All-American Cocktails for a Fabulous Fourth of July! The Possibilities are Endless!

I can’t believe the 4th of July is in less than a week. We’re already in party mode, trying to decide what to eat, how to decorate, and of course trying to answer the all-important question…what to drink. As far as patriotic cocktails go, the choices are endless. One of my favorite cocktails that I served this past year was Make-Ahead Cranberry Margaritas. Not only did they taste great, but I wasn’t stuck behind the blender, yelling to my guests over the annoying buzzing sound. These make-ahead strawberry margaritas are similar. The lemon-lime soda makes this a refreshing drink for a hot, summer day. Garnish with a strawberry or a few blueberries and you’re set. Cheers to endless possibilities! Have a great week! Check back this week for some great 4th of July desserts and decorating ideas.

Make-Ahead Strawberry Margaritas (from Betty Crocker – Yes, apparently she enjoys Happy Hour too!)

1 can (6 oz.) frozen limeade, concentrate, thawed

1 package (10 oz.) frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed

3 cups water

¾ cup tequila

1 liter lemon-lime soda, chilled

Place limeade and strawberries in blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Add water and tequila. Pour into 2-quart plastic container. Cover and freeze about 24 hours or until slushy. To serve, place 2/3 cup slush in each glass and fill with 1/3 cup soda; stir.

If you’re looking to start the fireworks a bit early, you may want to shake up the Boston Pops Martini created by Joe Perdicaro of the Zebra Bistro and Wine Bar in Massachusetts. His idea is pretty original. He rims the martini glass with red pop rocks, so this cocktail really pops!

Boston Pops Martini

lime wedge
package cherry Pop Rocks
2 1/2 oz. cranberry vodka
1/2 oz. Blue Curacao

1. Start with a chilled cocktail glass and rub the rim with a lime wedge. (or dip rim in lime juice such as Rose’s).
2. Open a pack of cherry flavored Pop Rocks candy and spread on a small plate or napkin. Press rim of the glass into the candy to coat rim.
3. In a shaker filled with ice, add cranberry vodka, shake and strain into prepared glass.
4. Slowly and carefully pour blue curacao in the middle of the glass, allowing it to settle in the glass. You should have two distinct layers
5. Add a small splash of lemon/lime soda.

Need More All-American Inspiration…