By Aly Walansky Contributor Miguel Gonzales
Independence Day weekend is a fantastic excuse to have a cookout with friends and enjoy some star spangled cocktails.
Whether depicted in shades of red, white and blue or awash with glitter, there’s lots of ways to toast this holiday weekend!
Peach Ginger Bourbon Spritz
Peach Ginger Bourbon Spritz at Saltwood Bar at Loews Atlanta Hotel.
Loews Atlanta Hotel
At Saltwood Bar at Loews Atlanta Hotel, a refreshing blend of smooth bourbon and zesty lemon juice, topped with Betty Booze’s apple, ginger and sour cherry infusion, and finished with a fragrant mint sprig and lemon garnish for a burst of summer in every sip.
Loews Atlanta Hotel Director of Food & Beverage, Wun Shin says, “Balanced and festive, this all-American cocktail celebrates a classic American spirit, as well as the Georgia peach. The effervescence and warmth of the sparkling bourbon with bright fruit and fresh mint are exactly what you want in hand while watching fireworks or enjoying a burger.”
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Blueberry Mojito
Blueberry Mojito crafted by Miguel Gonzales of La Posada & Felix’s Cantina in Milford, … More Pennsylvania.
La Posada & Felix’s Cantina
This creative blend of classic American flavors and Yucatán-inspired flair, crafted by Miguel Gonzales of La Posada & Felix’s Cantina in Milford, Pennsylvania.
What is more traditional than Blueberry Pie on America’s Independence Day? Marry that with the spirit of choice in the Yucátan, Rum, and you have the blueberry mojito. The La Posada and Felix Cantina story blends the Hallmark charm of Milford (Small-town USA) with the capital of The Yucatán, Mérida, celebrating culture and inspired by tradition. ‘
“It’s as refreshing as a summer breeze on a hot July afternoon,” says Gonzales.
Blue Margarita
Blue Margarita at Casanara in Brooklyn, New York.
At Casanara in Brooklyn, New York, the Blue Margarita is made with tequila, Triple Sec, agave, lime, blue food coloring, Peychaud’s bitters and crushed ice.
“I created a well-made classic margarita, playfully dressed up like a Rocket Pop for the holiday. A drink that will last longer and something lighter on a hot day,” said co-owner Tom Roughton.
Red, White and Blue Bomb Pop Shake
Red, White and Blue Bomb Pop Shake at The Phoenician Tavern at The Phoenician in … More Scottsdale.
The Phoenician
At The Phoenician Tavern at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, a patriotic frozen treat, this layered, spiked shake features vibrant red, white, and blue stripes. It starts with a sweet strawberry puree, followed by creamy vanilla ice cream infused with Absolut Raspberri and Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka, and finished with blue vanilla ice cream. Topped with house-made whipped cream, the drink is a festive celebration in every sip.
“It’s easy to get in the spirit of the Fourth of July holiday with this visually striking adult milkshake. Plus, the fruity, frozen drink is a great way to cool off for the summer,” said Ashley Traynor, Assistant Food & Beverage Operations Manager at The Phoenician Tavern.
The Bayou Belle
The Bayou Belle at Mister Mao Swim Club at Maidstone in New Orleans.
Mister Mao Swim Club at Maidstone
At Mister Mao Swim Club at Maidstone in New Orleans, a sun-kissed cocktail that captures the rhythm of a New Orleans afternoon slipping into evening.
Built on a base of light rum and bright citrus, it has a float of dark rum, a dusting of pink edible glitter, and served over crushed ice with a floral flourish.
“Florals in the summer? Groundbreaking! We wanted to go with something beautiful, bold and strong, something that reflects our city,” said Joshua Currence, General Manager of Mister Mao Swim Club at Maidstone.
Lady Liberty Cocktail
Lady Liberty Cocktail at Buttermilk & Bourbon in Boston.
Buttermilk & Bourbon
At Buttermilk & Bourbon in Boston, the Lady Liberty cocktail is made with Hornitos, coconut, and strawberry.
“There’s nothing like the 4th of July in Boston. Buttermilk & Bourbon is the perfect place to cool off during the celebration, and what better way to do it than with the “Lady Liberty” herself. Hornitos tequila is the star in the frozen coconut strawberry margarita,” said Sarah Heimreid, Beverage Director .
Betsy Ross Sour
Betsy Ross Sour at Bank & Bourbon in Philadelphia.
Bank & Bourbon
At Bank & Bourbon in Philadelphia, this is a bold and balanced cocktail with a little bit of sweet, tart and fruity flavors.
“When creating a cocktail tied to July 4th, we had to make sure the drink was either red, white or blue. This drink is the perfect way to cool off from the July heat and toast to America this Independence Day,” said Dan Rivas, Director of Food & Beverage.
1840 Hailstorm Premier Julep
1840 Hailstorm Premier Julep at The Fort in Denver
Lucy Beaugard for The Fort
At The Fort in Denver, served in a wide-mouth Mason jar with your choice of bourbon or Scotch, sugar and fresh mint.
“In the early 1800’s at Bent’s Fort in southeastern Colorado, the favorite hot weather drink, especially on the Fourth of July, was the hailstorm. Enjoyed by trappers, voyageurs, and Native Americans alike, it is the earliest known mixed drink in Colorado as described in a number of journals of the early West.
The hailstorm has been The Fort’s signature cocktail since we opened in 1963 and is the perfect drink for a hot summer day,” said Holly Arnold Kinney, owner and proprietress of The Fort.
The Secret at Crown Block in Dallas.
Crown Block
At Crown Block in Dallas, served in a traditional clay cantarito, this bold fourth of July-inspired summer cocktail blends smoky Racho Mezcal with bright Cointreau, mango purée, agave, and lime juice. Finished with a chamoy and Tajín rim and topped with a refreshing limeade popsicle, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and cool. Important intel: This is actually not offered on the traditional menu, you must ask the bartender for it directly!
“This is a Texas Summer in a cup! While following a traditional margarita recipe, we have added Mango Puree to balance the slight smokiness of the Rachel Mezcal. The popsicle makes for a great treat on the side to cool off with this Fourth!” said Chris Gill, Beverage Manager.
Red, White & Blueberry
Red, White & Blueberry at Mykos in Northvale New Jersey.
Bryan Tiedemann, Dirty Pelican
At Mykos in Northvale New Jersey, the Red, White & Blueberry cocktail is crafted with Tequila Ocho blanco tequila, fresh homemade blueberry puree, citrus, vanilla, Dirty Pelican lychee mix, cinnamon, and fresh mint sprig. Head mixologist, Samatha Rojas says: “This cocktail captures the essence freedom as you escape in its fireworks of flavor. It is inspired by the land of the free and home of the brave. This cocktail transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary, explosive flavors.”
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