Memorial Day is not just about BBQ and burgers on the grill, blockbuster movies, and the unofficial start of summer.  Memorial Day is the day that we pay tribute to and honor the service people who put their lives on the line to protect our rights and freedom…including the right to have a BBQ.   And since we are having a BBQ, we need something to drink along with the great food we will consume this weekend.  Here are a few recipes that are sure to take your celebration to the next level.  And at the end of the day while you are sipping on a great cocktail, licking BBQ sauce off your fingers, and reveling in a day off from work, take a moment to remember the real importance of Memorial Day!

Caribbean Rum Punch – A great idea for a BBQ is to make a large punch that can be shared.

1 cup fresh lime juice

2 cups simple syrup

3 cups of amber rum (we prefer Mount Gay Rum)

4 cups of orange juice

4 dashes of bitter

Freshly grated nutmeg

In a pitcher, combine lime juice, simple syrup, rum and orange juice. Add a few dashes of bitters and some grated nutmeg to taste. Serve chilled over ice.  (Source: allrecipes.com)

Gin-Gin Mule – Try this modern but classic take on a Moscow Mule developed by Pegu Club owner and mixologist Audrey Saunders.  Crisp and refreshing, perfect for a summer day!

6 mint sprigs

1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

1/2 oz. simple syrup (1:1)

1 1/2 oz. dry gin

3/4 oz. ginger beer

Splash of soda water

Tools: muddler, shaker, strainer

Glass: highball

Garnish: lime wedge and mint sprig

Place mint leaves in a shaker and gently muddle with the lime juice and syrup. Add the gin and, if using a non-carbonated homemade version, add the ginger beer as well. Fill with ice and shake well. Strain into an ice-filled glass and add a splash of soda. If you’re using a carbonated ginger beer, you can skip the soda. Garnish. (source: imbibemagazine.com)

Apple Julep – A crisp and refreshing alcohol-free punch that can be made ahead of time.  To make a grown up version, add 1/2 cup of your favorite vodka or rum.

1 qt. apple juice

1 cup pineapple juice

1 cup  orange juice

1/4 cup lemon juice

Garnish: apple slices, lemon slices, and fresh mint sprigs

Stir together apple juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, and lemon juice. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired. (source: myrecipes.com)

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade – Another great punch for summer.  While this recipes takes a little effort, it is all worth it.  Replace sparkling water with sparkling wine or prosecco to make grown up version.

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)

8 tbsp sugar

2 cups fresh strawberries

4 1/2 cups sparkling water

Place lemon juice and sugar into a bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Place the strawberries in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth. Run the strawberry puree through a fine mesh strainer.

To make the lemonade combine lemon juice with the strawberry puree and add  water.

Add ice to serving glasses and fill each glass with lemonade. Garnish with lemon and strawberry slices. (source: homecookingadventure.com)