Memorial Day Weekend Guide: What To Do & Drink

WEEKEND STAY-CATION ON THE ISLE OF MANHATTAN

Taproom No. 307 - Just in time for the weekend, Taproom No. 307 will be launching their first-ever Bloody Mary Bar to honor the unofficial start of Summer. While the masses are making the 3+hour exodus to that long island to the east, you can be chilling with a tall glass of spicy goodness and enjoying the island of Manhattan in all its empty glory! Taproom No. 307 will make your stay-cation complete with delicious brunch items like apple-pie stuffed french toast, savory breakfast burritos, and pitchers of Moonshine Punch.
The Bloody Mary Bar will feature:
-House-infused vodkas: Jalapeño, Chipotle and our very own Hops-infused variety
-Your choice of house-made toppings like pickled jalapeños and onions, horseradish, celery, olives, cucumbers and more
-A plethora of hot sauces from mild to "can't feel my mouth"

Roof at Park South - Escape the hot streets and ascend to the Roof at Park South which just opened this week atop the Park South Hotel. Not only do they have panoramic views of Manhattan but they also have a variety of craft cocktails (there are over 20!) created by Ted Kilpatrick. Note, this isn't your typical crowded midtown rooftop, come here to sit back, relax, and sip fireside at this new elevated treasure.

Jimmy - There's no denying summers are hot in Manhattan. What's the best way to cool down? We'd say a frozen cocktail and a pool party. Well you're in luck because the epic pool parties at Jimmy atop the James Hotel in SoHo are back and kick off this weekend. Get there at 3pm to snag a pool-side lounge chair, refresh with cocktails from renowned mixologist Johnny Swet like a Grilled Pineapple Mojito or Singhani Colada and stay all afternoon/evening while listening to tunes from popular DJs. Japancakes kicks off the Saturday party and Mick Boogie will keep you splashing through Sunday.

Analogue - Let Analogue transport you to the beaches of Rio on Memorial Day as Analogue & Avuá Cachaça Present 'NYC Meets Rio'. Enjoy live performances by the beautiful & talented Carlota Gurascier along with her trio, caipirinhas, cachaca, and a complimentary Bossa Nova cocktail. CLICK HERE for more information and to RSVP.


SET SAIL & SIP

Manhattan by Sail has everything from Wine & Beer Tastings to Champagne Brunches. So head to downtown Manhattan and spend any day of the long weekend cruising along the Hudson. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to their boozy boat rides.


EASTBOUND

The Harbor Raw Bar & Lounge (pictured left)- The craft cocktail trend has finally hit the east end, but not to worry Hamptonites, The Harbor Raw Bar & Lounge, which debuts this weekend in Montauk, has everything you want in a bay-side venue with the addition of superb drinks. Dine on an eclectic menu of small plates from 3-star, New York Times-reviewed chef Pierre Rougey and a cocktail list from veteran barman Moses LaBoy. Plan on staying late, as The Harbor will transform into a lounge where guests can enjoy weekend entertainment and midnight munchies. CLICK HERE for reservations, more information, and to view the full booze menu.

BLT Steak (pictured right)- Steak, seafood, popovers, champagne, cocktails, DJs... need we say more? BLT Steak returns to the Capri Southampton this weekend and is kicking off their Aprés-Beach Party this Saturday with host and pop-up maestro Travis Bass. Throughout the summer the party will be home to notable DJs and surprise guests. This weekend, don't miss the hot celeb DJ couple Hannah Bronfman and Brendan Fallis as they ring in the summer season. CLICK HERE for reservations and more information.


BOOZING BY THE BEACH

If you're entertaining this weekend, excite your family or friends with these refreshments:

Is it your first beach-house bash this summer? Channel the tropics with hibiscus flowers and pomegranate and shake up a House Warming cocktail for your guests.

The House Warming (pictured right)
1.5 parts Courvoisier VSOP
.75 parts DeKuyper Pomegranate
.5 parts fresh squeezed lemon juice
.5 parts hibiscus tea syrup
METHOD: Shake and strain into a coupe glass. Garnished with a hibiscus flower and pomegranate seeds.

The sun comes out - the gin gets poured. Try Bombay Sapphire's Peppered Peach Tea Collins, sweet enough to sip poolside but enough of a kick to keep you mingling.

Sapphire Peppered Peach Tea Collins
1 ½ oz. Bombay Sapphire Gin
¾ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
½ oz. Simple Syrup
1 ½ oz. Peach Iced Tea
Pinch of Black Pepper
Club Soda
METHOD: Build with ice in a Collins glass. Top with Club Soda.
Garnish with a peach slide and lemon twist and pour into a Collins or Highball glass

Yes, everyone loves a refreshing Sangria, but it never hurts to give it a twist and kick it up a notch, especially if it's making the sangria boozier... Spice up your pitchers with some Drambuie or St. Germain Liqueur this weekend. The combination of Drambuie’s heather honey, spice and herbs marries beautifully with a fragrant red wine and citrus fruits. Or lighten up it up with a white wine base and St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur.

Drambuie Sangria (pictured left)
6 oz DRAMBUIE Scotch Liqueur
1 Bottle Red Wine (Zinfandel Preferred)
8 oz Ginger Ale
4 oz Orange Juice
½ Lemon, Thinly Sliced
½ Lime, Thinly Sliced
½ Apple, Cored and Thinly Sliced
METHOD: Combine ingredients in a 2-Quart pitcher. Stir and refrigerate from 30 minutes to overnight. Pour into tall glasses filled with ice.

Sangria Flora
1 bottle Sauvignon Blanc or Dry White Wine
1 cup St-Germain
2 Fresh Peaches
5-6 Fresh Strawberries
6 Fresh Raspberries
1 bunch Fresh Grapes
METHOD: Stir ingredients in a pitcher or carafe. Soak for approximately 15 minutes (or longer if desired). Serve in an ice-filled glass, then telephone your physician and regale him with stories of your exemplary fruit consumption. Serve with St-Germain spoon-straws to enjoy the fruit while drinking.


FOUR DAY WEEKEND!

Come Tuesday, your mind might still be on vacation mode so continue the fun at Louro's Seafood Boil. Grab your friends and dig into family-style servings of lobster, crab, clams, potatoes, corn and much more. CLICK HERE for reservations & more information.

(The Harbor Raw Bar & Lounge Photo Credit: Luke Williams)