As it’s Labor Day weekend, it’s time for a celebration (and likely one or two cocktails) as we raise a glass to the unofficial end of summer. But I was also wondering why the US celebrates Labor Day in September, while many other countries hold a similar celebration in May.
While the US state of Oregon was the first state to declare Labor Day a public holiday back in 1887, it wouldn’t become an official federal holiday for seven more years until 1894. Meaning this year is the 130th official Labor Day to be celebrated all across the United States.
Starting during the late 19th century as trade unions and labor movements began to develop, initially separate groups chose a variety of different days to celebrate and recognize the efforts of the American labor movement and the contribution it made towards the United States.
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It’s thought that the first official parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882, in connection to the Knights of Labor movement. However other theories suggest the concept came from the vice president of the American Federation of Labor, Peter J McGuire who had witnessed May labor parades while visiting Toronto.
Today the celebration marks a day to celebrate the labor movement in addition to being widely regarded as the ‘unofficial end of summer’. School classes resume, the American football season is about to begin, and some view Labor Day as the final acceptable day to wear white and seersucker as we transition into warmer clothing. It also means time off work, family gatherings and, of course, who could say no to a few cocktails?
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This week for Cocktail of the Week, in celebration of Labor Day we are keeping things American, and it doesn’t get more American than a good bottle of rye whiskey. The Russell’s Reserve 6-Year-Old Rye Whiskey is a real treat, aged for longer than most ryes, this is the ideal bottle to bring out for a special occasion.
The Russell’s Reserve Lemon Rye Rickey is a longer drink, served with ice it’s the ideal sip to keep you cool over a long holiday weekend.
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Ingredients:
— 2 parts Russell’s Reserve 6-Year-Old Rye Whiskey
— 0.75 parts Lemon juice
— 1 part Lime Cordial
— Club Soda
Method:
First combine the whisky, lemon juice and lime cordial in a shaker with ice, and shake until everything is cool and combined. Stain into a highball or collins glass over fresh ice, and top up with the club soda. If you’re looking for a weaker drink (maybe it’s for grandma) add a little more soda. If you’re feeling fancy, use a peeler on a lime or lemon to create a ribbon and garnish the drink. Enjoy the rest of your Labor Day with a delicious cocktail.
