4th of July Drinks

June 24, 2015
Photo: Karry Hosford
Sip on something refreshing and healthy while celebrating Independence Day.
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Cherry-Basil Lemonade Spritzers

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Cherry-Basil Lemonade Spritzers

Instead of the fluorescent cocktail-cherry garnish, fresh cherries take center stage in this refreshing lemon-and-vodka sipper. Macerating the cherries in sugar helps to soften their thick skins and release their juices, which become gorgeously syrupy in the pan.

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Prickly Pear Punch

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Prickly Pear Punch

We like the clean flavor and mixability of silver tequila here. For a nonalcoholic drink, omit it and top with sparkling water.

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Roasted Strawberry Margaritas With Aquafaba Whip

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Roasted Strawberry Margaritas With Aquafaba Whip

Aquafaba, the viscous fluid from canned chickpeas, is the surprising key to making a plant-based whipped topping. The process is pretty miraculous: The liquid whips up to a thick, fluffy foam that mimics whipped cream. Just be sure to use the liquid from unsalted chickpeas for the best results (we like Eden brand).

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Marionberry Mojito

Photo: Neil Dacosta

Let freedom ring while sipping on these summery cocktails (and mocktails).

First on the list is an updated mojito. Marionberries, an exceptionally juicy, slightly tart blackberry variety developed by Oregon State University, are perfect for this fizzy summer refresher. You can also use regular blackberries.

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Tequila-Watermelon Refresco

Photo: Jennifer Causey

In Mexico, a refresco is typically a very sweet bottled soda. Take the concept of a refreshing fizzy drink to a more delicious place with this tall, cooling watermelon cocktail—a less sweet soda with a kick.

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Peach Lemonade

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Peaches add sweet, mellow roundness to traditional lemonade for a refreshing summertime beverage.  Stir in white rum or bourbon for the grown-ups.

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Thai Basil-Ginger Spritzer

Photo: Randy Mayor

Paired with peppery ginger, the anise flavor of Thai basil gives you a highly refreshing summer sipper. Look for kaffir lime leaves at Asian markets. If kaffir leaves are unavailable, simply omit. This recipe will also work nicely with fresh mint or cilantro sprigs instead of Thai basil.

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Bottled Manhattans

Photo: Robbie Caponetto

There's nothing more convenient than having your go-to cocktail already mixed and waiting before a big party. This recipe comes together in 5 minutes and serves 12.  See more tips on making premixed cocktails.

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Lemon Verbena Iced Tea

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Lemon verbena infuses the lightly sweetened iced tea with sunny citrus flavor. You can also use the the fragrant sugar syrup from this recipe to enliven cocktails or moisten pound cake.

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Watermelon and Cucumber Tonic

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Watermelon and Cucumber Tonic

A reinterpretation of the familiar gin and tonic, this cocktail includes fresh watermelon and cucumber juices for a refreshing taste. Hendrick's, a small-batch Scottish gin that's infused with the flavor of cucumber and rose petals, is ideal for this recipe. For even better results, try premium tonic water, such as Fever-Tree or Q Tonic. Serve any remaining juice mixture (which you can make a day ahead) over ice for guests who prefer a nonalcoholic drink.

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Raspberry-Lime Rickey Slushies

Photo: Jasen Varney
View Recipe: Raspberry-Lime Rickey Slushies

Red raspberries' juicy, perfumey, sweet flavor peaks from late June through August and is just right for this summer cooler. We spiked the drink with an herbaceous, citrusy gin that's distilled in small batches in Philadelphia. You can also omit the gin for a refreshing mocktail.

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Lemon Verbena Gimlet Cocktails

Photo: Randy Mayor

The tartness of lime juice and the herbal freshness of verbena both make this cocktail taste light and refreshing. If the party's outside, pour these over ice to keep them cold, but for a more elegant look indoors, shake with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into chilled martini glasses.

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Watermelon Margaritas

Photo: Lee Harrelson
View Recipe: Watermelon Margaritas

A long, tall version of the great summer sipper, with only 105 calories. This is just the thing to have in hand as you watch the fireworks display light up the sky this year.

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Blackberry Limeade

Photo: Jeff kauk
View Recipe: Blackberry Limeade

This summer cooler is great to bring along on a picnic or to serve at a backyard party. Pour over ice, if desired.

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Bottled Negronis

Photo: Robbie Caponetto
View Recipe: Bottled Negronis

The Negroni is a fabulously sophisticated cocktail for a warm summer night that satisfies with just one dose.

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Frozen Lemonade with Coconut Rum

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Frozen Lemonade with Coconut Rum

Skip the extensive ingredient list and go with a recipe that features only three. If you don't have a blender feel free to pour this yumminess over the rocks. 

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Watermelon-Lime Soda

Photo: Jeff kauk

Turn fast food fruit drinks into a thing of the past, and trade up with a satisfying summer sipper made with fresh watermelon and lime juice. Garnished with a mint sprig, this hot pink beverage delivers cool refreshment on a hot summer day.

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Sparkling Sangria

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Flavor this cava-and-brandy-based sangria with blueberries, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, nectarine, and apricot nectar for a sweet summer cocktail that tastes as good as it looks.

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Pomegranate Cocktail

Photo: Karry Hosford
View Recipe: Pomegranate Cocktail

Blood orange and pomegranate collaborate into a fashionably refreshing cocktail. Garnish with a lime twist, if desired.

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