Easy, Last Minute 4th of July Sips

If you know me, you know that my FAVORITE holiday of all time is 4th of July. Why? Fun fact: I am a huge American history nerd and also because I am obsessed with all the star spangled fun that comes with the entire weekend. How could you not love all the patriotic festivities, the fireworks, the barbecues and of course all of the festive drinks? Each year, I love experimenting and trying unique 4th of July cocktails. This year, if you’re anything like me I have been so bogged down with commitments and obligations so I am a bit behind on just about everything… but I never slack on my cocktails! I still want to get red, white and boozy… so here are some easy, last minute 4th of July sips perfect for having in hand while you’re grilling, chilling, pooling and celebrating with friends.

Gray Whale Gin on the Rock-ets

Ingredients:

3 oz Gray Whale Gin

1 red, white and blue popsicle

Method:

Pour Gray Whale Gin in a glass. Dip popsicle + enjoy! 

The Roughneck Colada

Ingredients:

1 oz Duke Bourbon

½ oz Atlantico Reserva

½ oz Fresh Lime Juice

½ oz Coconut Cream

½ oz Orange Juice

1 oz Pineapple Juice

8-10 Leaves of Fresh Mint

½ oz Float of Fernet Branca

Garnish: Fresh Pineapple, Amarena Cherry, Mint Sprig

Method:

Roll mint and drop into an empty collins glass then top with crushed ice, shake 1-6 with ice and strain over the crushed ice then top with Fernet Branca.

Chandon American Summer Brut Spritz

3 parts Chandon Limited-Edition American Summer Brut

 2 parts quality Italian Aperitif 

1 part Sparkling Water 

Method:

Add Italian Aperitif to wine glass with ice. Add splash of sparkling water and stir. Top with Chandon. Garnish with an orange wheel.

The Rainbow Crush

Credit: @spiritandspoon

Ingredients:

To create the ‘Rainbow Crush’ cocktail each layer is created separately

Red layer: 1/2 oz Gray Whale Gin + 1/2 oz pureed blackberries + 1/4 oz lemon juice

Blue Layer: 1/2 oz Gray Whale Gin + 1/4 oz fresh squeezed yuzu + 1 tsp Blue Green Algae powder + 1/2 oz simple syrup

Green Layer: 1/2 oz Gray Whale Gin +1/2 oz pressed cucumber juice + 1/2 oz simple syrup

Orange Layer: 1/2 oz Gray Whale Gin + 1/2 oz pureed mango + 3/4 oz lime juice

Garnish: Peychaud's bitters

Method:

Gently shake each layer's ingredients, strain into a collins glass and top each layer with crushed iced as you go. Top with Peychaud’s bitters.

Last Minute Festive 4th of July Cocktails for Parties

Independence Day has always been my favorite holiday ever since I was a little girl! I've had somewhat of an obsession with history and the Revolutionary War era since probably 3rd grade. Every year, I love to celebrate the fourth in the most festive way possible. One of the most fun ways is to turn an average drink into a patriotic cocktail.

Here are my two favorites that I'll be making with my friends this 4th of July... they're perfect for a chill night in the backyard watching fireworks, or for a big party!

As the wise Lana Del Rey once said, "Be young, be dope, be proud... like an American."

Firecracker Martini

Ingredients:

3 parts elit Vodka

Garnish of raspberry, blueberry and pearl onion

Directions:

Pour elit into a mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a raspberry, blueberry and pearl onion.

 

Independence Day

Ingredients:

1 Liter Casamigos Blanco

17 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

17 Strawberries (not including strawberries for garnish)

17 Whole Blackberries (not including blackberries for garnish)

10 oz. Sugarcane Syrup (Simple Syrup)

Directions:

Peel and slice kiwis into cubes, blend strawberries and kiwis until liquefied. Strain into punch bowl. Add other ingredients and stir in 3-4 medium scoops of block ice and cool. Garnish with blackberries and thin strawberry slices. Stir before each serving.