The days are longer, the temperature is higher and Independence Day is upon us once again, but as you get ready to celebrate, I have a couple Fourth of July cocktails you’re sure to enjoy.
Certainly the efforts of our forefathers are worth more than cheap keg beer or punch served in disposable cups, so I invite you to create a few fireworks of your own with a couple of my favorite patriotic drinks.
Fireworks Fizz
Before the evening’s pyrotechnics begin, I suggest creating a little bang of your own citrusy tequila concoction known as the Fireworks fizz. July is hotter than Olivia Wilde and my lips are parched. This 4th of July cocktail surely offers a cure.
Fresh strawberries, crisp tequila, lemon, soda and a touch of simple syrup make for a delicious version of this classic cocktail. Interestingly enough, the Fizz cocktail first appeared in the late 19th Century and the Fireworks Fizz creates the perfect zip on the tongue that all Fourth of July cocktails should have.
Bang! Pop! Boom! Our first drink has created an explosion of flavor waiting to be enjoyed.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ Parts Hornitos Plata Tequila
- 2 Fresh Strawberries
- ½ Part Lemon Juice
- ½ Part Simple Syrup
- Splash of Soda
Preparation
- Muddle one strawberry
- Combine Tequila, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup and Ice in a Cocktail Shaker
- Shake Vigorously
- Strain Over Fresh Ice
- Add a Splash of Seltzer
- Garnish with a Fresh Strawberry.
Blueberry Coconut Sparkler
The warmer weather of early summer invites tropical flavor and this is one patriotic sparkler that will bring a bit of the islands to our distinctively American celebration. Naturally blue drinks are pretty tough to come by, but this patriotic cocktail uses macerated blueberries to add color and flavor to what will become a favorite tropically inspired drink. Oh and absitively, posolutely garnish that rim with coconut flakes!
Ingredients
- 3 C. Fresh Blueberries
- 3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Coconut Rum
- 2 1/2 C. Ginger Ale
- Ice
- Coconut Flakes (optional garnish)
Preparation
- In a Medium Bowl, Muddle the Blueberries
- Add Lemon Juice and Rum
- Stir Until Well Combined
- Strain Using a Fine Mesh Strainer; Discard Skins
- Combine Mixture with Ginger Ale; Gently Stir
- Garnish the Glass Rims with Coconut (Optional)
- Serve Over Ice
Yield: Approximately Six 4 oz. Servings
Happy Fourth of July!
Independence Day is a time to celebrate history and enjoy friends and family, so raise a glass with one (or both) of these tasty Fourth of July cocktails!
Enjoy a great holiday.
