Toast To The 4th Of July With 10 Independence Day-Inspired Cocktails

Independence Day weekend is a fantastic excuse to have a cookout with friends and enjoy some star-spangled cocktails. Whether decked out in shades of red, white and blue or awash with glitter, there are lots of ways to toast this holiday weekend.

Peach Ginger Bourbon Spritz

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, is finished with a fragrant mint sprig and lemon garnish for a burst of summer in every sip.

Loews Atlanta Hotel director of food and 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.”

Blueberry Mojito

This creative blend of classic American flavors and Yucatán-inspired flair is 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

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

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 is 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 and beverage operations manager at The Phoenician Tavern.

The Bayou Belle

At Mister Mao Swim Club at Maidstone

At Mister Mao Swim Club at Maidstone, a sun-kissed cocktail 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 and a dusting of pink edible glitter, and is 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

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

At Bank & Bourbon in Philadelphia, this is a bold and balanced cocktail with a hints 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 and beverage.

1840 Hailstorm Premier Julep

At The Fort in Denver, this drink is 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," said Holly Arnold Kinney, owner and proprietress of The Fort. "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."

The Secret

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

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.”