Every year in America, the 4th of July is one of the biggest holidays for drink consumption. In fact, it’s the 4th highest. Coincidence? You tell us.

 

Beer is still far and away the most popular beverage to celebrate our country’s independence. But if you want to impress your house guests, or play bartender at whatever get together you’ll be at this year, here are some awesome, festive, cocktails to come prepared with!

 

Red Cocktails for 4th of July

 

Dirty Shirley Recipe 

The dirty shirley is your classic Shirley Temple with vodka added for that alcoholic kick. Simple, sweet, and about as red as it gets. Here’s how to make one:

 

  •  Fill a glass with ice
  • Add a shot of vodka and a half shot of grenadine
  • Top with lemon lime soda
  • Stir, and top with a cherry or lime for garnish

 

 

 

 

Kalimotxo Recipe 

Not an American invention (but then again, they had a big head start on the whole wine thing), the Kalimotxo comes from the Basque country of Northern Spain. If you have some red wine you’ve been meaning to use, this makes for a great red drink to enjoy on a hot summer day. 

 

  • Fill a glass with ice
  • Add equal parts red wine and cola
  • Add one dash of orange bitters
  • Garnish with an orange or lemon slice

 

 
Cape Codder 

The cape codder is to the vodka cran what the Cuba libre is to the rum and coke: add a little lime and your whole life changes. If you want to celebrate the 4th like a New Englander, this is your drink. 

 

  • Fill a glass with ice
  • Add a shot of vodka
  • Top with two shots of cranberry juice
  • Add two lime wedges, one in the drink, one for garnish

 

Bay Breeze

Picture a cape codder, but with a tropical twist. The addition of pineapple juice makes this a great summertime drink (and a little sweeter too). Here’s the recipe:

 

  • Fill a glass with ice
  • Add a shot of vodka
  • Top with two shots of cranberry juice and one shot of pineapple juice
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

 

Blue Cocktails for 4th of July 

Blue Margarita  

If the margarita is the official drink of summertime, the blue margarita ought to be the official drink of 4th of July. Tasty, classic, and electric blue, this is a cocktail that’s sure to stand out at your cookout. 

 

  • Fill a shaker with ice
  • Add 1 shot of tequila, 1 shot of lime juice, 1 ounce of blue curacao
  • Shake, and strain into a rocks glass with ice
  • Garnish with a citrus wedge

 

Tiffany Mimosa 

Starting the party early? How about a twist on the classic mimosa to match your holiday energy? Here’s the recipe we’re using this year. 

 

  • Sugar the rim of your glass (optional)
  • Fill glass halfway with lemonade
  • Add a splash of blue curacao
  • Top with champagne

Blue Kamikaze 

More of a vodka person? We’ve got you covered. The Blue Kamikaze is, as advertised, bright blue, and a refreshing option for the 4th of July. 

 

  • Fill a shaker with ice
  • Add 2 shots of vodka, 2 shots of blue curacao, and 2 shots of lime juice
  • Shake, and strain into a glass with ice
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

 

Blue Hawaii

No, not the bad Elvis movie. It’s a cocktail from the Aloha State that actually predates Hawaii’s official statehood. Ready to celebrate the 4th of July like they do on the islands? Here’s your recipe:

 

  • Add a shot of vodka, light rum, and blue curacao to a shaker full of ice
  • Add 3 shots of pineapple juice and an ounce of coconut cream
  • Shake until well-chilled (or blend with ice if you want it frozen)
  • Strain into a glass with ice and a tiny umbrella (optional)

 

 

Historical Colonial Cocktails for 4th of July

Want to drink like the Founding Fathers did? Here are some revolutionary cocktails that were popular in the early days of the United States, if you’re feeling like starting a new tradition this year!

Rattle Skull

Back in the day, it was common to mix local beer with harder alcohol to give it a little extra kick. The Rattle Skull is a great example of that. Commonly made with a porter, you can use just about any dark beer to recreate this colonial favorite. 

 

  • In a large glass, add a shot of rum, ½ shot lime juice, and 1/2 shot brown sugar syrup.
  • Top with a full porter beer and mix
  • Garnish with nutmeg or a lime wedge

 

Stone Fence

More of a fall vibe, the stone fence is a similar beer + liquor combination, this time with cider instead of a dark beer. Try it this week, and keep it in the rotation through the end of the year!

 

  • Add a shot of whiskey, rum, or brandy to a glass of ice
  • Add Angostura bitters, and top with cider
  • Mix, garnish, and enjoy!

 

Milk Punch

A favorite of Benjamin Franklin, milk punch was a popular drink among many of the colonial era. His, however, called for lemon juice instead of the classic vanilla and simple syrup combination. Here’s a simplified recipe if you want to recreate it:

 

  • Add 2 shots whole milk, 2 shots heavy cream, 2 shots brandy to a shaker
  • Add a shot of lemon juice and a dash of simple syrup
  • Shake (without ice) for 10 seconds to combine
  • Then add ice to the shaker and shake until chilled
  • Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with nutmeg

 

What will you be drinking this 4th of July? Let us know in the comments section, and we’ll add it to our roster!