I’ve been scouring the web looking for some fun and interesting things to do for the 4th of July that don’t include red white and blue drinks (not that I discourage that at all, but it’s done all over the place, isn’t it?).
What I’ve found out there is some innovative stuff that appeals to all types of drinkers, and that may just make this Independence Day weekend your most memorable.
Endless Poptails
The folks over at Endless Simmer like to put stuff in their mouths, and that includes cocktails. But in summer, doesn’t everyone want a popsicle? Well, they sure do, and so they’ve gone out of their way to make up, try and (of course) taste some amazing cocktails-on-a-stick. Check them out here. The Cherry Apple Whiskey Sour looks especially tasty.
Flavored Mojitos made with fresh ingredients
Although I’m a bit of a purist, I am not against mashing up tasty bits of fruit, veggies and other plants to make refreshing mojito-like cocktails. Rhubarb seems to be very popular in summer, as does strawberry, and apparently when you mix them together it’s delicious. Others prefer hibiscus in their summertime mojito. They all seem appropriate for a hot July 4th afternoon to me.
Shandies
If you’ve ever been to Spain and had the pleasure of sipping a Clara while basking in the beauty of the natural countryside, you know how great shandies really are, and just how refreshing they can be.
A shandy is the simple invention of equal parts beer and citrus flavored soda, carbonated lemonade, ginger beer, ginger ale or cider. They are not a new idea, and they are most definitely not strictly American. But, why not take a little bit of tradition from the old world while celebrating the independence of the new?
Here’s a great example of an Australian shandy by Girl Cooks World.
Punch
What?! I know, punch is standard for 4th of July parties and is about as original as daiquiris, but who cares? Every year people are coming up with a bevy of new punch recipes to cool down the masses. Finding recipes is as simple as determining what you like and looking it up online. Check out List My 5 for one writer’s view on the “Top Five Fourth of July Punch Recipes.”
However you decide to celebrate your 4th of July, the most important thing is that you have fun, be safe, and don’t blow your hand off. Never drink and drive, or drink and set off fireworks. Grill out and have a great time! Cheers!
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