Poor old, dear ol’ dad. Mother’s Day brings flowers, brunches, gift certificates to spas and breakfast in bed (even if that breakfast arrives late and is partly burned or mostly cold cereal). But on Father’s Day, too often dads get Zonked (Let’s Make a Deal-style) with executive toys, power tools, car mats and ties, so many questionable ties.
My suggestion: Show up to see dad with his a couple of steaks or shrimp or lobster or whatever is his favorite food, fire up the grill and mix up some great drinks for all to enjoy. Then, just sit and talk but mostly listen. The gift of your time and attention is better than a million ties…or circular saws. There will come a day when the memory of those moments spent with your father will be worth the world to you. Here are some ideas for what you should be pouring dad this year.
Whether your dad actually plays golf or, like mine, just likes watching it on TV, this refreshing rum cocktail is sure to go down a treat.
Cruzan Sunday Tea Off
1 part Cruzan Estate Diamond Light Rum
½ part fresh lime juice
2 parts lemonade
2 parts iced tea
mint for garnish
Build ingredients over large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with lime and mint. Alternatively, mix up a pitcher-full and serve in individual glasses over ice.
If dad is a tequila fan, hip him to DeLeón Tequila, an ultra-premium line from Diageo and Sean Diddy Combs, the combo behind Cîroc Vodka. DeLeón’s Reposado, made from 100 percent agave and aged in American Oak and finished in French Oak casks. Take dad on a test spin with this tequila-tinged take on a classic Old Fashioned.
DeLeón Old Fashioned
1 ½ oz DeLeón Reposado
¼ oz Mezcal
1 bar spoon agave nectar
2 dashes Angostura bitters
orange peel for garnish
Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass over clean cubed and cracked ice until thoroughly chilled. Strain into rocks glass over a single, clean, large format ice rock. Garnish with an orange peel.
Speaking of Cîroc, if your father is a vodka fan, this fuss-free cocktail is perfect for backyard sipping
Greyhound
1 ½ oz Cîroc Vodka
3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
½ oz simple syrup
½ oz fresh lime juice
Club soda
Build in Collins glass filled with ice and top with club soda
Rye is enjoying a renaissance of late. If your dad is a fan of brown liquor, toast him with a nightcap made with Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky. The complex, has a nice spiciness with notes of plum, black currant, and sweet oak.
Rye Squeeze
1 ½ parts Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky
4-5 parts ginger beer
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 orange wedge pressed
Add all ingredients to a bourbon glass. Fill with ice, top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with orange slice.
If you’re a sucker for a #1 Dad t-shirt or coffee mug, here’s a growup drink to serve your #1 guy.
#1 Dad
1 ¼ oz Ketel One Vodka
½ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz ginger syrup
Bottom: Soda water
Lime wheel for garnish
Top: Black strap Rum
Add vodka, lime juice and ginger syrup to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake. Strain into Collins glass containing soda water and ice. Top with Black Strap Rum and garnish with lime wheel.
