Barbecuing is as American as twerking during a baseball game (extra points if Bruce Springsteen is blaring from the speakers); it's in our blood. That's why even if fate and/or the Weather Channel are not on our side, and rain pours down from the heavens, we'll still be faithfully grilling, umbrella in hand, cold drink in the other.
Speaking of cold drinks, you'll need one. Nothing compliments barbecue better, particularly if said drink has a favorable ratio of rum in it. And by favorable, we mean lots of it. We spoke to Sailor Jerry's brand ambassador Paul Monahan about which rum-laden libations pair best with our beloved burgers. Here, find his custom cocktail suggestions for the various barbecued foodstuffs you'll encounter this Labor Day. Enjoy with abandon.
Grilled Shrimp with a Sailor Jerry Pina Colada
Grilled Chicken with a Sailor Jerry Homeward Bound
Doritos with a Sailor Jerry Mojito
Mac & Cheese with a Sailor Jerry Shave & Haircut
Grilled Veggies with Sailor Jerry on the Rocks
Buffalo Wings with a Sailor Jerry Backyard Tea
Smoked Ribs & Cornbread with a Sailor Jerry Hellfire
Oysters on the half-shell with a Sailor Jerry Sidecar
Why it works: This sweet, well balanced cocktail breaks the briny richness of the clams/oysters/whatever raw shellfish you're getting yourself into.
How to make the Sailor Jerry Side Car:
1.5 oz. Sailor Jerry
1 dash orange bitters
1 dash celery bitters
.25 oz. smoked pineapple syrup
.5 oz. lemon juice
.75 oz. Cointreau
Zest sugar