July 4th means fireworks, BBQs, and festive drinks! We spoke to two experts to bring you some of the very best and fun drink recipes for the 4th of July to enjoy this Independence Day. Cheers!
Drink Recipes for the 4th of July from Simeon Priest, Founder of Equal Parts Cocktail Company
GINDEPENDENCE DAY
Priest’s take on the classic gin & tonic.
In a cocktail shaker, add:
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon or lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup*
- 1.5 oz coconut water
- 2 oz London dry gin
- Add plenty of ice and cap securely
- Shake for 5-10 seconds
- Strain into wine glass over ice
- Garnish with fresh lemon or lime wheels & edible flowers
- Enjoy!
*Simple syrup. It really is simple, too. Equal parts of water and sugar. “I’d take a cup of sugar and a cup of water (this will be enough for a handful of cocktails) and heat gently on the stove just enough to dissolve the sugar, and then jar it up and toss in the fridge. Don’t simmer too long, or you’ll lose too much water to evaporation,” advises Priest.
BLUEBERRY SPARKLER
Add the colors of the holiday for a festive drink that is as attractive as it is delicious.
In a cocktail shaker, add:
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz blueberry tea-infused vodka** (or another herbal fruit tea)
- Add plenty of ice and cap securely
- Shake for 5-10 seconds
- Add 2 oz seltzer water to shaker
- Strain into ice-filled collins glass
- Garnish with fresh blueberries (or fruit that accompanies the tea used) & slice of lemon
- Enjoy!
**To make the fruit tea-infused vodka, add one teabag to 0.5 cups of vodka (enough for two cocktails). Steep for 10 minutes before removing the tea bag. Feel free to scale this recipe up to make enough infusion for a party, or to always have handy. Tea infused vodka can be bottled and saved indefinitely.
Drink Recipes for the 4th of July from Carlos Massaquoi, Director of Bar at A’BriTin and Hitch & Sip
GIN AND TONIC
“Refreshing, bubbly and floral, the Gin and Tonic is a classic summer cocktail. Mix Hendrick’s Cucumber Gin with fresh sliced cucumbers and mint into a round wine glass to create a cocktail that will say “relax and stay awhile” says Massaquoi.
- Fill glass with ice
- Pour in 1.5 oz Gin (your favorite gin)
- Add fresh sliced cucumbers
- Fill to rim with tonic
- Stir to mix
- Garnish with cucumber and mint leaves
VODKA STRAWBERRY LEMONADE
“Sweet and tart, the Vodka lemonade is an essential summer cocktail. Add fresh-picked strawberries into a cocktail glass and you will create a drink that is delicious and Instagram ready.”
- Add simple syrup to glass
- Muddle 2 fresh strawberries
- Fill glass with ice
- Pour in 1.5 oz of Vodka
- Add fresh lime juice
- Stir to mix
- Garnish with lime wheel and strawberry
JALAPEÑO MARGARITA
For those of you who prefer a little spicy fun in their cocktails, Carlos recommends, “Tequila drinks are the definition of beach and fun, so grab your margarita glass and let’s party!”
- Rim margarita glass with salt
- Fill glass with ice
- Pour in 1.5 oz tequila blanco
- Pour in .5 oz triple sec
- Toss in a few fresh sliced jalapeños
- Add 2 oz fresh lime juice
- Add simple syrup (add more for sweeter taste)
- Pour in 2 oz soda water
- Stir to mix
- Garnish with lime wheel
LAKESIDE BLUE
“Summer is the perfect time to visit your neighboring lakes and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Lakeside Blue is a rum cocktail that allows you to escape to the tropics as you lay on your hammock at the cabin.” says Massaquoi.
- Fill glass with ice
- Pour in 1.5 oz white rum
- Pour in .5 oz blue curaçao
- Fill to rim with pineapple juice
- Garnish with pineapple and lemon wedge
HONEY SOUR
Perfect for whiskey lovers, the Honey Sour is an iconic craft cocktail to sip while snuggled in front of a bonfire this summer. Smoky, sweet, and tart flavors will capture your taste buds.
- Fill low ball glass with ice
- Pour in 1.5 oz whiskey
- Add 2 oz lemon juice
- Add honey simple syrup (add more for sweeter taste)
- Toss in a few lemon zests
- Garnish with lemon wheel or twist
We hope you enjoyed these amazing drink recipes for the 4th of July! For more red, white, and blue inspo, check out these ways you can have fireworks at your wedding!
