Festive Fourth of July Drinks for Any Crowd

By Zee Krstic
Toast to Independence Day with one of these cool, refreshing drink recipes. We've got spritzes, beer cocktails, punches, fruity iced teas, and more.
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Petrina Tinslay

Celebrating America's birthday calls for the ultimate summer soirée: From a buffet of snacks to the best grilled food and decked out party spaces to adorable party favors, July 4th is the one occasion when you don't have to hold anything back. The same can be said for the drinks you serve at your party. While you may have the urge to create cocktails that are all red, white, and blue (there are quite a few out there!) we suggest something more classic, time-honored drinks that are still festive but not kitschy in any way. There are a lot of details to take care of when you're hosting an Independence day bash, so go with crowd-pleasing drinks you can make in batches ahead of the party. Trust us, you'll be pleased when you're not tied to the bar during the party.

Try the Kentucky Half-and-Half which can be made in advance of your celebration. It's a cross between two summertime favorites: the Arnold Palmer and a mint julep, combining a deep-steeped black iced tea with robust bourbon. Rather than use ice, however, we freeze lemon wedges and let them gradually cool the cocktail rather than dilute it with water.

There are plenty of fun twists on classic cocktails that you can make in big batches before your guests arrive, from sangria to mojitos and daiquiris, too. You can choose to make a slew of recipes based on a single liquor (whether it be vodka, rum, tequila, or another summertime favorite) or you can create a single batch that pairs well with chilled wine and beer.

 

As for those guests looking for booze-free beverages, we're sharing some of our most refreshing drink recipes, including classic lemonade and tea drinks to stay hydrated all day long

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Aperol Jasmine Spritz

Petrina Tinslay
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A make-ahead, big-batch cocktail that's fizzy and refreshing. It's a riff on the Jasmine, a classic gin cocktail, and the popular Aperol Spritz. You'll find that it's just right for sipping before dinner on a summer's day.

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Coffee Coquito

Kana Okada
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A drink that's as rich as dessert—that's this Coquito. It's name means "little coconut" in Spanish and refers to the coconut milk in this classic Puerto Rican rum cocktail. It also contains evaporated milk and condensed milk. You'll need a blender for this recipe bu it makes six stellar drinks.

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Lemon Espresso

Johnny Fogg
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An update of the Italian-American caffé Romano, an espresso served with a bit of lemon peel, this fizzy incarnation blends tart lemon soda with a cool shot. It tastes bright and full-bodied, like an amplified Arnold Palmer. Mix one up—it's sunshine in a glass.

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Chamomile Tea and Limeade

Marcus Nilsson
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Make a batch of this caffeine-free citrusy drink to help guests keep cool in the July heat.

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Smoky Lemon Margarita

Petrina Tinslay
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Mix up a pitcher of this make-ahead margarita for a cookout. Mezcal, tequila's smoky cousin, gives the drink it's signature flavor.

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Mango Mojito

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Looking for a fruity big-batch drink for your party? Try this mojito. The mango base can be made up to a day in advance. Add mint and club soda just before serving

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Michelada Beer Cocktail

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There are many variations on this classic beer-tomato-lime cocktail. Our version is slightly spicy, making it just right for a long, hot day.

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Mediterranean Cucumber Tonic

Johnny Fogg
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This refreshing nonalcholic drink looks sophisticated but is easy to mix up: Just combine lemon juice, cucumber slices, and good tonic water for a booze-free version of the G&T.

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Watermelon Punch and Bowl

Johnny Miller
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A hollowed watermelon is the perfect serving bowl for a drink made with its juice.

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Summer Fruit Sangria

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A pitcher of sangria made with white wine, fruit, and orange liqueur will get the party started.

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Rooibos Tea and Grapefruit-Ade

Marcus Nilsson
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Try this colorful update on the Arnold Palmer: Floral herbal tea combines with bright citrus flavors to create a really refreshing, slightly sweet drink that everyone will enjoy.

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Orange-Rum Punch

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Mix a large pitcher of this ultimate warm-weather cocktail to quench your guests' thirst.

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Pimm's Cup with Ginger Ale

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Our take on the classic summer quencher includes ginger ale in addition to the usual lemonade. The ginger ale mellows the flavor of Pimm's—a fruity, spicy gin-based liqueur—and makes a celebratory, effervescent drink.

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Jack and Jill's Iced Jasmine Tea

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Cooling, sweet, and with just a little caffeine, this long iced drink is just right on a summer afternoon.

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Watermelon Lemonade

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Two summer classics combine in this fruity favorite.

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Prosecco Sangria

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A light, fruity party punch that can be made with any sparkling wine. Macerate sliced peaches, nectarines, and apricots in peach brandy and stir in the bubbly just before serving.

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