Did you just find out you’re going to a Labor Day party?

And you’re the host?

Fear not, we have expert advice to make preparing the food and drinks easier (and more fun) so you can relax and actually enjoy the long weekend.

We asked the director of culinary, Michael Elliott, to share a few tips on how to be the perfect grill master this weekend.

Check out his “behind the kitchen door” chef-inspired ideas.

Know your audience, who is coming to your event, are your guests adventurous?
What style of event are you planning? Will the main course be grilled, smoked, or BBQ?
Plan and write out your menu so it makes sense!
Go shopping! This is one of my favorite things to do, as you can explore the local grocery and find awesome ingredients to pair with your selections

Purchase quality products and your result will be enhanced
Don’t be scared to pair sweet with spicy, acidic with heat, or use fruits in your sauces.

Seasoning is key, from start to finish

Don’t be shy, season large cuts of meat with more than you think
Season at the end of the cooking process as well, to finish off the dish
Everyone has their favorite brands of seasoning; I always incorporate Salt and Pepper as it’s the base to all greatness!

Grilling Meats

Have a few sections of heat on your grill to ensure peak temperature is achieved
High heat to sear
Medium to finish

Smoking Meats

I always use a preferred rub and allow it to sit overnight in the fridge before going into the smoker
Temperature controls –Many new options that are digital to ensure consistent heat is maintained throughout the process
Sauce is optional to me. I feel if you did the processes above great, cherish the result without covering up all your hard work

BBQ

Many versions of this but my favorite is the Indirect Heat method

Basically, you are hanging meat above the coals or burning wood to get a non-direct heat source

Examples can be long bone in-ribeye steaks, sausages, or ribs
I prefer to use a stainless-steel meat hook to hang these offerings above the coals and allow them to slow cook and render their intermuscular marbling into the meat

At the end of the day, Labor Day is a national holiday and there is now better way to spend it with friends and family in the backyard producing a timeless tradition of “Grilling”

Of course you can’t just feed your guests – You need to mix up a little fun, too.

Who better than to share a few cocktail recipes than the bartenders from 4EG! Enjoy refreshing summer flavors guaranteed to help you beat the heat.

Charlemagne Problems (Killer Queen)

Tito's Handmade Vodka

Passionfruit

Vanilla

Lime

Splash of soda

Garnished with an edible flower

Pineapple Express (Rosedale OTR)

Ghost Tequila

Lime Juice

Pineapple Juice

Garnished with a lime

Joey's Juice (The Stretch)

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Peach Schnapps

Orange Juice

Garnished with a lime

Big Red Machine (The Stretch)

Red Bull Red Edition (Watermelon)

Smirnoff Cherry Vodka

Under the Sun

A Fair Meal

Game Changer