Fourth of July Cocktails

This Fourth of July, raise a glass to freedom with these patriotic cocktails that will add a burst of flavor to your festivities. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or lounging by the pool, these red, white, and blue libations are sure to impress your guests.

1. Red, White, and Blue Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup sliced apples
• 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine
• 1 cup sparkling water
• 1/4 cup berry-flavored liqueur

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, layer the strawberries, blueberries, and sliced apples.
2. Pour white wine over the fruit until the pitcher is about halfway full.
3. Add a splash of sparkling water and a generous pour of berry-flavored liqueur.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with additional berries, if desired.

2. Firecracker Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz triple sec
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz agave syrup
• Jalapeño slices
• Chili salt, for rimming
• Lime slice and jalapeño wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle a few slices of jalapeño.
2. Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass rimmed with chili salt.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime and a jalapeño wheel.

 3. Star-Spangled Spritzer

Ingredients:

• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 2 oz white rum
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• Club soda

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle fresh mint leaves with blueberries.
2. Add ice to the glass.
3. Pour in white rum and lime juice.
4. Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint and additional blueberries.

 4. Liberty Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 3 cups water
• Grenadine
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine lemon juice, simple syrup, and water.
2. Add a splash of grenadine for color and sweetness.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices.

 5. American Dream Punch

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup blue curaçao
• 3 cups pineapple juice
• Sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
• Sparkling wine

Instructions:

1. In a punch bowl, combine vodka, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice.
2. Add sliced strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to the bowl.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Just before serving, top with sparkling wine.
5. Ladle into glasses filled with ice and garnish with additional berries.

 

Mix up these vibrant concoctions and toast to the land of the free and the home of the brave. Happy Fourth of July!