The great Labor Day tequila barbeque - a complete menu

Patrón Pineapple cocktail.

Labor Day is, unofficially, the end of summer, and a lot of people will be celebrating. It is the perfect excuse for a tequila-themed barbeque – and here are some ideas for food and drink recipes. Now all you need to do is get out to the market and get ready for a fun afternoon or evening.

Cocktails

It is best to start a tequila-themed barbeque with some refreshing cocktails. Sure, you can make margaritas, but hese all pair very well with the food recipes below.

• Summertime in Jalisco
  This cocktail, from Don Julio Global Brand Ambassador Brian Van Flandern is cool, crisp, and flavorful. It’s the perfect way to end summer.
• Mexican Breeze
  Lemonade and tequila are a natural fit. What could be a better day for a cool and tasty Mexican Breeze?
• Patrón tequila summer cocktails
  Make one, or make them all! The Patrón Pomegranate, the Patrón Pineapple, and the Patrón Grapefruit are all fresh, and easy to make. All three feature Patrón blanco and Patrón Citrónge (their orange-flavored liqueur).
   

Guac that rocks!

Appetizers

Grab a bag of chips, because here are two great dip ideas:

• Guac that rocks
  Whip up some guacamole! Great with tortilla chips or as an accompaniment to any of the main dishes below. Here are two great guacamole recipes courtesy Wilmington Food Examiner Pam George.
• Roasted Red Pepper and Mango Salsa
  If you have a food processor, this one is remarkably easy – and quick, too. If you like it so much you don’t want to use it as a dip for tortilla chips you can also use it to top some grilled salmon. (Recipe is courtesy of Food Examiner Eric Burkett.)
   

Shrimp skewers in tequila, garlic, and lime.

Main Course

Fire up the barbeque, and grab your meat, fish, shrimp, or even tofu! Meat grilled with a subtly spicy tequila grilling sauce, and tequila-lime grilled shrimp (or salmon) skewers are great alternatives to burgers and hot dogs.

• Don Juan's subtly spicy tequila grilling sauce
  Grill meat, chicken, or fish with this “subtly spicy” grilling sauce, featuring Partida tequila.
• Shrimp skewers in tequila, garlic, and lime with bell pepper and pineapple skewers recipe
  The name says it all, but note that this is also great with salmon and served with rice. (Thanks to San Jose Healthy Food Examiner Sally Slemons for this great recipe!)
   

Tequila-glazed pineapple.

Dessert

No meal is complete without dessert!

• Grilled pineapple with tequila glaze
  Pineapple has never tasted so good! Try grilling pineapple with this tequila glaze. Pile some ice cream on the top and you have the perfect dessert for your Labor Day barbeque.
   

Have a great Labor Day! And please, enjoy your tequila-themed barbeque responsibly.