8 Cocktails That You Need To Make For The Fourth Of July

Can you believe that the Fourth of July is right around the corner? This year has been flying by. With that being said, it’s time to start thinking about your upcoming patriotic picnics.

What better time to enjoy a red,white, and booze drink than on Independence Day? Oh that’s right- there is no better time! Check our this list of the perfect cocktails that you need to make for the occasion!

1. Red, White, and Blue Sangria

I am a truly a sucker for a tasty sangria. They are the perfect fruity drink for the summer months.

For a base, it is recommended that you start with a pinot noir. The tartness that is offered pairs well with the ingredients that you are going to add a bit later.

The ingredients for this recipe are as follows:

1 bottle Pinot Noir wine
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1 cup brandy
juice from one large orange
simple syrup
2 cups fresh blueberries
6-8 ounces fresh red raspberries
6 ounces blackberries
1 large apple

You are going to want to mix all of your liquids together. Once combined, add the fruit to the mixture. It is crucial to let this chill overnight for the best flavor when it comes time to enjoy! Recipe found here.

2. Jello Shots

This one is equal parts eye-catching and delicious. This is a fun take on a classic party drink.

To create these party-favorites, you will need:

1 6-oz package strawberry Jell-O
blueberry vodka
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 6-oz package berry blue Jell-O
whipped cream (optional)
sprinkles (optional)

Combine the Jell-O with boiling water- as instructed on the packaging. Add the blueberry vodka during this process. Fill shot glasses about 1/3 of the way with this concoction. Let it sit.

Continue this process again with unflavored gelatin. Instead of adding vodka this time, add the condensed milk. Funnel this mixture on top of the red Jell-O portion in the shot glasses. Let it sit.

For the blue portion of this patriotic shooter, you are going to repeat the exact steps you used to create the red Jell-O, just this time use the berry blue flavor. Pour this mixture to the top of the shot glass. Again, let it sit.

Once the shots are fully congealed, add a dollop of whipped cream atop each glass. For an extra bit of dazzle, dust red, white, or blue sprinkles to the whipped cream. Recipe found here.

3. Patriotic Passion Cocktail

This is an interesting twist to a festive themed cocktail.

To create this beautiful blue drink, you will need the following:

1 1/4 cup vodka
1/4 cup Blue Curacao
10 ounces unfiltered apple juice
6 ounces lime juice
A few raspberries and some jicama

Jicama is a root that tastes almost like a fruit. The white coloring adds the perfect touch to this red,white,and blue drink, and also adds a nice apple-like flavor.

This is an easier drink to make and requires less prep-work. Just mix all of the needed liquid ingredients together in a glass. For garnish, add raspberries and jicama. If you want to get fancy, you can cut the jicama fruit into stars. This will definitely get you and your guests into the celebratory mood! Recipe found here.

4. Red, White and Blue Daiquiris

During a hot July day, what better way to cool off than with an adult slushie? This American themed cocktail is sure to please.

Though this is an easy drink to make, there are quite a few steps in order to achieve that patriotic aesthetic that we are aiming for. Evidently, there are 3 layers that need to be made: a red, white, and blue layer. Each layer has different ingredients.

Each component involves the same process. Place all ingredients for the respective color in a blender. Blend until smooth. Once the consistency is to your liking, place the mixture in a small bowl, and let it rest in the freezer while we work on the other layers. Most importantly, rinse out the blender between each layer.

The first step is to make the red layer, which requires:

1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup watermelon chunks, frozen
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 tablespoons white rum
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup ice cubes

Next, we will be working on the white layer:

1 cup coconut sorbet
1/4 cup rum
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 cup ice cubes

Finally, the blue layer:

1/3 cup blue passion fruit liqueur, such as Hpnotiq or Alize
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
2 tablespoons blue curacao liqueur
2 tablespoons white rum
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups ice cubes

Once each layer is complete, pour about 1/3 of a cup of each mixture into a glass. Ta dah! A daiquiri sure to cause fireworks on your taste buds. Recipe found here.

5. Sugar Cookie Pudding Shots

Are you kidding?! This sounds like heaven, and I will definitely be making these for my Independence Day festivities. What in the world is better than cookies and pudding?

The ingredients that you will need are as follows:

1 box (1.4 oz) white chocolate flavor instant pudding
1 cup cold milk (2%, 1%, skim – doesn’t matter)
3/4 cup vanilla vodka
2 tbsp amaretto liqueur
1/2 cup whipped topping (or whipped cream)
Red and blue liquid food coloring
Cookies or cute sprinkles for garnish, if desired

Combine milk and pudding mix in a bowl, and beat together for 2 minutes. A quarter of a cup at a time begin to mix in the vodka. Make sure that you are completely mixing the ingredients together with each increment of vodka added. Continue to stir in the amaretto and whipped topping.

Divide the pudding mixture into 3 bowls. Add blue food coloring to one bowl, and red to another. Keep the remaining bowl as is.

Begin to layer the 3 colored puddings into shot glasses. If desired, add a bite sized sugar cookie for garnish! Recipe found here.

6. Snow Cone Drinks

Sorry kids, this drink is for adults only.

To make this delicious treat you will need:

1/2 oz grenadine
1 oz blue Curacao
sprite
finely crushed ice

Fill a glass to the top with crushed ice. This will ensure that even when the ice melts, there will be more than enough left. Add Sprite and grenadine, allowing it to settle at the bottom of the glass. Slowly pour the blue Curacao. Add enough to coat the ice, but remain on top of the drink. Recipe found here.

7. Red, White, & Blue Vodka Lemonade

Everyone loves a good spiked lemonade, right? A good glass of lemonade just screams summertime.

Ingredients include:

1/2 oz. grenadine
1/2 oz. blue Curacao
1/2 oz. Lemonade
1.5 oz. Vodka

Combine crushed ice with 1/2 oz. of vodka and grenadine. Pour into a highball glass. Combine crushed ice with 1/2 oz. of vodka and lemonade, and place on top of the red layer previous poured. Finally, pour the last 1/2 oz of vodka over crushed ice and combine with blue Curacao. Pour over the previously place layers. Recipe found here.

8. Blueberry Prosecco

This is for those of you who like simpler drinks.

To create this delicious cocktail, pour 3 oz. of prosecco into a glass. Allow it to sit for a few seconds to minimize the bubbles. Tilt the glass to the side and pour about 1.5 oz. of blueberry vodka. The vodka will sit on top of the prosecco when in the glass. If you desire, you can garnish with blueberries. Recipe found here.