32 Best Fourth of July Drinks to Celebrate
Lift up a glass and toast to that Grand Old Flag and all it represents!
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!
Firecracker Sangria
This all-day sipper is perfect for cookouts, barbecues, and, of course, your Fourth of July celebration.
Paloma Cocktail
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.
Sailor's Warning Cocktail
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.
Watermelon Amaro Pops
Who says a cocktail has to be liquid? These adults-only juice pops make for the ideal Fourth of July digestif.
Whiskey River Cocktail
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.
Grilled Orange Old-Fashioned
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!
The Sunflower Cocktail
If gin's your thing there may be no better way to toast the endless days than with this sunny concoction.
Cucumber and Mint Lemonade with Tequila
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!
Rancharita Cocktail
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.
Pink Grapefruit Margaritas
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.
Fish House Punch
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.
Mezcal Negroni
What better drink to pair with fireworks than a stiff, smoky, brightly-colored nightcap?
Spicy Watermelon Cocktail
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.
Spicy Michelada
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.
The Old Man and the Sea Cocktail
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.
Fresh Mint and Lemon Iced Tea (Nonalcoholic)
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.
Strawberry-Lemonade Punch (Nonalcoholic)
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.
Spring Bouquet Cocktail
Take a delicious cocktail over the top with a garnish of a mini bouquet of fresh edible flowers.
Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler
Fizzy rosé gets an upgrade with a heaping helping of fresh raspberries and fresh lemon juice. Seasonal sipping has never been better!
Sparkling Lavender Cocktail
All things lavender go into making this oh-so sophisticated sparkling wine cocktail.
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