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

So, you've got your smoky 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? Now all you need is a round of 4th of July drinks for sipping and sharing during the summer months. From boozy slushies to colorful red, white and blue shots (plus some kid-friendly non-alcoholic options), these 4th of July beverages will turn any celebration into a full-blown party.

While waiting for the grill to heat up, cool off with refreshing summer cocktails that were made to be sipped in the sun. Whatever your go-to poolside drink is, we’ve got a recipe for you. Looking to wow your guests? Choose one of our classic cocktails like our Mary Pickford or East Bayside for a fancy (but easy) drink sure to standout. Want to celebrate summer staples? Look no further than our fresh margaritas, fruit-forward cocktails (we’re looking at you, watermelon cocktails) and new takes on lemonade.

Don’t worry — the kids can have fun, too! Whip up one of our non-alcoholic milkshakes, ice cream floats, or delicious mocktails so the whole fam can ‘cheers’ together. Happy birthday America! Let the celebrations begin.

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 Honeydew Margarita recipe.

Get the Watermelon Rum Punch recipe.

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

Get the East Bayside Cocktail recipe.

RELATED: 60 Genius Summer Party Ideas That Make Outdoor Entertaining a Breeze

You can't beat a classic! Serve up this sweet cherry and lime mocktail for a kid-friendly drink made for sippin' in the sun.

Get the Shirley Temple recipe.

Quick and easy, these fun variations are perfect for party planning: Simply mix up your cocktail, refrigerate, then top with your ice-cold brew when ready to serve.

Get the Beer Cocktails recipes.

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

Get the Elderflower Gin Cocktail recipe.

Fruity, tropical, and not-too-sweet, this simple classic cocktail is sure to impress your guests.

Get the Mary Pickford recipe.

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

Get the Passion Fruit Mai Tai recipe.

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 Agua Fresca recipe.

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

Get the Cherry Simple Syrup recipe.

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

Get the Watermelon Keg recipe.

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 Strawberry Meyer Lemon Spritz recipe.

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 Classic Fresh Lime Margarita recipe.

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

Get the Vanilla-Citrus-Honey Sangria recipe.

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

Get the Ice Cream Float recipe.

Watermelon fans, this one's for you! Sweeten up your celebration with this watermelon, wine and seltzer cooler, garnished with fresh fruit.

Get the Watermelon Wine Coolers recipe.

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

Get the Rocket Jello Shots recipe from Delish.

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

Get the Campari Sangria recipe from Country Living.

RELATED: 24 Best Sangria Recipes to Sip All Summer Long

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

Get the Fresh Berry Lemonade recipe from Woman's Day.

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 Passion Fruit Cocktail recipe from Club Crafted.

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 Firecracker Berry Margarita Floats recipe from Half Baked Harvest.

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

Get the Popsicle Cocktails recipe from Freutcake.

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 Watermelon Texas Margarita recipe from The Candid Appetite.

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 Black Raspberry Pie Milkshakes With Black Raspberry Fudge 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 Firecracker Jell-O Cups 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 Red, White, & Blue Boozy Slush recipe from Pink Heels, Pink Truck.

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

Get the Red, White and Blue Sparkling Blueberry Punch recipe from That's So Michelle.

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 Red, White and Blue Sangria 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 4th of July Fruit Ice Drinks recipe from Mom.me.

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

Get the Red White and Blue Pina Colada recipe from 3 Yummy Tummies.