FIVE SIMPLE 4TH OF JULY DRINKS YOU AND YOUR PARTY WILL LOVE
Every year, we get together and have a birthday for the greatest country ever formed: the United States of America. It happens in July, maybe you’ve heard of it? But what’s a party without a phenomenal drink menu? You should always be responsible, and it’s also great for everyone to have nonalcoholic alternatives, but without drinks, how can it really be a party? There are a million places that can give you some red, white, and blue drinks (we’ll even get to those), but if you’re hosting or just looking for a libation yourself and really want to sip and savor, we have the best list of 4th of July drinks that will please your palette. Related read: 33 of the Best 4th of July Ideas for 2023 - Food, Cocktails, Decor, & More!
Five 4th of July Drinks to Get You Star Spangled
Hot dogs, burgers, and fireworks light up the sky. It’s a celebration unlike any other and a fitting tribute to the land of the free and the home of the brave. But let’s be honest, it doesn’t matter if you’re only gathered with a few friends or hosting a grand event, you’re going to need some great 4th of July drinks. Here are five to get your celebration goin’:
1. Rocket’s Red Glare
This 4th of July drink isn’t just red to please your guests but it also throws together a tasty, refreshing cocktail that's great for sipping in the summer sun. Best of all? You can choose a variety of garnishes to your liking. There’s mint, lemons, cherries, or all three. You can also customize the garnish to make it your own.
- 2 oz Vodka
- 3.5 oz Fresh Lemonade
- Shake well and pour over ice into a Collins glass
- Top it with grenadine and choose your favorite garnish
2. The Patriot
A 4th of July alcohol drinks menu isn’t complete without the white in red, white, and blue, and what’s better than the classic paloma? The only problem is that if you are familiar with the second most famous cocktail, it’s quite pink from grapefruit juice or soda. Fortunately, we have a solution.
- 1.5 oz Tequila
- 0.50 oz Triple sec
- 0.75 oz Simple syrup
- 0.25 oz Lime juice
- 2 oz White grapefruit juice or soda
- Shake it up and then pour it into a Collins glass before topping it with soda
- Garnish with an orange peel
Suggested read: The 20 Best 4th of July Quotes To Get You Pumped for Independence Day
3. One if by Land, Blue if by Sea
No matter if you’re in the most tropical state our country has to offer or in the Midwest, you’re going to find yourself wanting a taste of paradise. What better way to get there than through this 4th of July cocktail? With a striking blue color, it’s the perfect blend of patriotism and refreshment.
- 1.5 oz Blue Curacao
- 1 oz Rum
- 1 oz Lime juice
- 0.50 oz Simple syrup
- Shake it up and pour it into a Collins glass
- Top with soda and garnish with a cherry
4. Margarita
Enough with the extra ingredients, quirky names, or gimmicks. We know what the people want and it’s a really good margarita. Our Mexican neighbors may have invented this beautiful beverage but if you don’t think we’ve made this the national drink of America, you haven’t been paying attention. The margarita is the number-one cocktail in the country, and where people go wrong is using a premade mix. Skip the artificial, and the hangover, simply by using fresh juice. Oh, and a splash of OJ will go a long way.
- 2 oz Tequila
- 0.50 oz Triple Sec
- 0.50 oz Lime juice
- 0.50 oz Lemon juice
- 0.50 oz Orange juice
- 1 oz Simple syrup
- Shake it up and pour over ice or straight up into a margarita glass
- Salt, sugar, Tajin? It's up to you!
5. Make a Mocktail (That Actually Tastes Good)
The word “mocktail” might make you cringe with disappointment because they often underwhelm, but those days are long gone thanks to brands such as Lyre’s. What 4th of July Drinks (nonalcoholic) are always missing is the taste of actual liquor, but Lyre’s and many other brands are coming together to make cocktails and spirits that deliver an authentic taste but only have 0.5% ABV. Use any of our recipes, or find your favorite and sub in nonalcoholic products from some of these great brands.
Enjoy Your 4th of July Drinks Responsibly
The celebration of Independence Day is a great reminder of what makes this country the best in the world. We get together each year to celebrate our country with our friends, family, and neighbors, but should always do so responsibly. Enjoy your 4th of July drinks with that in mind and have a safe celebration! Read next: When Did the Revolutionary War End?