Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, but more than that, it’s a tribute to the grit, dedication, and ingenuity of the American worker. At Flying Ace, we’ve always stood for those who roll up their sleeves and get the job done, whether on the job site, in the field, in the cockpit, or anywhere hard work is a way of life.
And what better way to celebrate that spirit of hard work and independence than with a glass of whiskey in hand? This Labor Day, we’re sharing a few of our favorite bourbon cocktails, each one bold, balanced, and perfect for toasting the people who keep this country moving.
1. The Bold & Bitter
A strong, no-nonsense cocktail for those who don’t mind a little edge.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
Add bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until well chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express the orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
This bourbon twist on a classic Negroni packs a punch—balanced bitterness with deep, oaky warmth. A drink for the worker who appreciates a little sophistication at the end of the day.
2. The Maverick Mule
A refreshing reward for going your own way.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 4 oz Ginger Beer
- ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a copper mug with ice. Add bourbon and lime juice, then top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Spicy, zesty, and refreshing—perfect for cooling off after a long day under the sun or behind the wheel.
3. The American Old Fashioned
Because some things don’t need changing.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Orange peel and cocktail cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass and saturate with bitters. Add a splash of water and muddle until dissolved. Fill the glass with ice, pour in the bourbon, and stir gently. Garnish with an orange peel and cherry.
Strong, smooth, and timeless—just like the American worker.
4. Porch Swing Lemonade
Sweet, tart, and made for long weekends.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 3 oz Fresh Lemonade
- ½ oz Honey Syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, mixed until smooth)
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add bourbon, lemonade, and honey syrup. Stir to combine and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Light, bright, and perfect for Labor Day cookouts or front porch sunsets.
5. The Independence Sour
A nod to bold spirits and free spirits alike.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup
- 1 Egg White (optional for a silky texture)
- Dash of Angostura bitters
Instructions:
Add bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a shaker without ice. Dry shake for 10 seconds. Add ice and shake again until well chilled. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass. Top with a dash of bitters.
A smooth, frothy cocktail with just enough bite to keep things interesting—ideal for raising a glass to the freedoms we work hard to protect.
This Labor Day, Raise a Glass
Labor Day is about more than just a long weekend—it’s about honoring the dedication, strength, and skill of the people who keep this country running. At Flying Ace, we craft whiskey for those very people: the builders, the dreamers, the protectors, the ones who put in the hours and never settle for less than their best.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or fellow workers, make your Labor Day toast with something that matches the occasion—a whiskey with grit in its bones and a mission in its heart.
Here’s to hard work. Here’s to independence. And here’s to the perfect pour.
