Independence Day Cocktails

 

Since our nation began, alcohol has been a staple of the 4th of July. On the country’s second-ever Independence Day, George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for Revolutionary War soldiers to celebrate properly. Over 250 years later, the tradition continues. 

 

Whether throwing a big party or keeping things low-key with family and friends, festive cocktails remain essential to any grand Independence Day celebration. So raise a glass to the US of A with these 4th of July-inspired drinks!

 

Firecracker

Start your celebration with a kick! This cocktail combines sweet and spicy flavors for explosive results.

 

Ingredients

·       2 1-inch-cubed watermelon chunks

·       1-½ ounces aged rum

·       ½ ounce triple sec

·       ½ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

·       ½ ounce simple syrup

·       1/6 teaspoon cayenne pepper

·       Garnish: lime wedge

 

Directions

1.     In a mixing glass, muddle the watermelon.

2.     Add remaining ingredients and ice; shake until well-chilled.

3.     Strain into a cocktail glass.

4.     Garnish with a lime wedge.

 

Bomb Pop

Have a taste of childhood nostalgia this summer! Inspired by the classic ice cream truck treat, this fruity, citrusy is a festive alternative to the usual sippers for Fourth of July parties and BBQs.

 

Ingredients

·       1 ounce grenadine

·       1 ounce citron vodka

·       1-¼ ounces blue mix*

 

Directions

1.     Add the grenadine into a highball glass over crushed ice.

2.     Add the citron vodka.

3.     Slowly and carefully layer the blue mix over the top.

 

*Blue mix: add 1/4 ounce blue curaçao to 1 ounce water; stir to combine.

 

Big Red

Chances are, you already have a fine American lager in your fridge. Why not combine it with the American icon Johnnie Walker Red Label and ginger beer for a refreshing, spicy, sweet highball?

 

Ingredients

·       2 ounces Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky

·       2 ounces Budweiser (or American lager of choice)

·       2 ounces ginger beer

 

Directions

1.     Fill a Collins glass with ice, then add the Johnnie Walker, lager and ginger beer.

2.     Stir gently to combine.

 

Cape Codder

The Pilgrims first touched down at Plymouth Rock, located on Cape Cod, so it’s only fitting to commemorate the occasion with a simple, thirst-quenching beverage.

 

Ingredients

·       1-½ ounces vodka

·       Cranberry juice, chilled, to top

·       Garnish: lime wedge

 

Directions

1.     Add the vodka into a highball glass over ice.

2.     Top with cranberry juice; stir briefly to combine.

3.     Squeeze a lime wedge over the glass; drop the remainder into the drink.

 

Red, White & Night

Red wine is no stranger to some cocktail recipes, although it is uncommon to see it mixed with vodka. However, this bright, vivid, refreshing drink is perfect for Independence Day. The measurements can easily be scaled up to create a crowd-pleasing punch.  

 

Ingredients

·       2 ounces vodka

·       2 ounces cabernet sauvignon

·       1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

·       1 ounce simple syrup

·       Garnish: 3 blueberries or black raspberries, coated in powdered sugar

 

Directions

1.     Add the vodka, cabernet sauvignon, lemon juice and simple syrup into a shaker with ice;  shake until well-chilled.

2.     Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.

3.     Garnish with 3 blueberries or black raspberries coated in powdered sugar.

 

Need help selecting the perfect spirits for your Independence Day festivities? Stop into Universal Fine Wine & Spirits today! At Universal Fine Wine & Spirits, we want to make sure you are going home with the perfect drink to complete your summer celebration, so ask away. We will be more than happy to help answer any of your questions. Come in and talk to an employee, call us at 727-937-8330, or visit our website.  

 

 

 

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Sources

https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/4th-of-july-cocktails/

https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/fourth-of-july-cocktails/