15 Easy Cocktails for Your 4th of July Cookout
No cookout is complete without a pitcher of sangria or a round of beer cocktails.
While you're probably spending the majority of your attention planning appetizers, mains, and snacks for the Fourth of July, we firmly believe that no cookout is complete without a cocktail or two. Our favorite go-to drinks for Independence Day are easy to scale up for a crowd, like a classic red wine sangria, or can make use of things you'll have on hand anyway (like a cooler full of beer) to create drinks like the two-ingredient Spaghett or the Dog Days of Summer Ale.
Read on to find a new favorite that's perfect for entertaining on the Fourth of July and beyond.
Blackberry Chipotle Michelada
Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Audrey Davis
Fresh blackberries take center stage in this not-so-average Michelada.
Smoky chipotle hot sauce builds heat in every sip, while freshly squeezed lime juice adds key tartness for balance.
Red Sangria
Brie Goldman / Food Styling by Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling by Sue Mitchell
This versatile, instantly recognizable party punch is one of our favorite recipes for entertaining a crowd.
We're especially partial to using red wines like Malbec and Grenache to add ripe cherry flavors and a little tannin to our sangria.
Americano
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Oset Babür-Winter
Low in alcohol but high in flavor, the Americano is a classic highball that both Negroni and spritz devotees gravitate towards.
Looking to change up your drink? Try substituting Select aperitif in place of Campari for a more herbal Americano.
Limoncello Sorbet Float
By combining the flavors of a classic French 75 with floral, tangy limoncello, you can make a cocktail that serves double duty as dessert.
For a slightly more tart float, add more lemon juice. Want a sweeter sip? Just add more limoncello.
Spaghett
Whether or not it's officially Negroni season, you likely still have a bottle or two of Campari in your home bar.
We suggest using them to make a Spaghett, a shockingly simple, crowd-pleasing beer cocktail that comes together right in the bottle.
Agua de Jamaica
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
This nonalcoholic hibiscus agua fresca is a Mexican classic that works best when the weather warms up.
Feel free to add mezcal or tequila for extra bite.
Rosé Sangria with a Mixed-Berry Ice Ring
This centerpiece-ready sangria calls for rosé wine, which most people already have on hand for the holiday.
Don't be daunted by the berry ice ring, which is easy to make once you layer berries in a bundt pan.
Kind of Blue
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
Bright red and perfect for the Fourth of July, this cocktail calls for Cappelletti, an herbal and bittersweet aperitif that's a perfect next step for Campari fans.
The Kind of Blue cocktail gets dry, salty notes from the addition of fino sherry, and while the blueberry syrup takes a bit of extra patience to make, it's a delicious way to add seasonal fruit to your cocktail game.
Aperol Fizz
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
Step aside, Aperol Spritz — there's a new bright orange drink in town, and it's got a fizzy top for extra flair.
The Aperol Fizz is a cross between the iconic summertime spritz and egg cream, and gets a little bite and structure thanks to navy strength gin and dry vermouth.
Pineapple-Sake Sangria with Jalapeño
This drink is proof that more sangria should be made with delicate, floral sake.
Spicy jalapeño syrup adds an unexpected kick to this otherwise sweet, herbaceous party punch, which is perfect for backyard barbecues and dinner parties alike.
Dog Days of Summer Ale
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
This eye-catching drink gets its bright red hue from Cherry Heering, a type of cherry cordial.
Cherry heering also adds notes of marizpan, strawberry jam, and pine to this playful beer cocktail.
Kentucky Mule
Food & Wine / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
Who says mules are just for the Kentucky Derby? This whiskey-based riff on a classic Moscow Mule is refreshing and crisp for the hottest days of July. The iconic copper mug keeps every sip cool.
Bitter Lemon Spritz
Jennifer Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Audrey Davis
This sparkling wine-based drink is perfect for beer lovers who want to indulge in a spritz this Fourth of July.
We suggest opting for an American-style lager like Miller High Life, which plays especially nicely with Averna, a richer, sweeter style of Sicilian amaro.
Spicy Paloma Shandy
Mexican lager beer takes the classic Paloma to the next level.
For extra festive flair, don't skip the Tajin rim or the ruby red grapefruit wedge, both of which add smoky, sweet, tart flavors to this simple drink.
Icy Lemon-Ginger Vodka Cocktail
Brie Goldman / Food Styling by Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling by Gabriel Greco, Addelyn Evans
Flavored ice cubes made with ginger syrup give this citrusy summer cocktail an exciting edge over your average frozen drink.
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