Life

19 Red, White, And Blue 4th Of July Drink Ideas

by Dacy Knight

America's birthday is right around the corner, so it's time to fan out that patriotic bunting, wave those Stars and Stripes high, don your best red, white, and blue, and party like it's 1776. If you're hosting your own Fourth of July celebration this year, throw a party that would make Uncle Sam proud. You can start by treating your party-goers to a glorious lineup of red, white, and blue drinks, because it doesn't get much more patriotic than that.

Wherever you're getting in the Independence Day spirit — on the beach, on a roof, or in your own backyard — make sure to keep guests cool and refreshed from the time the first round of hotdogs hit the grill to when fireworks light up the night sky. In addition to a couple coolers of some requisite American beers, do your country proud by giving guests a spirited lineup of libations that bleed red, white, and blue. When drinks are in order, serve up spirits that would have made our forefathers thirsty, like starry red and blue wine sparklers and boozy blueberry ice cream floats. Keep the younger set of guests satiated as well, with non-alcoholic options like red, white, and blue striped coconut slushies and the backyard barbecue favorite, watermelon juice. Leave guests starry-eyed with layered drinks in our flag's colors or monochrome mixes that pack a patriotic punch. Cheers to a festive Fourth!

1. Red, White, and Blue Layered Mocktails

Wow with these beautiful kid-friendly mocktails by Brown Eyed Baker that proudy boast America's red, white, and blue.

2. Red, White, and Blue Berry Coconut Slushies

These fruit-packed berry and coconut slushies are a healthy way to cool off on the holiday. Recipe creator Kitchen Confidante says you can even add booze "to make it more festive" and recommends a splash of vodka or tequila.

3. Fourth of July Wine Sparklers

Between the gorgeous fruit garnishes — star-shaped watermelon cutouts paired with rich blue blueberries — and the firecracker sparkle of the spritzer, these wine cocktails from The Kitchn are the pitcher perfect definition of patriotic flair.

4. Cherry Whiskey Smash Cocktails

Go bold with red serving up these tart cherry whiskey smash cocktails by How Sweet It Is, ready to cool you down while also heating things up.

5. Aviation Cocktail

Get retro with these old fashioned gin-based aviation cocktails by Jelly Toast Blog. The classic cocktail stuns in a gorgeous sky blue that is every bit ready for America's birthday when garnished with a bright red cherry.

6. Boozy Blueberry Floats

It doesn't get more classically American than a good old float, but for the Fourth kick things up a notch with this boozy variation by Foodie Crush that swaps out root beer for blueberries and vodka. Even with the new "adult sensibility" the sentiment is still there: "sit back and enjoy a sweet treat to beat the summertime heat."

7. Toasted Coconut Strawberry Tequila Cocktail

For a change of pace, serve up this tequila cocktail by Pass The Sushi that thrills the palate with flavors of toasted coconut and strawberry.

8. Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade

Cool off with this blueberry-packed sparkling summer lemonade by The Little Epicurean made to combat that July heat. If you can't resist, add a couple ounces of vodka or whiskey for an added kick.

9. Watermelon Juice

Every summer barbecue requires watermelon, and what better way to cool off with it than with fresh watermelon juice? Follow the simple steps from Cookie & Kate to get your hydrating fix, and add a squeeze of lime "for that extra zing."

10. Easy Berry Sangria

With just five minutes prep time you can serve up these mason jar sangrias by Damn Delicious that are jam packed with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, and ready to sip.

11. Red, White, and Blue Berry Sorbet Floats

Kitchen Confidante serves up another float idea that cools things off by way of sorbet.

12. Blueberry Mimosa

Upgrade this summer brunch staple with the added sweetness of fresh fruit following this recipe from What's Cooking Love. If kiddos are around and want in on the action, swap out the champagne for sparkling cider.

13. Red, White, and Blue Mocktail

Here's another layered mocktail perfectly striped with red, white, and blue. The Merrythought uses raspberries, blueberries, and lots of ice to achieve the patriotic layers, and the results are more like super refreshing berry-infused water.

14. Blueberry Mint Juleps

Recipe creator How Sweet It Is says this drink is the answer to anyone who's been faced with the difficult decision of choosing between margaritas and bourbon. This summery julep hits both those cravings, cooling you off as the perfect adult beverage.

15. Inaugural Cheer Cocktail

Have a toast and say, "Happy Birthday, America!" with these chic layered cocktails by The Kitchn, best served in a champagne flute.

16. Blueberry Rum Smash

You can't go wrong when combining rum with blueberries, lemon, brown sugar, and ginger ale. Mix up some magic following instructions by The Kitchn and get ready for a sweet surprise.

17. Bomb Pop Shots

Let A Beautiful Mess help you give a decidedly adult remix to your favorite childhood popsicle of yesteryear (most often called Bomb Pops or Fire Cracker Popsicles) and toss back these patriotic bomb pop shots.

18. Blueberry Lavender Lemonade

You can never have too much lemonade at your Independence Day bash, so try this rendition by Cookie & Kate, which combines freshly squeezed lemonade with blueberry and lavender, and is spiked with vodka.

19. Red, White, and Blue Sangria

Round out your summer cookout with this deliciously refreshing sangria number by My Baking Addiction that's ready to quench July-level thirst.

Images: A Beautiful Mess, Brown Eyed Baker, Kitchen Confidante (2), The Kitchn (3), How Sweet It Is (2), Jelly Toast Blog, Foodie Crush, Pass The Sushi, The Little Epicurean, Cookie & Kate (2), Damn Delicious, What's Cooking Love, The Merrythought, My Baking Addiction