July 4th Holiday Cocktails: Firecrackers, Sangria and Jell-O Shots

With the July fourth holiday weekend around the corner, many people across America are preparing to entertain for their friends and family. As American flags fly, grills smoke, and fireworks sparkle, there is one thing all these parties will have in common: Cocktails, cocktails, and more cocktails. Regardless if your friends are beer drinkers, or under age, an array of cocktails can be offered at your July 4th celebration.

When it comes to alcoholic and virgin drinks, there are a few ways to go about it this holiday. Make sure you offer a variety for your guests to choose from and have beer, water, and soda on ice at all times. The following will allow you time to mingle and celebrate your independence at your own event.

You may choose to set up a liquor station and have your guests help themselves. Include cranberry and orange juice, as well as vodka, rum, and bourbon. In addition, ice cold beer is extremely refreshing on a hot summer day.

On the other hand, you may choose to select two to three drinks for the night and have them in pitchers pre-made and ready to slurp. Anything red, white and blue is a perfect choice for the July fourth celebration.

I recently had the chance to speak to Jen Ritter, Co-owner of the Sidecar Bar and Grille in Philadelphia, and she shared her favorite drinks for the holiday BBQ season. "Fourth of July Jell-O shooters are a festive choice for Independence day." Ritter added that you should get red, white (clear) and blue Jell-O packs to get the fourth of July theme right. She explained that all you have to do is dissolve four packages of the Jell-O in two cups of boiling water. Let the mixture cool. Add two cups of vodka or rum to the mixture, and pour it into small paper cups until it is halfway full. The cups should be placed on a baking sheet and chilled for a few hours before serving.

The Side Car Bar and Grille Owner also suggests serving Fire Crackers to your guests during the weekend of the fourth. Her recipe includes 1 1/2 oz Tequila,
cracked ice, tonic water and lime wedges. This can be made in large quantities and served pitcher style. Ritter said to pour tequila over the ice in a highball glass, fill it with tonic, stir and garnish with lime wedges.

Cutting up some summer and citrus fruits, and letting it soak overnight in red wine and ice, makes wonderful Sangria. Margaritas, Blue Whales and Cosmopolitans are also a few cocktail choices for keeping in America's color pallet.

Many events this summer will have under age children attending, so make sure you are prepared with fun drinks virgin style. Shirley temples and Virgin Margaritas are always a hit with the little ones. Top it with a toothpick American flag, and they will think it is the coolest thing since sliced bread.

Regurdless of what cocktails you serve at your July 4th celebration, make sure that all of your guests enjoy themselves and drive carefully.