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.
RELATED: First We Feast - Unlocking the Secrets of Rum
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.
RELATED: First We Feast - Unlocking the Secrets of Rum
Grilled Shrimp with a Sailor Jerry Pina Colada
Why it works: An icy cold pina colada is always refreshing, and serves to elevate something as simple as charred grilled shrimp. This one will trasport you from the backyard and onto a lounge chair somewhere.
How to make a Sailor Jerry Pina Colada:
2 parts Sailor Jerry
1 part coconut cream or Monin Coconut
1 part cream
1 part fresh pineapple juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Blend ingredients with one scoop of ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Grilled Chicken with a Sailor Jerry Homeward Bound
Why it works: Even a chicken breast charred within an inch of burtsting into flames will be livened up by this boozy lemonade's tart kick. This combo is as classic as Beyoncé and Hova—that is to say, they make a natural pair.
How to make a Sailor Jerry Homeward Bound:
2 parts Sailor Jerry
1 lemon wedge
4 parts fresh (still) lemonade
Add Sailor Jerry and fresh lemonade to an ice-filled highball and squeeze and drop lemon wedge in glass.
Doritos with a Sailor Jerry Mojito
Why it works: OK, so it's not the classiest pairing. But, the Doritos will inevitably make an appearance at every barbecue, and you won't be able to resist their zesty allure. Remind the haters that "Doritos and a Mojito" sound pretty awesome together.
How to make a Sailor Jerry Mojito:
3 parts Sailor Jerry
2 parts fresh lime juice
2 parts simple syrup
10 loose mint leaves
4 parts soda water
Combine all ingredients (except soda) in a mixing glass and shake well. Pour directly into highball glass and top with ice and soda. Garnish generously with fresh mint sprigs and lime.
Mac & Cheese with a Sailor Jerry Shave & Haircut
Why it works: The rich, buttery flavor of a stout pairs well with the rich, buttery flavor of mac & cheese. Especially if it's as creamy and decadent as this one. Prep your gut accordingly.
How to make a Sailor Jerry Shave & Haircut:
1 part Sailor Jerry
2 parts cola
4 parts stout
Add Sailor Jerry and cola to a tumbler and top with stout.
Grilled Veggies with Sailor Jerry on the Rocks
Why it works: Because even eating something as boring as chopped vegetables can seem badass when you're drinking Sailor Jerry straight. Try dipping the veggies in the Sailor Jerry for some real kick. Sure, you'll get side glances, but it will be the best stick of celery you've ever had.
How to make a Sailor Jerry on the rocks: Take a glass of ice and pour Sailor Jerry until your heart's content.
Buffalo Wings with a Sailor Jerry Backyard Tea
Why it works: This refreshing tea will cool your palate once the sweet burn of the wings sets in.
How to make a Sailor Jerry Backyard Tea:
2 parts Sailor Jerry
1 part iced tea
2 parts lemonade
Add ingredients to an ice-filled glass and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Smoked Ribs & Cornbread with a Sailor Jerry Hellfire
Why it works: The Tabasco's sting will mellow thanks to the subtle sweetness of the ribs. Plus, if you're going to have BBQ sauce smeared on your cheeks, a zesty beer cocktail will complete that whole untamed cave animal thing you're going for. (That was what you were going for...right?)
How to make a Sailor Jerry Hellfire:
1.5 oz. Sailor Jerry
3 dash tabasco sauce
.25 oz .ginger syrup
.5 oz. lime juice
Regatta Ginger BeerFire Island Sea Salt Ale
Lime (for garnish)
In equal proportions, fill glass with Regatta Ginger Beer and Fire Island Sea Salt Ale. Garnish with lime wedge and serve with a straw.
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
A Hotdog, a Sailor Jerry Shot, and a Beer
Why It Works: Because what's more classic and all-American than a beer and a hotdog? A beer, a hotdog, and a shot of spiced rum (America's original national spirit)—that's what.
A Burger with a Sailor Jerry Ice Cream Float
Why it works: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The spice of the rum will add a slight twist to this classic, giving it a bold flavor that separates a backyard BBQ from the back of a diner.
To make a Sailor Jerry Ice Cream Float:
1.5oz. Sailor Jerry
Vanilla Ice Cream
Pretzel Rod
Abita Root Beer
Add Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum to one scoop of ice cream. Fill glass with Abita Root Beer. Garnish with pretzel rod and serve with spoon and straw.
