Forget the Fireworks — These Cocktails Are the Best Way to Celebrate the 4th of July

So, you've got your smokey and savory grilling recipes, your festive 4th of July decorations, and some fun 4th of July activities to keep the kids occupied — sounds like a pretty good holiday, right? The only thing missing is a round of 4th of July drinks for sipping and sharing. From boozy slushies to colorful red, white and blue shots (plus some kid-friendly non-alcoholic options), these 4th of July cocktails will turn any celebration into a full-blown party. Happy birthday America!

Light and fruity, you can enjoy these recipes all summer long. Both the tangy honeydew margarita and the sweet watermelon rum punch are equally refreshing served separately, but together you have a warm-weather treat that will satisfy everyone's taste.

Get the recipe for Honeydew Margarita »

Get the recipe for Watermelon Rum Punch »

No party is complete without a signature drink! Bring out the shaker so you can whip up this blueberry-gin one for guests.

Get the recipe for East Bayside Cocktail »

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Dry, herbal gin and sweet, floral elderflower liqueur are just meant to be together, like the 4th of July and fireworks!

Get the recipe for Elderflower Gin Cocktail »

Passion fruit puree and ginger liqueur make this tropical cocktail a delicious addition to any summer party.

Get the recipe for Passion Fruit Mai Tai »

Make any basic vodka soda more fun with fruity ice cubes! To make, fill ice cube trays halfway with your favorite juice. Freeze (about 2 hours), then top with a second juice and freeze again. Top with club soda and your choice of alcohol.

This thirst-quenching Mexican drink is made from a combo of fruit blended with lime juice, a sweetener and water and served over ice. Pair it with an easy summer dinner to stay cool!

Get the recipe for Agua Fresca »

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Is there a better way to beat the heat? This recipe is perfect for those who like their margs on the slushy side — thicker mixtures layer better for a red, white, and blue display.

Get the recipe from Delish »

RELATED: 36 4th of July Desserts To Celebrate in the Sweetest Possible Way

Add a tablespoon or two of this sweet-tart elixir to a simple glass of lemonade to turn it into something special.

Get the recipe for Cherry Simple Syrup »

Cocktails feel a lot more special when served from a watermelon. Don't you think?

Get the recipe for Watermelon Keg »

The secret behind this colorful cocktail is raspberry and blue raspberry syrup — the recipe also calls for pineapple vodka, but you can replace that with soda or seltzer for a family friendly alternative.

Get the recipe from Communikait »

Made with a bottle of sparkling wine, this cocktail embraces the celebratory spirit. It's the perfect light sipper for a day of grilling.

Get the recipe for Strawberry Meyer Lemon Spritz »

Real vanilla pods and fresh oranges give this fruity drink a sweet, fragrant flavor.

Get the recipe for Vanilla-Citrus-Honey Sangria »

There's no artificial sugar necessary for this sweet and tart passion fruit mixed drink. Red, white, and blue straws aren't included in the recipe — but personally, we think they're too cute to go without,

Get the recipe from Club Crafted »

Nothing says summer like a fresh margarita made with top-notch tequila — whip up a pitcher of this classic version to keep the party going.

Get the recipe for Classic Fresh Lime Margarita »

Part drink, part dessert, this dessert drink is always a crowd-pleaser!

Get the recipe for Ice Cream Float »

Look familiar? These childhood favorites have undergone a very adult makeover.

Get the recipe from Delish »

Prove you're proud to be an American by blending up this boozy milkshake. The patriotic fruit skewers really take it to the next level and make for great snacking.

Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest »

The fruity yet bitter liqueur adds interest (and bright color!) to this simple rosé sangria.

Get the recipe from Country Living »

RELATED: 24 Best Sangria Recipes to Sip All Summer Long

Nothing says "America" like an ice-cold can of beer. That's why we're incorporating a few cold ones into a festive, fruity cocktail.

Get the recipe from The Candid Appetite »

Homemade strawberry simple syrup takes this non-alcoholic drink to the next level.

Get the recipe from Woman's Day »

Stock up on popsicles and bubbly so you can enjoy this effortless, celebratory drink at a moment's notice.

Get the recipe from Freutcake »

Throw a piece of pie into the blender to create a frothy drink that's as American as well, you know. To make it boozy, add a splash of bourbon.

Get the recipe from How Sweet It Is »

Who knew patriotism could fit into such a small cup? Add some vodka to each layer to turn the kid-friendly snack into a grown-ups-only shot.

Get the recipe from Cincy Shopper »

Because this lemonade slushy is semi-frozen, it's much easier to layer each color on top of the other than you'd think.

Get the recipe from Pink Heels, Pink Truck »

Show your support for the USA with this fizzy patriotic punch.

Get the recipe from That's So Michelle »

Chocolate-covered strawberries are nice and all, but have you ever soaked 'em in booze?

Get the recipe from Frosting and a Smile »

When the calendar says July 4th, pull out all the stops by packing a pitcher of sangria with strawberries, blueberries and star-shaped apple slices.

Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven »

These berry ice cubes can make even a glass of water look festive. Of course, they work beautifully with sangria and vodka tonics too.

Get the recipe from Mom.me »

Sprinkle Pop Rocks on top right before serving to give the fireworks show a serious run for its money.

Get the recipe from Elle Talk »

We're spiking the summer staple with frozen berries and Blue Curacao. Have one-too-many and you may just see stars.

Get the recipe from 3 Yummy Tummies »