3 4th of July cocktails

When we think of 4th of July cocktails, two things come to mind — red, white and blue colors and/or fresh fruit. So that's the theme we are going with for these patriotic cocktails. Invite your friends over and have fun celebrating America.

Red, white and blue mojito

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• Water
• 12 to 15 mint leaves
• 1/2 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup, adjusted to taste
• 1-1/2 ounces white rum
• Soda water
• Sprig of mint for garnish

Directions:

1. To make the ice cubes: Divide sliced strawberries and blueberries into 5 or 6 ice cube tray squares. Fill with water and freeze until solid (this is best done the day before).
2. To make the cocktail: Add mint leaves, lime juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and muddle. Add white rum, fill the shaker with ice and shake.
3. To assemble the cocktail: Add the fruit-filled ice cubes to a highball glass and strain the cocktail into the glass. Top with soda water, stir and garnish with a sprig of mint before enjoying.

^For another tasty mojito recipe, check out the watermelon mojito.

Watermelon limeade cocktail

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cubed watermelon
• 1 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 1 bar spoon agave nectar, adjusted to taste
• 1-1/2 ounces gin
• Soda water
• Frozen watermelon cubes and lime wheel for garnish

Directions:

1. Add 1/4 cup watermelon cubes to a cocktail shaker and muddle.
2. Add lime juice, agave nectar and gin.
3. Fill shaker with ice, shake and strain into a rocks glass filled with frozen watermelon cubes (or ice if you don't have frozen watermelon on hand).
4. Top with soda water, stir and garnish with a lime wheel before enjoying.

^Serving a crowd? Try the watermelon lime sangria.

Blackberry lemonade cocktail

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 6 blackberries
• 1 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce simple syrup (infuse with thyme or other herb for added flavor if desired)
• 1-1/2 ounces vodka
• Soda water
• Slice of lemon, a blackberry and a sprig of fresh herb for garnish

Directions:

1. Add blackberries, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and muddle.
2. Add vodka and fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
4. Top with soda water, stir and garnish with a slice of lemon, a blackberry and sprig of fresh herb if you have one on hand before enjoying.

^Blackberries are also great with gin in a blackberry smash cocktail.

Looking for even more treats to serve at your 4th of July party? Check out these quickie red, white and blue tarts, summer Jell-O shots or this collection of red, white and blue foods.

Cheers! We have lots of cocktail recipes!