July Fourth Is a Celebration, So Put One of These Drinks in Your Hand
Independence Day is all about relaxing. You get the whole day to just hang around the back yard, (or the lake house, or the campground) and celebrate America's birthday with some grilled food, good music, and good times.
What better way to relax than with a Fourth of July cocktail or drink in your hand? These celebratory party drinks are pure pleasure, too. Many are batch drinks, or easy to scale (so you can bring your friends) and all are absolutely delicious. From a red, white, and blue Firecracker Sangria to smart takes on margaritas—and plenty of ways to use watermelon—these drinks are as refreshing and tasty as they come!
Firecracker Sangria
This all-day sipper is perfect for cookouts, barbecues, and, of course, your Fourth of July celebration.
Get the recipe for Firecracker Sangria.
Paloma Cocktail
This classic Mexican mixer—just tequila and grapefruit soda—is everything you want in a summer drink: easy to make, easy to drink, and very refreshing.
Get the recipe for Paloma Cocktail.
Sailor's Warning Cocktail
This fun take on the classic Tequila Sunrise recalls that old adage about sailors being wary of red skies at dawn. And we'd concur: This is definitely a better drink for the evening hours.
Get the recipe for Sailor's Warning Cocktail.
Watermelon Amaro Pops
Who says a cocktail has to be liquid? These adults-only juice pops make for the ideal Fourth of July digestif.
Get the recipe for Watermelon Amaro Pops.
Whiskey River Cocktail
A good July 4th party is all about the music, and this cocktail gets its name from one of our favorite summer country songs, Willie Nelson's "Whiskey River." It's a drink that won't run dry on you.
Get the recipe for Whiskey River Cocktail.
Grilled Orange Old-Fashioned
For those who like their cocktails a little stiffer, try this upgrade to an old-fashioned. Keep the grill hot to caramelize some orange slices, toast a marshmallow or two, and you're good to go!
Get the recipe for Grilled Orange Old-Fashioned.
The Sunflower Cocktail
If gin's your thing there may be no better way to toast the endless days than with this sunny concoction.
Get the recipe for The Sunflower Cocktail.
Cucumber and Mint Lemonade with Tequila
Lemonade, that summer staple, is already far better when made with fresh lemons. Cucumber and mint take it up a notch by adding herbal deliciousness, while your favorite spicy tequila stiffens it into the ideal summer sipper. Mix up a double batch of this easy drink for your Fourth of July buffet!
Get the recipe for Cucumber and Mint Lemonade with Tequila.
Rancharita Cocktail
The ratio for this understated but elegant cocktail—two parts tequila to one part each cointreau, blood orange juice, and lime juice—is easy to scale for parties large or small. The flavor is absolutely stunning, and with a gorgeous ruby hue, this elixir can be the red in a red, white, and blue scheme.
Get the recipe for Rancharita Cocktail.
Pink Grapefruit Margaritas
There's a reason margaritas are such a classic drink. The balance is nearly perfect, and there's nothing better on a hot day. Balancing the tart lime with sweet, complex grapefruit juice only heightens their appeal.
Get the recipe for Pink Grapefruit Margaritas.
Fish House Punch
This iced-tea upgrade is great as a July Fourth tipple, or just for any time you're relaxing and want a summer sipper with a bit of a kick.
Get the recipe for Fish House Punch.
Mezcal Negroni
What better drink to pair with fireworks than a stiff, smoky, brightly-colored nightcap?
Get the recipe for Mezcal Negroni.
Spicy Watermelon Cocktail
This refreshing, spicy take on a margarita is like summer in a glass. A hollowed-out watermelon used as a serving pitcher will take your Fourth of July drinks table to the next level.
Get the recipe for Spicy Watermelon Cocktail.
Spicy Michelada
July 4th cookouts are usually the provenance of beer, so what better than a Michelada? It's like a low ABV Bloody Mary, so you can keep sipping all afternoon.
Get the recipe for Spicy Michelada.
The Old Man and the Sea Cocktail
A twist on the classic Hemingway Daiquiri, This stiff rum-based drink boasts a splash of coconut water and a tiny pinch of sea salt, making it the perfect cocktail for toasting to summer.
Get the recipe for The Old Man and the Sea Cocktail.
Fresh Mint and Lemon Iced Tea (Nonalcoholic)
Give your July 4th lemonade a pick-up from some backyard mint. It's perfect for the whole fam as-is, or you can adult-up a glass with a splash of dry gin.
Get the recipe for Fresh Mint and Lemon Iced Tea.
Strawberry-Lemonade Punch (Nonalcoholic)
Maple syrup and fresh in-season strawberries sweeten this perfect-for-the-party punch. For a special Fourth of July garnish, decorate the glasses by cutting slices of watermelon or honeydew with a star-shaped cookie cutter.
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Lemonade Punch.
Spring Bouquet Cocktail
Take a delicious cocktail over the top with a garnish of a mini bouquet of fresh edible flowers.
Get the recipe for Spring Bouquet Cocktail.
Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler
Fizzy rosé gets an upgrade with a heaping helping of fresh raspberries and fresh lemon juice. Seasonal sipping has never been better!
Get the recipe for Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler.
Sparkling Lavender Cocktail
All things lavender go into making this oh-so sophisticated sparkling wine cocktail.
Get the recipe for Sparkling Lavender Cocktail.
Old-Fashioned Lemonade (Nonalcoholic)
As easy as 1, 2, 3—sugar, fresh lemon juice, and water—are all it takes to whip up a batch of good 'ole fashioned lemonade. Add vodka or gin for an adult kick.
Get the recipe for Old-Fashioned Lemonade.
Mint Tulip Cocktail
Blush-colored pink cranberry juice and citrus-infused vodka are combined in a simple and oh-so-refreshing and perfect-for-summer punch.
Get the recipe for Mint Tulip Cocktail.
Lillet Spritz
Three ingredients (four if you count the optional edible flowers) are all it takes to create this wine based spritz. We substituted Lillet ( a sweet aromatised French wine) for the classic Aperol or Campari.
Get the recipe for Lillet Spritz.
Grapefruit Ranch Water
This twist on the classic ranch water (essentially a highball) is spiced with thin slices of jalapeño, tarted-up fresh pink grapefruit juice, and seasoned with a salted rim. Happy 4th, y'all!
Get the recipe for Grapefruit Ranch Water.
Low-Sugar Margaritas
Sweetened with agave instead of triple sec, you can sip on these lower-calories margaritas all day and all night!
Get the recipe for Low-Sugar Margaritas.
Dogwood Punch
A bottle of your favorite rosé acts a the base for this light and refreshing punch. Mixed with strawberry lemonade, grenadine, and fresh fruit it's the perfect party sipper.
Get the recipe for Dogwood Punch.
Honeyed Cherry Daiquiri
Fresh cherries get shaken with light rum, lime juice, and a hint of maraschino liqueur (a cherry-based liqueur) for a refreshing, light drink you are sure to make all cherry season long.
Get the recipe for Honeyed Cherry Daiquiri.
Campari Sangria
This sophisticated sangria has a hint of bitterness from Campari and fresh citrus and a touch of sweetness from honey and fresh fruit. Guests with ladle themselves glass after glass.
Get the recipe for Campari Sangria.
Bee's Knees Shandy
This double threat—it has beer and gin—gets a little tang from fresh lemon juice and a hint of sweetness from honey.
Get the recipe for Bee's Knees Shandy.
Cranberry-Basil Spritzer (Nonalcoholic)
If you think cranberries only have one season, you need to try this cool refresher on a hot summer day, when the tart sweetness really is next-level delicious.
Get the recipe for Cranberry-Basil Spritzer.
Blackberry Jam Cocktails
Jam in a cocktail, now that's a novel idea! Sub vodka or even bourbon for the gin and garnish with fresh blackberries if available.
Get the recipe for Blackberry Jam Cocktails.
Apricot Sparkler
Whip up this bright and pretty Proseco sparkler in under 5 minutes! You'll have more time to celebrate!
Get the recipe for Apricot Sparkler.
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