Ah, the Fourth of July. A day to celebrate independence, patriotism and the unofficial start of summer. This year, turn on some patriotic tunes and impress your patrons with cocktails created by today’s leading mixologists, courtesy of Bombay Sapphire, Flor de Caña and Lucid Absinthe. During the day, after you’ve been busy shopping for a big juicy watermelon, cool off with a refreshing cocktail — sure to quench your thirst during even the warmest summer day. Your annual barbecue gets an exciting upgrade with the inspired recipes below.
The American Collins
Tantalize your guests’ taste buds with a refreshing combination of tangy lemon juice, fresh cherries and blueberries with Bombay Sapphire, a creative adaptation of the Sapphire Collin from leading mixologist Jonathan Pogash.
- 1 ½ ounce Bombay Sapphire
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 4 Bing cherries, pitted
- 8 Blueberries
In a Collins glass, muddle the blueberries and cherries in the lemon juice and simple syrup. Add Bombay Sapphire and ice and stir briefly. Top with club soda, garnish with one Bing cherry and one lemon wheel.
Firecracker
Bring the pop and pizzazz of a rocket’s red glare to this year’s July 4 celebration. Chunks of watermelon and even cayenne pepper deliver a serious flavor explosion, while the Flor de Caña 7 Year Grand Reserve Rum adds a smooth and balanced flavor. Adjust the cayenne to add extra heat for guests who really like it hot!
- 3 ounces Flor de Caña 7 Year Grand Reserve Rum
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 4 watermelon chunks
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Whirl all ingredients together and pour into a glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Stars and Stripes
Lucid Absinthe is a key ingredient, adding a distinctive flavor to this provocative and delicious summer drink. This cocktail is a standout choice for American summer merriment, with muddled blueberries and drizzle of raspberry liquor to represent the flag’s stars and stripes.
- ¼ ounce Lucid Absinthe
- 1 ounce blueberry vodka
- ¼ ounce simple syrup
- Splash of lemon juice
- Drizzle of raspberry liqueur
- Ginger beer
- Fresh blueberries
Muddle fresh blueberries and add syrup, Lucid, lemon juice and vodka. Add ice, shake and pour into highball glass. Drizzle raspberry liqueur and top with ginger beer. Garnish with one sugar cube.