A Socially-Distant Labor Day While Sheltering in Place

Wow. If someone had told us how the first 8 months of 2020 would pan out we probably wouldn’t have believed them. Yet here we are, heading up to Labor Day in the midst of a pandemic and like us, we’re sure most of you are eager to find ways to let loose. Labor Day is about taking a break; it has been a wild year for all of us, and we all deserve some time off. Due to social distancing, we won’t be doing most of the typical things we’re used to doing to celebrate the long weekend, such as throwing massive cookouts with our family and friends or heading to our favorite busy hot spots, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t have fun! There are numerous ways for us to get creative, so gather up your quarantine crew and try out these exciting ideas for Labor Day. 

Mix Up a Summery Cocktail 

Release your inner mixologist and show off your newfound skills. You’ll be sure to impress your friends with these delicious cocktails that will officially mark the start of cocktail o’clock.

McBride Sisters Sparkling Summer Rosé Margarita

Ingredients

• 10 oz Mezcal
• 1 bottle of McBride Sisters New Zealand Sparkling Brut Rosé
• 5 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz Agave syrup
• A handful of sliced strawberries
• A bunch of basil
• Garnish: sliced strawberries, lime wheels and salt

1. Combine the mezcal, lime juice and agave syrup in a punch bowl. 
2. Add the sliced strawberries and basil.
3. Sit in the fridge for half an hour to infuse.
4. Add cubed ice and stir to mix.
5. Top with the sparkling rosé.
6. Garnish with lime wheels, strawberries and salt and serve.

Tip: The bottle of mezcal can be infused for 3-5 days prior with the strawberries and basil for a stronger flavor. 

McBride Sisters Red Wine Sangria

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of McBride Sisters Central Coast California Red Blend, chilled.
• ½ cup of brandy 
• 1 large orange
• 1 cup of sliced mixed seasonal fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines), prepared and cut as desired
• 1 lemon sliced into thin rounds
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• Ice for serving

Method

1. Squeeze the juice from half of the orange into a pitcher. Thinly slice the remaining orange and add the slices to the pitcher.
2. Add the prepared seasonal fruit and lemon and remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
3. Taste and add additional brown sugar until the flavors have reached your preferred sweetness.

Note: this sangria can be served immediately or let sit to marinate for a few hours to enhance the flavors. 

Serve in wine glasses with a few ice cubes to keep chilled. Enjoy!

Host a Wine Tasting Party with Your Squad

There’s nothing like indulging in some refreshing wines and delicious snacks to cool you off during the summer heat! Tell everyone to bring their own bottle of wine, and you can assign a theme such as favorite Californian wineries, family-run wineries and Black-owned wineries. (Hint: McBride Sisters fit into all three categories). We recommend pairing the elegant McBride Sisters Central Coast California Chardonnay with a buttery or nutty cheese such as Camembert or Tête de Moine. If you’re craving a red, pair the sultry McBride Sisters Central Coast California Red Blend with a sharp or smoked cheese such as a smoked Gouda or sharp Cheddar. 

Throw a Virtual Zoom Party (BYO wine)

If a small gathering with a few of your closest friends just isn’t cutting it for a national holiday, round up your extended family, friends and entire Facebook list for a virtual Labor Day celebration. The best thing about a virtual party is that you can connect with your friends and relatives on the other side of the country (or in another continent) without having to leave your own living room. Nothing says party like a cold canned beverage, so grab your favorite She Can flavor (they’re all delicious but with tropical notes of guava, grapefruit and golden kiwi the Island Citrus Dry Rosé really says let’s party), throw on an outfit that slays and get the good times rolling. 

Get Creative

Always wanted to check out a paint and sip wine party but never had the chance? Well, here’s your opportunity to host your own. Pick up a canvas, a set of acrylic or watercolor paints and an easel and turn your living room into the artist’s studio you’ve always dreamed of. You can invite a few of your closest friends over to join you (beware: things may get a little messy), or live stream the painting fun over Zoom. Tell your friends to pick up a bottle of their favorite McBride Sisters wine and get ready to unleash your inner Frida Kahlo. To mix things up a bit you can play with different themes or art periods, set a timer for 20-minute intervals and see what you come up with!

Have a Picnic in Your Backyard (or Rooftop, or Living Room)

One of the best things about summer is having outdoor picnics with delicious snacks, great wine and your besties. You don’t have to let the restrictions in your state hold you back from getting outdoors, with a little imagination and creativity you can turn your backyard, rooftop or living room into a magical retreat. Set up hanging fairy lights, large cushions and soft blankets and surround your space with plants for an instant, easy transformation. Our ideal way to kick off a picnic is with a can of She Can Rosé, the perfect pairing for any picnic spread. Turn up your summer playlist, like this 90s summer hip hop playlist on Spotify and slide right into picnic mode.

Get Your Game On

It’s time to dust off the box of Pictionary and gather up your crew. Or is Cards Against Humanity more your style? Whatever your game of choice is, pick it up and get ready for the best games night of your adult life. It’s not a real games night without drinks, so pick up a bottle or two of McBride Sisters Sauvignon Blanc, throw on some tunes and let the games begin. 

Have Fun and Stay Safe! 

No matter what you decide to do for Labor Day remember to celebrate and have fun while staying safe. This isn’t only referring to COVID-19, but also keeping in mind to wear sunscreen on hot days, stay hydrated if you’re outside and keep social distancing rules in place where possible. Try out our seasonal Wine Club collections and enjoy your Labor Day weekend with your beloved families and friends. 

Xoxo