The Best 4th Of July Cocktails

Independence Day is time for fireworks, family, bbqs, travel and fun!  The biggest holiday during the summer is also one of the booziest – and here are the cocktails to enjoy!

July 4th is the big holiday in the summer and people make the most of it!  Travel, bbqs, fireworks, parades all on the buffet of fun!  And the centerpiece for most is a good drink….it is the 4th booziest holiday of the year. It is also a big weekend for marijuana, but with gatherings, most people reach for something cold.  Here are the best 4th of July cocktails embracing the hot weather, tasty flavors and simple classic.

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Watermelon

Watermelon is the perfect summer fruit – crispy, flavorful and hydrating, it has been a sticky favorite for years.  This cocktail gives it a great twist for outdoor actives.  Just be careful – it can be lethal!

Ingredients

Firecracker Shots

This could be the most delicious shot to celebrate Independence Day.  A little effort will make a big splash when you arrive these taste treats!  Great to kick-off the party or an extra special dessert!

Ingredients

Create

• Squeeze the grapefruit segments into a shaker and drop in the fruit (or add fresh juice)
• Add the gin, sweet vermouth and Campari to the shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilled
• Place ice in a rocks glass and curl the grapefruit peel around the inside of the glass
• Strain into the prepared glass

Rosé Spritz

Quick, easy and delicious – this is good for small and large groups as it can be assembled on the fly.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces pink Prosecco
• 2 ounces seltzer 
• 1 ounce bitter orange liqueur, such as Aperol 
• 1/2 ounce grapefruit juice 
• 1 grapefruit twist
• Mint for garnish

Create

• Fill a white wine glass halfway with ice
• Add Prosecco, seltzer, orange liqueur and grapefruit juice and stir
• Garnish with a grapefruit twist and a sprig of mint

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Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is an All-American classic drink celebrating horse racing, morning drinking and good bourbon!  What better beverage to have at 4th of July BBQ?

Ingredients

• 8 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
• ¼ to ½ ounce simple syrup (you can make ahead)
• 2 ounces bourbon
• Crushed ice

Create

• In a julep cup or glass, muddle the mint leaves in ¼ ounce simple syrup
• Add the bourbon and fill the cup with crushed ice
• Garnish with mint

Simply Syrup

• Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat
• Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved.
• Allow to cool, place in fridge to be cocktail ready

Remember to be careful on your consumption and drink plenty of water.  Have a great Independence Day!