Fourth of July Kiddie Drinks and Cocktails

Kiddie drinks and cocktails are popular with many children at various Fourth of July cookouts and parties. They often enjoy beverages that not only taste good but look good. Additionally, they tend to take pride and get special enjoyment out of creating their own beverages. The following are two that have gone over well in past Fourth of July cookouts and parties our family has enjoyed:

Cherry Coke Float (single serving)
1 can cherry cola (12 ounces)
3/4 cup vanilla ice cream
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 maraschino cherry with stem)

Directions: Place 1 scoop of ice cream in a tall glass and fill the glass slowly with cola. Gently stir in the almond flavoring. Garnish with the cherry and serve immediately.

Notes: You may prefer to use low calorie diet soda and/or low calorie ice cream for a child on a special diet.

Orange Milkshake (single serving)
1 cup orange juice
1/4-1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions: Process all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Notes: You may prefer to use low calorie ice cream and use a berry or other fruit juice for variety.

For additional fun, use beverage glasses that are appealing to children or look like grown-up drink or cocktail glasses. Older children can often make the drinks themselves, but you will want to supervise the younger ones more closely when pouring the cola or using the blender.

Kiddie drinks and cocktails are most fun for children when they can participate as much as possible in making the beverages themselves. This includes, whenever possible, not only helping to measure and put the ingredients together, but also helping to shop for the items they will be using, choosing what glasses they would prefer, and helping to clean afterwards. Active participation in holiday events serves not only as a way for children to have more fun, but it also allows them the opportunity to practice and develop skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.