They’ll help you celebrate and beat the summer heat. These icy cool smoothies are strictly adults-only, flavored with fruit liqueurs, classic spirits, and tempting tipples. And of course, they all follow the red, white, and blue theme. As it turns out, there’s a lot you can do with that color combo from luscious ripe strawberries to juicy blueberries. Sweet, sour, tangy, and thirst-quenching, there’s a whole load of delicious flavors to explore on this list. Serve up a refreshing watermelon sangria or strawberry daiquiri at your backyard BBQ. Cozy up and watch the fireworks with a blueberry colada or a root beer float. And if the party starts to wane, get it going again with 4th of July Jell-O shots. Raise the flag, and raise your glass – let’s toast to a festive and fruity 4th!
1. Red White and Blue Layered Cocktail
This beautiful cocktail is a showstopper. It’s a tall, striped glass layered in the colors of the flag, and you won’t have to do any special tricks to get that layered effect. The secret is pouring the liquid with the highest sugar content first (in this case red grenadine). This will sink to the bottom of the glass, and all you’ll need to do then is gently pour the remaining layers. The white layer is lemonade and vodka, while the blue is eye-catching curacao. Pro tip – pour them in slowly over the back of a spoon to ensure your layers stay separate longer.
2. Watermelon Sangria
A pitcher of sangria is a wonderful thing, especially when you have a party planned, but you can’t be bothered spending the day topping up your guest’s glasses. Stir up a big batch of this amazing concoction and your work is done. It’s a blend of white wine, vodka, lime juice, and sugar. Add chunks of watermelon, let it chill for at least 10 minutes, and enjoy!
3. Blackberry Mojito
Fresh muddled blackberries, stirred with sugar syrup, and white rum – this drink is my new favorite thing. It’s finished with bright citrus notes from freshly squeezed lime and aromatic mint leaves. Top up the glass with sparkling soda and sip slowly, this one deserves to be savored.
4. Strawberry Daiquiri
If you’ve made daiquiris before, you’ll love this super-easy version that takes the work out of this traditional tipple. It’s as easy as throwing frozen strawberries, white rum, simple syrup, and lime into a blender. Press the ‘on’ button, wait until it’s smooth, and drink it down! Just remember to leave enough for your guests.
5. Bloody Mary
This classic cocktail made with tomato juice and vodka is an acquired taste. Tangy and spicy, it’s a savory alternative to the usual sweet drink. This recipe is sure to be a hit with Bloody Mary fans. It gives you all that tart taste, without relying on store-bought mix. It’s easy to make, too. Just mix together tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, and a few other basic ingredients and seasoning.
6. Strawberry Margarita
Fun and flirty, margaritas are a must for any party. This one is an icy-cold frozen slushie that tastes much more innocent than it actually is. Spiked with a generous helping of tequila and triple sec, this cool treat has a kick. But it goes down easy, helped along by frozen strawberries, limeade, and sugar.
7. Red White and Blue Moscato Sangria
Put a bottle of your favorite wine aside for this scrumptious sangria. Loaded with red strawberries, blueberries, and white wine, it’s full of patriotic pride and tasty fruits. The wonderful thing about this recipe is its flexibility. Any wine or fruit will work, and you can easily make it more kid-friendly by swapping out the booze for white grape juice.
8. Fireworks Flair Cocktail
Fireworks are the perfect end to a great 4th, and this cocktail is the perfect end to a great party. With three different types of alcohol in the mix – vodka, brandy, and triple sec – this is a show-stopping end to a busy day. Sip it with someone special, and there’ll definitely be fireworks!
9. Aviation Cocktail
The aviation is one of the oldest cocktails in bartending history. First enjoyed in the early 1900s, it’s a classic gin drink flavored with floral notes. This recipe sticks to tradition, mixing up gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette, and a dash of lemon juice.
10. Mint Julep
Juleps are a bourbon-based cocktail, commonly enjoyed sitting on a porch on warm afternoons. The Southern favorite is ideal for the 4th. Especially this refreshing version, which is loaded with fresh mint leaves and maple syrup. It’s easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, so get to muddling your mint!
11. 4th of July Jell-O Shots
Kick things up a notch on your 4th with these funky shots. Made with vodka and layers of red, white, and blue gelatin, these guys are all dressed up and ready to party.
12. Blackberry Bramble
Blackberries, gin, lemon juice, and soda – this heavenly recipe is light, refreshing, and fruity. The color is beautiful and the taste is divine. You’ll need a muddler to unlock all the delicious flavors of the fresh fruit, but I’ve found a pestle works just as well in a pinch. Muddle, mix, and enjoy this mouthwatering tipple.
13. Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
Tart and sweet, this thirst-quenching blend is the best of both worlds. Made with fresh mint, blueberries, lemonade, and vodka, it’s an elegant alternative to your usual vodka soda. Serve in a tall glass with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint for a sophisticated party aperitif.
14. Vodka and Coke
Sometimes you want sophistication. Sometimes you just want booze that tastes good. This vodka and Coke delivers. It’s super-easy, of course, but there are a few suggestions on how to jazz it up when serving a crowd.
15. Mermaid Cocktail
This brilliant blue mermaid is made to sip poolside. It’s a tropical-tasting glass of blue Curacao and cream soda. If you’re not in the mood for soda, use lemonade instead for a citrus kick. Either way, this gorgeous drink is perfect for passing around at parties. Load it up with chunks of fruit and it’s summer in a glass!
16. Blueberry Colada
This blueberry colada is more purple than blue, but it’s definitely eye-catching. And it tastes as good as it looks with coconut milk, coconut rum, and pineapple juice in the mix. Blend everything together, throw in some ice, and you’ll have a tall glass of frosty fruit juice that also happens to be enjoyably alcoholic.
17. Strawberry Mimosa
If you’re used to the old vodka-and-orange mimosas, it’s time to reinvent this classic cocktail. This recipe gives it a summery spin by adding fresh berries and blending with crushed ice. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try this in a champagne glass with a strawberry on top.
18. La Estrella
This cocktail was created in New York City and, just like the Big Apple, it’s surprisingly sweet and spicy. This is the drink you serve when you want to treat your guests to something new. It’s a unique mix of watermelon, rum, lime, and club soda. Oh, and there’s a pinch of cayenne pepper in there, too. You’ve been warned.
19. Rosé Berry Bliss
This wine punch is perfect for rose fans. It’s made with rose wine, blueberries, frozen pink lemonade, and lemon-lime soda. You will need to make this one ahead. It’s best after the drink has chilled in the fridge for an hour, allowing all those lovely flavors to mingle.
20. Adult Root Beer Float
There’s something about 4th July parties that make me feel like a kid again. Lean into that feeling with this delicious root beer float. Now that you’re an adult, you can add booze! This is a frothy blend of vanilla vodka, root beer, and vanilla ice cream. It’s a cocktail, but it’s also a dessert, so everyone’s a winner.
21. Gin Rickey
The gin rickey is a classic highball. It’s a great choice if you’re watching your weight as, unlike most cocktails, it contains zero sugar. In fact, there are just three ingredients in this easy cocktail. Gin, lime, soda, that’s it! Sometimes perfection is easy.
22. Blackberry Lemon Smash
Sweet blueberries and sharp citrus – this cocktail is a match made in heaven. Add simple syrup to balance out the tart notes, and stir in some white rum for a boozy base that won’t overpower the taste. This vibrant drink is great for the 4th of July, the 5th, and the 6th. In fact, why not enjoy it all summer long?!
23. Red White and Blue Slushy Cocktail
Patriotic and pretty, this layered drink would look great at your 4th July feast. It’s like a grown-up popsicle if popsicles were made with vodka and blue Curacao.
24. Tequila Blackberry Punch
Simple but complex, this cocktail is full of contradictions. It’s tart and sweet, boozy but subtle, and made with just five ingredients. Pour this one when things are winding down. Smooth and rich, it’s the perfect way to relax after your 4th of July celebrations.
25. Blueberry Moscow Mule
Moscow mules have always had a special place in my heart. That refreshing mix of ginger and vodka is spicy, sweet, and crazy good. What makes this recipe special is the blueberry ginger syrup. It adds a welcome fruity note to this beloved classic. Click on a star to rate it!
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