Entertaining

The Most American Cocktails to Sip on this 4th of July

Siobhan Raies, ReserveBar Spirits Contributor

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Cue the music, because the Fourth of July is just around the corner. The day celebrating Independence! The day commemorating what was essentially the most famous breakup of all time, when the 13 American colonies told Great Britain to "hit the road, jack," or in this case, George — the king of England at the time.

The breakup letter, otherwise known as The Declaration of Independence, summed up a list of reasons things were just not working out. King George was too controlling, and the price of a cup of tea was becoming unreasonably steep. He thought he could get away with it, with all his fancy crown jewels and that flashy horse and carriage. But intimidation and luster would not stop the colonies from ending this toxic relationship. Great Britain didn’t let go easily. A war was waged but in the end, America prevailed!

And so, it was official; America was free to go its own way. Today is a celebration of that freedom; with food, family, fireworks, and an array of delicious American-made cocktails at the center of festivities.

Now is the time to grab your jigger and shaker and get ready to party with these cocktails that pay homage to all that the United States has to offer.


KENTUCKY'S MINT JULEP

Cool off and kick back with the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. This drink is steeped in history and features one of the most American spirits out there, bourbon. It serves as a no-nonsense, extra zesty refresher for your Fourth of July celebration, whether you’re celebrating at a backyard BBQ or a poolside party. Fancy hats are highly recommended but not required.

Add fresh mint and simple syrup to a rocks glass and muddle until fragrant. Add bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.



LOS ANGELES MULE

The American dream, reimagined. This zingy vodka cocktail was born in the city of stars and remains to be a Los Angeles original. Created out of a need to market the once exotic Russian spirit to Americans in the 40s, it quickly became a favorite of California's rich and famous and is now an iconic staple across the U.S. What better way to celebrate Independence than with this quintessential cocktail that surely deserves a star of its own on the walk of fame.

Squeeze lime juice into a copper mug. Add ice cubes, pour in the vodka, and top with ice-cold ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge.



NEW YORK'S LONG ISLAND ICED TEA

A legendary drink that packs a punch. Despite a much-debated origin story spanning the Prohibition era right up until the 70s, there's one thing lovers of this concoction can all agree on — this heavy hitter goes down a treat. A no-frills summer sipper, it's the perfect cocktail to enjoy in the comfort of your own backyard.

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add all ingredients except soda and stir. Top off with cola. Garnish with a lemon wedge.



PUERTO RICO’S PIÑA COLADA

Once upon a time in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the Caribe Hilton hotel, a bartender named Ramón "Monchito" Marrero concocted a drink that would take the world by storm. This icy dream is paradise in a glass. There's nothing more irresistible than the creamy tropical goodness of a Piña Colada — especially on a hot summer's day in July. We've tracked down the original recipe, and it’s as decadently delicious as it sounds.

  • 2 oz. Bacardi Gold Rum
  • 1 oz. Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut
  • 1 oz. Heavy Cream
  • 6 oz. Fresh Pineapple Juice
  • Crushed ice
  • 1 Pineapple Wedge and Cherry (Garnish)

In a blender, mix rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and heavy cream. Add ice and blitz for 15 seconds or until well mixed. Serve in a 12 oz. glass and serve with a fresh pineapple wedge and cherry.



WASHINGTON DC'S GIN RICKEY

An oh-so-simple drink from the golden age of cocktails featuring gin, citrus, and soda. While most cocktail origin stories are shrouded in mystery, the Gin Rickey’s is refreshingly clear. The drink evolved from the "Rickey" cocktail, originally bourbon-based and named after Joe Rickey, a 19th-century lobbyist in Washington, D.C., at Shoomaker's Saloon. This thirst-quenching, sugar-free libation will float you and your guests all the way through the weekend.

Fill a Collins glass full of ice and pour in gin. Add the fresh lime juice and top with club soda. Garnish with mint or a lime wedge.


Looking for more great cocktails to imbibe on this summer? Check out our Summer Hosting Guide for more thirst-quenching recipes. Whether you choose to try your hand at one or all these summer coolers, we hope you have a fantastic Fourth of July celebration all weekend long!

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