As our first long-weekend quickly approaches it’s finally starting to feel like Summer is around the corner. We’ve hid from the rain, slugged through the snow, and braced the cold but rejoice New Yorkers, we’ve made it! For many Memorial Day weekend is the opening of summer. It’s time to set up our beach houses, escape the grind of the city, or simply head up to the roof to lay in the sun.  Whichever way you choose to celebrate we all need two important things to complete our weekend; great friends and cold delicious drinks.

This weekend we will be celebrating with Empower Cocktails! Empower Cocktails is a new venture for Tiffany Hall, who’s enjoyed a diverse career in marketing and law in New York City. Tiffany’s first cocktail, as she enters the spirits world, is the refreshing Empower Cosmopolitan Martini. It contains Sweet Potato Vodka that comes from a family owned farm in Northern California as well as triple sec, white cranberry and lime.  The best part (aside from the taste) is that it’s only 80 calories per 3 oz.

As if marketing, law, and being an entrepreneur isn’t enough, Tiffany is also passionate about empowering women (hence the name, Empower Cocktails!). She’s partnered with several non-profits that champion women’s initiatives including the Voss Foundation, Dress for Success Boston, Kicked it in Heels and the Metro-Manhattan Community Foundation.

So ladies, here are your delicious Memorial Day Weekend cocktails from the HBIC herself, Tiffany Hall. Whether you have classic taste or enjoy fruity drinks, Tiffany has something yummy and refreshing for everyone.

EMPOWER CLASSIC

4 parts Empower

Garnish: Lime wedge and mint

Glass:  Chilled Martini

Directions: Chill a bottle of Empower for an hour (not in the freezer) prior to serving.

POWER PRESS

1 part Vodka

1 part Empower

.75 parts Lime Juice

.75 parts Simple Syrup

3 Cucumber Slices

Top w/ Club Soda

Garnish: Cucumber Wheel

Glass: Collins

Directions: Combine ingredients (except Club Soda) in a cocktail shaker and lightly muddle. Add ice, then shake vigorously. Strain into a Collins over fresh ice. Top with Club Soda and garnish with a Cucumber Wheel.

EMPOWER SPRITZ

1.5 parts Empower

1.5 parts Aperol

2 parts Sparkling Rosé

1 part Club Soda

Garnish: Lemon Twist

Glass: Wine Glass

Directions: Combine ingredients in a Wine Glass. Top with ice and stir gently. Garnish with a Lemon Twist.

SOLAR POWERED SUN CATCHER

1 part Empower

1 part Light Rum

.75 parts Lemon Juice

.75 parts Simple Syrup

3 Raspberries

Garnish: Grapefruit Twist

Glass: Cocktail or Coupe

Directions: Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and lightly muddle. Add ice, then shake. Strain into a chilled Coupe glass and garnish with a Grapefruit Twist.