Booze Pairings For Your Favorite 4th Of July Songs

Along with celebrating the birth of our great nation, the Fourth of July is also a time for swimsuits, BBQs, and enjoying all of our Constitutional freedoms. But what would any Independence Day party be without red, white, and blue booze and America-centric songs? That's why, in honor of the holiday, I have come up with Fourth of July songs paired with alcohol to ensure maximum patriotic tipsiness.

There is a short list of patriotic songs celebrating 'Murica that usually play at every single Fourth of July celebration year after year. Old favorites like Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” will never stop being played, and new additions like Rihanna’s “American Oxygen” will breathe some life into your holiday playlist. And seriously, if you do not know all of the correct words to our national anthem by now, you need to rectify that immediately, because you are a grown-ass adult. But the important question is: what should you drink while enjoying this loop of songs?

My suggestion is, pick a favorite song, and rock that corresponding drink all night long. Every time the song comes around on your speakers, you can raise that drink high, and know you’re doing your country proud. By getting drunk.

But, obviously, drink responsibly, and enjoy all that Fourth of July has to offer.

1. "The Star-Spangled Banner" — A Red, White, and Blue Cocktail

Let's start off with the star of every Fourth of July celebration playlist — our national anthem. Let's all do our patriotic duty by drinking down a festive red, white, and blue cocktail while we pretend not to get choked up during the "Star-Spangled Banner."

2. Johnny Cash's “Ragged Old Flag” — Johnny Walker Black

Obviously, Johnny Cash calls for some Johnny Walker. This is a poem/song written by Johnny himself, and it's honest and real, and isn't a song for beer pong. This is a song for sipping a tumbler of whiskey — black label for the Man in Black, of course — thinking about what an incredibly great, if not flawed, country we live in.

3. Ray Charles' "America the Beautiful" — Georgia Peach

Honor Ray Charles' gorgeous rendition of "America the Beautiful" by honoring his home state of Georgia. The peachy taste (and frozen chill) of a Georgia Peach will be fantastic during the hot July 4th day. This is also a drink you could make on your own, with either schnapps or vodka.

4. Lenny Kravitz's "American Woman" — Skip and Go Naked

Word of warning: a couple of these drinks, and you will be on your ass. Seriously, there is a lot of booze in this bad boy. This drink is also nicknamed the "Pink Panty Dropper," and if Lenny Kravitz isn't a panty dropper I don't know what is.

5. Rihanna's "America Oxygen" — Jameson and Ginger Ale

Rihanna's favorite drink happens to be a Jameson and ginger ale, and I think it's appropriate for this song. The Barbados native and her drink of choice actually have something in common, considering Jameson originates from Ireland, and ginger ale is distinctly Canada. America is a land of immigrants, and that's something to be celebrate.

6. Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A." — Miller High Life

As someone who actually enjoys drinking beer, I would usually never recommend something like Miller High Life — but it's just so Bruce Springsteen. His Jersey roots and American bravado pairs perfectly with the familiar look and taste of Miller's famous draft.

7. Kanye West and Jay Z's "Made in America" — Champagne

Jay Z added booze to his list of entrepreneur endeavorers in 2014, but I probably would have paired this Jay and Kayne song with champagne anyway. I mean, what else would they be drinking whilst celebrating Independence Day on their yachts, or doing whatever rich and famous people do?

8. Tom Petty's "American Girl" — Reverend Nat's Hard Cider

There are few things more wholesome seeming than an All-American girl — and one of them is apple pie. I've just recently grown to enjoy ciders, and the crisp, refreshing bite of the Washington apples is great on a warm day. Plus, this is basically like fruit, so it's almost good for you.

9. Brad Paisley's "American Saturday Night" — Mint Julep Margarita

Brad Paisley knows how good margaritas taste in the summer (and any time), but let's touch on his country ties by adding the flavors of the mint julep. This drink is going to be boozy and refreshing as hell on Fourth of July.

10. Miley Cyrus' "Party in the U.S.A." — Wine Cooler

The first thing most people ever get seriously drunk on is a fruity wine cooler, so I think it's a fitting drink to toast Miley's more innocent days. It's cold and it tastes good, and you'll be drunk by the time the fireworks start.

Image: Fotolia; Giphy