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32 Best Fourth of July Drinks to Celebrate

Lift up a glass and toast to that Grand Old Flag and all it represents!

Headshot of Christopher MichelBy Christopher Michel
firecracker sangriapinterest icon
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Independence Day is all about relaxing. You get the whole day to just hang around the back yard, (or the lake house, or the campground) and celebrate America's birthday with some grilled food, good music, and good times.

What better way to relax than with a Fourth of July cocktail or drink in your hand? These celebratory party drinks are pure pleasure, too. Many are batch drinks, or easy to scale (so you can bring your friends) and all are absolutely delicious. From a red, white, and blue Firecracker Sangria to smart takes on margaritas—and plenty of ways to use watermelon—these drinks are as refreshing and tasty as they come!

1

Firecracker Sangria

firecracker sangria
Becky Luigart-Stayner

This all-day sipper is perfect for cookouts, barbecues, and, of course, your Fourth of July celebration.

Get the recipe for Firecracker Sangria.

2

Paloma Cocktail

paloma cocktail
Gilberto Villasana//Getty Images

This classic Mexican mixer—just tequila and grapefruit soda—is everything you want in a summer drink: easy to make, easy to drink, and very refreshing.

Get the recipe for Paloma Cocktail.

3

Sailor's Warning Cocktail

sailor's warning cocktail
Becky Luigart-Stayner

This fun take on the classic Tequila Sunrise recalls that old adage about sailors being wary of red skies at dawn. And we'd concur: This is definitely a better drink for the evening hours.

Get the recipe for Sailor's Warning Cocktail.

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4

Watermelon Amaro Pops

watermelon amaro pops
Ren Fuller

Who says a cocktail has to be liquid? These adults-only juice pops make for the ideal Fourth of July digestif.

Get the recipe for Watermelon Amaro Pops.

5

Whiskey River Cocktail

whiskey river cocktail
Becky Luigart-Stayner

A good July 4th party is all about the music, and this cocktail gets its name from one of our favorite summer country songs, Willie Nelson's "Whiskey River." It's a drink that won't run dry on you.

Get the recipe for Whiskey River Cocktail.

6

Grilled Orange Old-Fashioned

grilled orange old fashioned
Becky Luigart-Stayner

For those who like their cocktails a little stiffer, try this upgrade to an old-fashioned. Keep the grill hot to caramelize some orange slices, toast a marshmallow or two, and you're good to go!

Get the recipe for Grilled Orange Old-Fashioned.

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7

The Sunflower Cocktail

the sunflower cocktail
Becky Luigart-Stayner

If gin's your thing there may be no better way to toast the endless days than with this sunny concoction.

Get the recipe for The Sunflower Cocktail.

8

Cucumber and Mint Lemonade with Tequila

cucumber and mint lemonade with tequila served in a blue pitcher at an outdoor 4th of july party
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Lemonade, that summer staple, is already far better when made with fresh lemons. Cucumber and mint take it up a notch by adding herbal deliciousness, while your favorite spicy tequila stiffens it into the ideal summer sipper. Mix up a double batch of this easy drink for your Fourth of July buffet!

Get the recipe for Cucumber and Mint Lemonade with Tequila.

9

Rancharita Cocktail

rancharita cocktail
Becky Luigart-Stayner

The ratio for this understated but elegant cocktail—two parts tequila to one part each cointreau, blood orange juice, and lime juice—is easy to scale for parties large or small. The flavor is absolutely stunning, and with a gorgeous ruby hue, this elixir can be the red in a red, white, and blue scheme.

Get the recipe for Rancharita Cocktail.

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10

Pink Grapefruit Margaritas

pink grapefruit margaritas
Johnny Miller

There's a reason margaritas are such a classic drink. The balance is nearly perfect, and there's nothing better on a hot day. Balancing the tart lime with sweet, complex grapefruit juice only heightens their appeal.

Get the recipe for Pink Grapefruit Margaritas.

11

Fish House Punch

fish house punch on a table outside near some giant wooden bobbers
Hector M. Sanchez

This iced-tea upgrade is great as a July Fourth tipple, or just for any time you're relaxing and want a summer sipper with a bit of a kick.

Get the recipe for Fish House Punch.

12

Mezcal Negroni

mezcal negroni
William Dickey

What better drink to pair with fireworks than a stiff, smoky, brightly-colored nightcap?

Get the recipe for Mezcal Negroni.

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13

Spicy Watermelon Cocktail

spicy watermelon cocktail served in a hollowed out watermelon on a wicker tray
William Dickey

This refreshing, spicy take on a margarita is like summer in a glass. A hollowed-out watermelon used as a serving pitcher will take your Fourth of July drinks table to the next level.

Get the recipe for Spicy Watermelon Cocktail.

14

Spicy Michelada

spicy michelada
Becky Luigart-Stayner

July 4th cookouts are usually the provenance of beer, so what better than a Michelada? It's like a low ABV Bloody Mary, so you can keep sipping all afternoon.

Get the recipe for Spicy Michelada.

15

The Old Man and the Sea Cocktail

the old man and the sea cocktail
Emily Dorio

A twist on the classic Hemingway Daiquiri, This stiff rum-based drink boasts a splash of coconut water and a tiny pinch of sea salt, making it the perfect cocktail for toasting to summer.

Get the recipe for The Old Man and the Sea Cocktail.

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16

Fresh Mint and Lemon Iced Tea (Nonalcoholic)

fresh mint and lemon iced tea
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Give your July 4th lemonade a pick-up from some backyard mint. It's perfect for the whole fam as-is, or you can adult-up a glass with a splash of dry gin.

Get the recipe for Fresh Mint and Lemon Iced Tea.

17

Strawberry-Lemonade Punch (Nonalcoholic)

strawberry lemonade punch on a tray with star shaped melon garnishes for fourth of july
Linda Pugliese

Maple syrup and fresh in-season strawberries sweeten this perfect-for-the-party punch. For a special Fourth of July garnish, decorate the glasses by cutting slices of watermelon or honeydew with a star-shaped cookie cutter.

Get the recipe for Strawberry-Lemonade Punch.

18

Spring Bouquet Cocktail

spring bouquet cocktail
Kate Richards

Take a delicious cocktail over the top with a garnish of a mini bouquet of fresh edible flowers.

Get the recipe for Spring Bouquet Cocktail.

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19

Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler

raspberry and lemon rosé sparkler served in glasses with fireworks design for 4th of july
Brian Woodcock

Fizzy rosé gets an upgrade with a heaping helping of fresh raspberries and fresh lemon juice. Seasonal sipping has never been better!

Get the recipe for Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler.

20

Sparkling Lavender Cocktail

sparkling lavender cocktail
David Tsay

All things lavender go into making this oh-so sophisticated sparkling wine cocktail.

Get the recipe for Sparkling Lavender Cocktail.

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4th of July Ideas

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