Fourth of July Cocktails: Alcoholic and Non- Alcoholic

Independence Day is a day that brings out the patriotism in most of us. When it comes down to the details though sometimes we get a little stuck. Well here is your guide to the right cocktail drinks to serve at your 4th of July bash whether it be a barbecue or a friendly gathering. These drinks are top rated and will make your beautifully decorated table look even more smashing!

These drinks were found from a variety of sources and personal knowledge which will be given with each recipe.

First we have Drinks for men and women. For something more than the common beer or straight shot, here are the top 3 drinks and recipes for a great cocktail:

#1-The Firecracker (www.drinkswap.com)

1oz Vodka

2oz Dark Rum

1/2oz Sloe Gin

Orange Juice

Pour ingredients into a Rocks Glass filled with ice.

#2-Absolut Summertime (www.drinkswap.com)
1 1/2 oz Citrus Vodka

1/2 oz Sprite

1 slice Lemon

3 oz Soda Water

3/4 oz Sweet and Sour Mix

Add all ingredients except lemon to shaker filled with ice. Cover and shake vigorously. Strain contents into ice filled collins glass. Garnish with lemon. Serve Absolut Summertime in a Beer Mug

#3-Born on the 4th of July (www.drinkswap.com and personal knowledge)

1 1/2 oz Blue Curacao

1 1/2 oz Sloe Gin

(Fill to Top) Cream

Pour blue curacao into an ice-filled collins glass. Carefully layer both the sloe gin and cream on top of the ice. The result should be a blue and red drink with tendrils of white shooting through the colors. Serve this drink in a Collins Glass.

It is almost eminent that you will have children and non-drinkers at your function so its best to also serve some non-alcoholic beverages. Here are the top 3 with their recipes:

#1-Summer Delight Punch (www.garvick.com)
6 oz Can frozen lemonade
6 oz Can frozen orange juice
2 1/2 c Pineapple juice
12 oz Can apricot or peach nectar
1 ea Bottle ginger ale, (2 litre)
1 ea Lemon, sliced
Mix together the lemonade, orange juice, pineapple juice, and nectar and chill. When ready to serve drinks, add the ginger ale. Garnish with lemon slices.

#2-The Patriot (www.curbly.com)
1 oz. Cherry- flavored fruit juice.
Fill with 7-Up
Garnish with orange slices.

#3- Berry Sweetheart (www.helium.com)
3 oz red cranberry juice
3 oz apple juice
1 oz honey
Mix together and serve chilled. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a fresh mint leaf.

All of these drinks will be a hit at your 4th of July bash! Have fun and remember Drink Safe, Don't Drink and Drive.