by: Kristin Wong
Labor Day, a holiday that celebrates doing absolutely nothing, has creeped up on most of us. Which might explain why more people are staying home this year than in years past.
According to AAA, there's a 2.5% decrease of people traveling for the holiday this year, with 31.5 million Americans planning on leaving the house for the three-day weekend.
One of the reasons for the decrease is airfare. There's a 13% increase in plane tickets from last year. Gas price increases affect airfare, too. And speaking of gas, about $27 million people will be filling up their tanks on the road this weekend. It's a small increase from last year, mostly because people have given up on flying. Having to pay an extra $100 to take your underwear with you really sucks.
But mostly, not as many people are traveling because the economy sucks. People aren't confident in the stock market, their 401ks are suffering, and everything is getting more expensive overall. The average cost to travel this year has jumped up by 7%.
Not to mention, the East Coast is pretty much off limits thanks to Hurricane Irene.
But just because you're staying at home this Labor Day doesn't mean you can't party. You can always party. Here are 5 Labor-less Labor Day cocktails that require minimal ingredients. They're easy and fun, the way a good-three day weekend should be.
Presbyterian: This is an old-school cocktail that's super easy to make, and even easier to drink. Take some Scotch, bourbon on the rocks, then add in a splash of ginger ale and club soda. Done!
Daiquiri: Most Daiquris are frozen, infused with ingredients, poured out of a giant machine and then given some ridiculous name, like “Applebees Chillin' Applerita” or some sh-t. But in its purist form, a Daiquiri is just rum, fresh limejuice and simple syrup. My mouth is watering already.
Sidecar: This classic drink is easily concocted: lemon juice and cognac. Bring it on.
Negroni: Gin, Italian Campari and sweet Vermouth. The drink was concocted in 1919 in Florence, Italy. It was a drink enjoyed by Orson Welles, who said: “The bitters are excellent for your liver, the gin is bad for you. They balance each other."
Mint Julep: Get a highball glass, put some ice in it, and then add these ingredients: 4 oz bourbon, 1 oz Simple syrup, 5 Mint leaves. Garnish with a mint leaf and enjoy.
According to AAA, there's a 2.5% decrease of people traveling for the holiday this year, with 31.5 million Americans planning on leaving the house for the three-day weekend.
One of the reasons for the decrease is airfare. There's a 13% increase in plane tickets from last year. Gas price increases affect airfare, too. And speaking of gas, about $27 million people will be filling up their tanks on the road this weekend. It's a small increase from last year, mostly because people have given up on flying. Having to pay an extra $100 to take your underwear with you really sucks.
But mostly, not as many people are traveling because the economy sucks. People aren't confident in the stock market, their 401ks are suffering, and everything is getting more expensive overall. The average cost to travel this year has jumped up by 7%.
Not to mention, the East Coast is pretty much off limits thanks to Hurricane Irene.
But just because you're staying at home this Labor Day doesn't mean you can't party. You can always party. Here are 5 Labor-less Labor Day cocktails that require minimal ingredients. They're easy and fun, the way a good-three day weekend should be.
Presbyterian: This is an old-school cocktail that's super easy to make, and even easier to drink. Take some Scotch, bourbon on the rocks, then add in a splash of ginger ale and club soda. Done!
Daiquiri: Most Daiquris are frozen, infused with ingredients, poured out of a giant machine and then given some ridiculous name, like “Applebees Chillin' Applerita” or some sh-t. But in its purist form, a Daiquiri is just rum, fresh limejuice and simple syrup. My mouth is watering already.
Sidecar: This classic drink is easily concocted: lemon juice and cognac. Bring it on.
Negroni: Gin, Italian Campari and sweet Vermouth. The drink was concocted in 1919 in Florence, Italy. It was a drink enjoyed by Orson Welles, who said: “The bitters are excellent for your liver, the gin is bad for you. They balance each other."
Mint Julep: Get a highball glass, put some ice in it, and then add these ingredients: 4 oz bourbon, 1 oz Simple syrup, 5 Mint leaves. Garnish with a mint leaf and enjoy.
