35 Refreshing 4th of July Drinks Perfect for Independence Day
Celebrate America’s birthday with red, white and blue cocktails!
Nothing says summer like a 4th of July party! If you're in the process of planning yours, we've got all the refreshing summer cocktail recipes, 4th of July desserts, and fun 4th of July activities to make it easy. Just add some hot dogs and burgers on the grill and consider your weekend planned! Luckily, we've rounded up plenty of cocktail recipes, plus some delicious mocktail recipes that are festive and refreshing this summer. These 4th of July drinks are sure to take any summer party to the next level.
Some of these drinks are easy three-ingredient combos, while others are real showstoppers that require a bit more prep. No matter what you opt for, all your guests are sure to enjoy cooling off with these beverages. After all, who can say no to a watermelon cocktail? Beyond the drinks, we've also got plenty of ideas for 4th of July cupcakes, summer dinner recipes, BBQ sides and more. And if you forget a key ingredient, don't sweat it: There are several stores open on the 4th of July for those last-minute shopping trips.
What are you waiting for? Here are 35 refreshing 4th of July drinks perfect for any summer party!
Lemonade with Iced Tea Cubes
It doesn't get more refreshing than this unique take on the Arnold Palmer. Lemonade + frozen black tea + mint = something you'll want to sip all summer long.
Get the Lemonade with Iced Tea Cubes recipe.
Spicy Margarita
You can't go wrong with tequila, fresh lime juice, and homemade sriracha syrup.
Get the Spicy Margarita recipe.
Aperol Spritz Granita
Aperol Spritzes are basically meant to be sipped while enjoying the summer sunshine. This version of it stays perfectly cold even in the sun, thanks to the shards of flaky citrus ice. Cheers!
Get the Aperol Spritz Granita recipe.
Margarita Citrus Wedge Shots
Nothing says party like jello shots! But these aren't the ones from your college days — these elevated treats come together in citrus wedges.
Get the Margarita Citrus Wedge Shots recipe.
Zesty Michelada
Kick back and relax with this flavorful cocktail made with beer, lime juice, tomato juice, hot sauce and spices.
Get the Zesty Michelada recipe.
Star-Spangled Spritzer
Try a make-ahead mixed drink for the Fourth of July: Simply add raspberries muddled with sugar and lemon to your pitcher, then pop it into the fridge up to a day in advance.
Get the Star-Spangled Spritzer recipe.
Honeydew Margarita and Watermelon Rum Punch
Light and fruity, you can enjoy these recipes all summer long. Both the tangy honeydew margarita and the sweet watermelon rum punch are equally refreshing served separately, but together you have a warm-weather treat that will satisfy everyone's taste.
Get the Honeydew Margarita recipe.
Get the Watermelon Rum Punch recipe.
East Bayside Cocktail
No party is complete without a signature drink! Bring out the shaker so you can whip up this blueberry-gin cocktail for guests.
Get the East Bayside Cocktail recipe.
Shirley Temple
You can't beat a classic! Serve up this sweet cherry and lime mocktail for a kid-friendly drink made for sippin' in the sun.
Get the Shirley Temple recipe.
Beer Cocktails
Quick and easy, these fun variations are perfect for party planning: Simply mix up your cocktail, refrigerate, then top with your ice-cold brew when ready to serve.
Get the Beer Cocktails recipes.
Elderflower Gin Cocktail
Dry, herbal gin and sweet, floral elderflower liqueur are just meant to be together, like the 4th of July and fireworks!
Get the Elderflower Gin Cocktail recipe.
Mary Pickford
Fruity, tropical, and not-too-sweet, this simple classic cocktail is sure to impress your guests.
Get the Mary Pickford recipe.
Passion Fruit Mai Tai
Passion fruit puree and ginger liqueur make this tropical cocktail a delicious addition to any summer party.
Get the Passion Fruit Mai Tai recipe.
Juicy Cubes
Make any basic vodka soda more fun with fruity ice cubes! To make, fill ice cube trays halfway with your favorite juice. Freeze (about 2 hours), then top with a second juice and freeze again. Top with club soda and your choice of alcohol.
Agua Fresca
This thirst-quenching Mexican drink is made from a combo of fruit blended with lime juice, a sweetener and water and served over ice. Pair it with an easy summer dinner to stay cool!
Get the Agua Fresca recipe.
Cherry Simple Syrup
Add a tablespoon or two of this sweet-tart elixir to a simple glass of lemonade to turn it into something special.
Get the Cherry Simple Syrup recipe.
Watermelon Keg
Cocktails feel a lot more special when served from a watermelon. Don't you think?
Get the Watermelon Keg recipe.
Strawberry Meyer Lemon Spritz
Made with a bottle of sparkling wine, this cocktail embraces the celebratory spirit. It's the perfect light sipper for a day of grilling.
Get the Strawberry Meyer Lemon Spritz recipe.
Classic Fresh Lime Margarita
Nothing says summer like a fresh margarita made with top-notch tequila — whip up a pitcher of this classic version to keep the party going.
Get the Classic Fresh Lime Margarita recipe.
Vanilla-Citrus-Honey Sangria
Real vanilla pods and fresh oranges give this fruity drink a sweet, fragrant flavor.
Get the Vanilla-Citrus-Honey Sangria recipe.
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