Forget the Fireworks — These Cocktails Are the Best Way to Celebrate the 4th of July
- 1/31
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.
Mike Garten - 2/31
Honeydew Margarita and Watermelon Rum Punch
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.
Mike Garten - 3/31
East Bayside Cocktail
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
Emily Kate Roemer - 4/31
Shirley Temple
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.
Mike Garten - 5/31
Beer Cocktails
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.
Danielle Occhiogrosso - 6/31
Elderflower Gin Cocktail
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.
Mike Garten - 7/31
Mary Pickford
Fruity, tropical, and not-too-sweet, this simple classic cocktail is sure to impress your guests.
Get the Mary Pickford recipe.
Mike Garten - 8/31
Passion Fruit Mai Tai
Passion fruit puree and ginger liqueur make this tropical cocktail a delicious addition to any summer party.
Get the Passion Fruit Mai Tai recipe.
Mike Garten - 9/31
Juicy Cubes
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.
Mike Garten - 10/31
Agua Fresca
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.
Mike Garten - 11/31
Cherry Simple Syrup
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.
Mike Garten - 12/31
Watermelon Keg
Cocktails feel a lot more special when served from a watermelon. Don't you think?
Get the Watermelon Keg recipe.
Mike Garten - 13/31
Strawberry Meyer Lemon Spritz
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.
Mike Garten - 14/31
Classic Fresh Lime Margarita
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.
Mike Garten - 15/31
Vanilla-Citrus-Honey Sangria
Real vanilla pods and fresh oranges give this fruity drink a sweet, fragrant flavor.
Get the Vanilla-Citrus-Honey Sangria recipe.
Mike Garten - 16/31
Ice Cream Float
Part drink, part dessert, this dessert drink is always a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Ice Cream Float recipe.
Mike Garten - 17/31
Watermelon Wine Coolers
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.
Mike Garten; Christine Albano - 18/31
Rocket Jello Shots
Look familiar? These childhood favorites have undergone a very adult makeover.
Get the Rocket Jello Shots recipe from Delish.
JOHN KOMAR - 19/31
Campari Sangria
The fruity yet bitter liqueur adds interest (and bright color!) to this simple rosé sangria.
Get the Campari Sangria recipe from Country Living.
Brian Woodcock - 20/31
Fresh Berry Lemonade
Homemade strawberry simple syrup takes this non-alcoholic drink to the next level.
Get the Fresh Berry Lemonade recipe from Woman's Day.
CEDRIC ANGELES - 21/31
Passion Fruit Cocktail
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.
club crafted - 22/31
Firecracker Berry Margarita Floats
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.
Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest - 23/31
Popsicle Cocktails
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.
Courtesy of Freutcake - 24/31
Watermelon Texas Margarita
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.
Courtesy of The Candid Appetite - 25/31
Black Raspberry Pie Milkshakes With Black Raspberry Fudge
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.
Courtesy of How Sweet It Is - 26/31
Firecracker Jell-O Cups
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.
Courtesy of Cincy Shopper - 27/31
Red, White, & Blue Boozy Slush
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.
Courtesy of Pink Heels Pink Truck - 28/31
Red, White and Blue Sparkling Blueberry Punch
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.
Courtesy of That's So Michelle - 29/31
Red, White and Blue Sangria
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.
Courtesy of Gimme Some Oven - 30/31
4th of July Fruit Ice Drinks
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.
Courtesy of Mom.me - 31/31
Red White and Blue Pina Colada
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.
Courtesy of 3 Yummy Tummies