails celebrate the fruits of summer, the spirit of warm weather, and the joys of sitting six feet apart from one or two friends to share in the 2020 version of Labor Day, the kind that doesn't end up with anyone getting COVID because they couldn't stop themselves from jamming onto a boat with a bunch of people. Is that oddly specific? Maybe, but only because I've seen it going down at the lake on a regular weekend, so why wouldn't people go all out for a holiday where they don't have to work on a Monday? But don't. Be cool. Stay home and safe this Labor Day weekend, and drink on your porch. Can't get a ticket — or COVID — in your own rocking chair!!
Boozy Drinks
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
(or spike these with vodka!)
Need a Strong Blender?
Blenders can make or break a good frozen drink — which most of these are. My current love is an older Osterizer blender that Patrick brought us from his late uncle's house. His uncle had some very nice tastes in the kitchen, and this blender has been taking the abuse I've been serving it like a champ for the past six years at least at this point. I would still recommend any blender from the Oster brand.
Before that one, I had (and still have, for backup!) a fun pink Kitchenaid blender. It worked fantastically as well, and I am sure it will again when I pull it back into service. The Osterizer just has so many fun accessories that I use it the most. Get a good one, and treat it right. Don't put the blades and gaskets in the dishwasher! But enough about blenders.
Summer 2020
Even though summer feels like it went by quickly yet again, it feels like the fullest summer I've had in a long time. Working from home has enabled me to have the time and energy to go to the lake several times to do paddle boarding, and yoga paddle boarding. I took a quick jaunt to the beach on a weekday and enjoyed the salty air and the ocean. I have worked in the yard a lot, and gone on plenty of walks (except these last few weeks where it's been blisteringly hot). Outdoor happy hours, and other time spent outside in the warm air have made this quite a summer to remember, one of the freest ones I remember since being in high school. Only this time, I can do whatever I want!
So no matter how you feel about 2020 and its summertime, raise a glass to toast the best season of the year as it makes its way for another season and a different palate of flavors and memories to come.
