4th of July Cocktails: The Recipes You Don’t Want to Miss

Now that Memorial Day is behind us and business owners in the hospitality industry have started working on their summer drinks offers, it’s time to consider the 4th of July, too. It’s a huge celebration for the entire United States of America and each business needs to be prepared for the influx of customers in patriotic attire. 

The beverage inventory of any bar or restaurant needs to be stocked up well for the celebration. The best way to approach this is by reviewing historical data from previous years and seeing how much was consumed. This can be done with ease if you use reliable software like BinWise. If you don’t have access to such data, now is the time to book a demo and see how we can help on such occasions and many others! 

You will need various types of alcohol, different varieties of wine, cocktail ingredients of all sorts, and of course - lots of delicious recipes for 4th of July cocktails and mocktails! Having special offers on the 4th of July will make your bar or restaurant more desirable for customers. You will earn extra points (which in the business world translates to profit) if you have blue, red, and white cocktails. Decorating your space for the 4th is another great way to get more customers.

Do you need ideas for delicious and pretty 4th of July cocktails? If you do, we are here to help! Let’s dive into the recipes we recommend and don’t forget to take notes if you like any of them. 

4th of July Cocktails You Must Try

Serving classic cocktails with patriotic garnishes may do the trick for you. However, we suggest you go deeper than that and try out some new recipes for the occasion. The 4th of July cocktails below will help you change up your beverage menu without taking a huge toll on everyone involved. 

Key Takeaway: Make your cocktails ready for the 4th of July by using red, white, and blue ingredients. Use lots of berries to add the needed colors and don’t forget the festive decorations. Putting patriotic names on the cocktails will create an even better festive atmosphere. 

Here are the recipes we suggest you try and implement in your offers for the 4th of July this year: 

1. Patriotic Berry Sangria

Sangria drinks are a great choice for summer. If you already serve different sangria flavors at your bar or restaurant, adding this kind for the occasion will require a small adjustment. However, even if you don’t serve sangria, you can easily add it to your menu. Here’s what you are going to need for the Patriotic Berry Sangria: 

• 1 bottle of white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup of blueberries
• 1 cup of sliced strawberries
• 1 cup of raspberries
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/4 cup of brandy
• 2 cups of lemon-lime soda or sparkling water

To make Patriotic Berry Sangria, follow these steps: 

1. Combine the wine, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, lemon slices, and brandy in a large pitcher.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
3. Just before serving, add the lemon-lime soda or sparkling water.
4. Serve over ice and add garnish by choice. 

2. Red, White, and Blue Margarita

The classic Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world! If you turn it into a red, white, and blue drink, it will be a perfect addition to your 4th of July cocktails. To make this great drink, you are going to need: 

• 1 cup of silver tequila
• 1/2 cup of triple sec
• 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup of simple syrup
• 1/4 cup of blue curaçao
• 1/4 cup of grenadine
• Salt for rimming (optional)
• Lime slices for garnish

Make one of the best 4th of July cocktails, by sticking to these instructions: 

1. Rim the glass with salt, if desired.
2. In a shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake well.
3. Pour grenadine into the bottom of the glass.
4. Carefully add the margarita mix, pouring slowly to layer it over the grenadine.
5. Slowly pour blue curaçao over the top to create a layered effect.
6. Garnish with a lime slice and serve immediately.

3. Star-Spangled Spritz

Prosecco cocktails are popular all summer long, so you should not skip this Star-Spangled Spritz. The ingredients you need for this delicious cocktail are: 

• 1 bottle of prosecco or other sparkling wine
• 1/2 cup of Aperol
• 1/2 cup of club soda
• Blueberries and strawberries for garnish

If you want light, delicious, and pretty 4th of July cocktails, try this one. Make it by following these steps:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add Aperol and top with prosecco.
3. Add a splash of club soda.
4. Garnish with blueberries and strawberries for a patriotic touch.

4. Firecracker Lemonade

Lemonade is always a good idea! That’s why you should definitely make the Firecracker Lemonade this 4th of July. It’s a delicious cocktail drink that will be a favorite among your customers. 

• 1 cup of vodka
• 2 cups of lemonade
• 1/4 cup of blue curaçao
• 1/4 cup of grenadine
• Lemon slices for garnish

Making this cocktail is easy when you follow the right steps. They are: 

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in vodka and lemonade, stirring to combine.
3. Slowly add grenadine, allowing it to settle at the bottom.
4. Slowly pour blue curaçao over the top to create a layered effect.
5. Garnish with lemon slices and serve.

5. Independence Punch

The name sounds great, doesn’t it? One of the best things you can do when planning the 4th of July cocktails is look into punch recipes. These recipes are great when you are expecting large crowds. A group of friends can order an Independence Punch and pour themselves as much as they want… independently! This could be one of the champagne cocktails you serve, but you can also substitute with other sparkling wines.

• 1 bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
• 1 cup of blue curaçao
• 1 cup of cranberry juice
• 1 cup of pineapple juice
• Fresh berries for garnish

To create this tasty punch, you should: 

1. In a large punch bowl, combine champagne, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice.
2. Add ice and stir gently.
3. Garnish with fresh berries.
4. Serve in glasses with additional ice if desired.

6. American Mojito

Who doesn’t love a nice, cold Mojito during a hot summer day? We bet that many of your customers are ordering Mojitos in the summer. That’s why you need to make the American Mojito part of your 4th of July cocktails. Here are the ingredients you are going to need: 

• 1/2 cup of white rum
• 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons of simple syrup
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup of club soda
• Blueberries and strawberries for garnish

Follow these instructions to make the perfect American Mojito: 

1. In a glass, muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Add rum and stir well.
4. Top with club soda.
5. Garnish with blueberries and strawberries.

Frequently Asked Questions about 4th of July Cocktails

Want to know more about the 4th of July cocktails? If so, read the answers we have given to the most frequently asked questions on this topic. 

How Can I Make My Cocktails More Patriotic for the 4th of July?

Use red, white, and blue ingredients like berries, grenadine, blue curaçao, and white spirits. Garnish with patriotic-themed decorations and serve in festive glassware.

What Ingredients Are Commonly Used in 4th of July Cocktails?

Common ingredients include fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), citrus juices, white spirits (vodka, rum, gin), and colorful liqueurs like blue curaçao and grenadine. You can experiment with other fruits and beverages, too. 

Can I Make 4th of July Cocktails in Large Batches?

Yes. You can make large batches of cocktails like Sangria, punch, or spritzers. Mix ingredients in a large punch bowl or pitcher, and refrigerate until ready to serve.