Wine Enthusiast Magazine / Web 2011 / Drinking the American Spirit

Drinking the American Spirit

Get festive this Fourth of July with these patriotic cocktails recipes.

There’s no better way to celebrate America’s independence than by mixing up an ice-cold cocktail with a patriotic twist. Inspired by Fourth of July motifs, like firecrackers and summertime lawn games, mixologists have crafted some libations perfect for your Fourth of July festivities.

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The Firecracker

Courtesy of Hornitos

1 ounce Hornitos Plata Tequila
¾ ounce blueberry syrup (1 cup blueberries, ¾ cup sugar, 1/3 cup water)
½ ounce DeKuyper Pucker Raspberry Schnapps Imitation Liqueur
¼ ounce Campari
Dash of lime juice

In a cocktail glass filled with ice, layer in the ingredients in the order they appear.

 

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Red, White & Sauza Blue Margarita

Courtesy of Sauza Tequila

12 ounces of Sauza Blue Silver Tequila 
16 ounces cranberry or raspberry juice
8 ounces lemon-lime soda
4 mint sprigs, for garnish

In a pitcher filled with ice, combine the Tequila, cranberry or raspberry juice and lemon-lime soda. Pour into four chilled glasses and garnish each glass with a mint sprig. Serves 4.

 

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Lawn Dart

Courtesy of Wild Turkey Bourbon

2 ounces Wild Turkey 101
4 ounces limeade
3 mint leaves, muddled
1 sprig of mint leaves, for garnish

Muddle the mint in a tumbler filled with ice. Pour in Wild Turkey 101 and limeade. Shake. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.

 

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Wild Mustang

Courtesy of Wild Turkey American Honey

3 ounces Wild Turkey American Honey
6 ounces fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 rosemary sprig

In a tumbler filled with ice, combine Wild Turkey American Honey, grapefruit juice and bitters and stir. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice and garnish with a rosemary sprig.

 

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The Declaration

Courtesy of James MacWilliams of Canlis Restaurant, Seattle, Washington

1 ounce rum
¾ ounce rye whiskey
¾ ounce brown sugar syrup (equal parts brown sugar and water)
6 ounces chilled beer

In a beer mug filled with ice, stir together rum, whiskey, brown sugar syrup and beer.