Nikole Stewart
This 4th of July is a big deal, as we’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. This milestone might be obvious for many, as more firework stands have popped up around towns, and a lot more signs indicating this crucial achievement have decorated stores. So instead of planning out your good menu, why not make it count by planning the best 4th of July cocktails this year too?
7. Patriotic Jello Shots
Whether you’re hosting a giant party at the house, or planning a floating trip on the river, and need quick, easy shots to keep the party going. Just grab strawberry and berry blue Jello packets, along with unflavored gelatin, plus condensed milk and vodka. Make the strawberry Jell-O packs, and once the Jell-O dissolves, add a cup of vodka per box. Once cooled for a bit, pour them into your cups. After the strawberry sets, start on your “white” layer with the unflavored gelatin and sweetened condensed milk. Once that cools, pour into the cups to create another layer. Then, do the final layer with the blueberry Jell-O.
6. USA Lemonade
There’s really nothing more patriotic than alcohol and fireworks. And by that we mean safely sitting in the back with a nice drink while someone sober takes care of the fireworks display. And what better way to watch fireworks than with a buzzy lemonade? And why not make it fancy with this layered option that shows off our lovely colors? In a class, pour blue curaçao at the bottom. Add a layer of ice, then pour sparkling lemonade on the back of a spoon gently to create the layer of “white”. Lastly, add vodka and tart cherry juice in a shaker and mix, then pour over your other layers on the back of a spoon. This iconic drink is not only impressive to look at, but it’s tasty and easy to make.
5. Red, White, and Blue Daiquiris
There’s no better way to celebrate this milestone year than with a red, white, and blue daiquiri. It takes a bit of work because of the layering, but it’s well worth it to show your love for the holiday. First, start by making your “white” layer with rum, simple syrup, lime juice, and ice in a blender. Pour half of that into a container, then freeze. While that’s chilling, add strawberries to your blender with the rest of the daiquiri mix until smooth. Then layer. Add fresh blueberries on top to get the perfect red, white, and blue layers.
4. Stars and Stripes Sangria
This festive-looking drink is the perfect 4th of July cocktail to make this year. You can easily make a few pitchers of this and keep it chilled in the fridge, ready to go. All you need is to grab a bottle of wine, either red or white, though white offers a dazzling aesthetic. Then, add fresh blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and other delicious fruits in a red or blue color. Add sparkling water, preferably with a lemon flavor, and low-sugar lemonade. This fizzy drink is the perfect treat to celebrate the 4th.
3. Blue Lagoon
Another really easy, yet impressive and delicious 4th of July cocktail is a blue lagoon. Plus, if you combine the base drink with its vibrant blue colors, plus the toppings of pineapple and cherry, you do get sort of a red, white, and blue theme going. All you need is to add vodka and blue curaçao in a tall glass with ice. Top with lemonade, and stir gently before garnishing with a lemon or pineapple chunk and a cherry.
2. Ranch Water
Ranch Water might sound like a silly name for a cocktail, but it’s truly one of the best 4th of July cocktails to make this year. It’s also incredibly easy to make if you just want to keep the ingredients on standby and let your guests help themselves. All you need is tequila, fresh lime juice, and some sparkling mineral water, like Top Chico. The recipe from Love and Lemons is the way to go, as they also offer a wide range of things to add to spice things up, like adding jalapeno slices, or adding a rim coat of either salt or even Tajin.
1. Strawberry Margaritas
It might not look as fancy as the previous ones, but you can never go wrong with a margarita. These classic cocktails pair well with so many dishes and sides, and you can even have various flavors, though strawberry is easily the way to go. All you need is a blender, and fill it with strawberries, tequila, Cointreau or triple sec, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and ice. Not only is it easy to whip up right away, but you can easily keep a batch going throughout the night to keep the party going.