4th of July Cocktail Recipes

The 4^th of July is not just a day of patriotism, it's also a time to relax and enjoy life with family and friends and revel in our American life. Most Americans kick back with beer or wine on what's usually one of the hottest days of summer, but here are a few special cocktail ideas for those who want to offer something special or different.

Blend together fresh or frozen blueberries, crushed ice, vodka, a splash of limoncello or fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup or sugar to taste. Garnish the top with some a sliced strawberry and a dollop of light whipped topping. You can have your red white and blue, and drink it too.

Pour your favorite white wine into ice cube trays and freeze. Slice peaches, nectarines, plums, and or apricots and layer in a pitcher. Top off with white or sparkling wine and refrigerate for at least ½ hour. Pour into wine glasses and add a cube or two of wine ice to keep chilled. Make sure each glass gets some fruit as well.

Mix tequila with fresh orange juice, a splash of Grand Marnier, a splash of Triple Sec, and fresh lime juice for tartness. Shake over ice and pour into Margarita glasses. You can juice your own oranges or use Simply Juice. It's worth it for the fresh citrus flavor. Always use fresh lime juice, not bottled.

Slice several fresh lemons and place in bottom of a pitcher. Select a good quality Hefeweizen or Bitter Lager and pour over lemons to fill pitcher. Stir gently, and place in freezer for a hard chill for about 15-20 minutes. It's very refreshing and great for beer lovers.

Blend orange sherbet, lowfat frozen yogurt, the juice and zest of an orange, light or coconut rum, a splash of Triple Sec, and crushed ice. It tastes like a tropical creamsicle. You can also add some light coconut milk and garnish with shredded coconut and a slice of orange.

Mix together vodka, limoncello, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, sliced lemons and limes, the juice of two lemons and two limes, and freeze until well chilled. Add simple syrup to taste before freezing according to how tart you like your cocktails. You can pour some of the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze to add to the drink when serving.

Enjoy your day of family, fun and freedom with one or more of these refreshing cocktail recipes. Let's also raise a toast to all of those who help keep our country free; now and in the past. Happy 4^th of July!