40 of the Best Boozy Drinks for Fourth of July

Kentucky Mule

Bourbon lovers will love this Fourth of July cocktail. It’s the same as a Moscow mule, but replaces the vodka with bourbon. Serve the cocktail in a copper mug to keep it cold. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Sweet Tea Boysenberry Shandy

I love an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day. I also love sweet tea, so one day I got the great idea to mix the two. Wow! It was absolutely delish. I experimented with different flavorings, and this Fourth of July cocktail was my favorite. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

Mixed Berry Sangria

This is a light, tasty beverage to serve with spoons so everyone can enjoy the fresh berries once the sangria is gone. — Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois

Midwest Mary

In the Midwest, Bloody Marys garnished with meats, cheeses and veggies are works of art. My beverage has skewers of bratwurst, cheese curds and dill pickles. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Blueberry Mojitos

Blueberry and lime are two of my favorite flavors, so I added blueberries to my favorite mixed drink! This Fourth of July cocktail can easily be doubled or tripled. To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a week.—Michele Tungett, Rochester, Illinois

Spiked Lemonade

Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Mimosa

A standard offering at brunches, mimosas are as pretty as they are tasty. In this recipe, the champagne doesn’t overpower the orange juice—especially if the champagne is extra dry. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Blackberry Beer Cocktail

This refreshing hard lemonade has a mild alcohol flavor; the beer adds just enough fizz to dance on your tongue as you sip. Sorry, adults only! —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida

Watermelon Margaritas

Summer’s best flavors get frosty in the Fourth of July cocktail we serve. We mix sun-ripened watermelon and our favorite tequila with just the right amount of ice for a thick and boozy sipper that’s perfect when we’re grilling and chilling. —Alicia Cummings, Marshalltown, Iowa

Rum Runner

The rum runner is thought to have originated in Florida, using rum that was transported from the Bahamas during Prohibition. It was a great way for speakeasies to use up extra inventory before new liquor arrived. —Shawn Barto, Palmetto, Florida

Summertime Tea

You can’t have a summer gathering around here without this Fourth of July cocktail to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris

Blend this refreshing frozen strawberry daiquiri to serve on a hot summer day, for a barbecue or during your Mexican-themed party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Margarita Sangria

This sangria is reminiscent of a margarita with its tequila and agave kick! —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York

Dill Bloody Marys

With a nice level of pepper and just enough dill from the pickle, these Bloody Marys are sure to please. To make Contrary Marys simply leave out the vodka. —Jay Ferkovich, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Long Island Iced Tea

It's easy to customize Long Island iced tea ingredients to suit your tastes. For instance, try adjusting the tequila. If you like a bolder flavor, use one ounce. If you would prefer a more mellow drink, then use a half ounce in this Long Island recipe.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Perfect Lemon Martini

Time to relax with a refreshing lemon drop martini! The combination of tart lemon and sweet liqueur will tingle your taste buds. —Marilee Anker, Chatsworth, California

Rhubarb Lemonade Slush

My family loves rhubarb, and this is such a fun way to enjoy it. It’s nice to have in the freezer and bring out when guests drop by. Even people that aren’t crazy about rhubarb enjoy it. —Cathie Beard, Philomath, Oregon

Minty Pineapple Rum

This delicious Fourth of July cocktail is a fabulous way to use fresh mint and celebrate summer. If the pineapple isn’t overly ripe, add a bit more sugar. Save any leftover pineapple-mint syrup in an airtight glass container, or freeze the mixture in ice cube trays to use later. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Rubies on Ice

Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this Fourth of July cocktail is tantalizing. If you’re looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New York

Pineapple Rum Punch

I created this with my favorite Bahamian juices. I got the inspiration for it from other Bahama punches I have sampled. —Pamela Vitti Knowles, Henderson, North Carolina

Michelada

Like your drinks with a south-of-the-border vibe? Try this kicked-up beer cocktail that’s a zesty mix of Mexican lager, lime juice and hot sauce. There are many variations, but this easy recipe is perfect for rookie mixologists. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Blue Lagoon Margaritas

This is one super drink that’ll have the neighbors asking, “What’s that?” Show them and make an extra batch to share. —Willie DeWaard, Coralville, Iowa

Strawberry Mimosas

Here's a tasty twist on the classic mimosa. To make refreshing strawberry mimosas friendly for kids or mamas-to-be, substitute lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for the champagne. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois

Fresh Lime Margaritas

This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Summertime Watermelon Punch for a Crowd

I attended a patio party years ago where the hostess had a clever watermelon “bowl” with a scalloped edge and filled with this punch. It was the hit of the party, and she was kind enough to share the Fourth of July cocktail recipe with me. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Sparkling Red Wine Sangria

Sangria is a Spanish drink of wine mixed with spices, cut fruit, and fruit juice, sherry or brandy. It’s best to mix this and let it sit for an hour or more before serving so all the flavors of the fruit and wine blend together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Gold Rush

A cocktail made with spirits and citrus juices usually can be classified as a "sour." The Gold Rush is a sweet-tart spin on a classic bar room favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Topsy-Turvy Sangria

I got this Fourth of July cocktail recipe from a friend a few years ago. Perfect for relaxed get-togethers. it’s even better if you make it the night before and let the flavors steep. But watch out—it goes down easy. —Tracy Field, Bremerton, Washington

Guava Coconut Rum Cocktail

My Fourth of July cocktail is so sensational it’s like a taste of the tropics in a glass. The guava adds a touch of sweetness to this coconut drink. —Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York

Basil Citrus Cocktail

Fruity, fantastic and lighter in calories! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Texas Red River Margaritas

When I lived in Texas, I decided to create a Fourth of July cocktail that represented my new home. I’ve found that blood orange juice works just as well as the grapefruit juice. —Danny Schneider, Omaha, Nebraska

Frozen Lemon-Berry Margaritas

I like to cool down with this absolutely fantastic frozen margarita recipe. It's slightly icy, thick and perfect for when you need a break. —Julie Hieggelke, Grayslake, Illinois

Screwdriver

If you’re looking for a Fourth of July cocktail that is easy on your budget, look no further than this screwdriver recipe. With just two simple ingredients, vodka and orange juice, you’ll have a classic drink that’s a real crowd-pleaser. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Manmosa

This is our Test Kitchen’s version of the famous Hurricane beverage that’s so popular in New Orleans. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Passion Fruit Hurricanes

This is our Test Kitchen’s version of the famous Hurricane beverage that's so popular in New Orleans. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

Sidecar

Welcome summer with this Fourth of July cocktail. Treat yourself to this sunny delight on a warm day.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Strawberry-Basil Cocktail

This Fourth of July cocktail of sun-ripened strawberries and tender basil is so refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s our favorite. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Mint Julep

It wouldn’t be Kentucky Derby Day without this mint julep recipe! But, really, this Kentucky Derby mint julep recipe is good anytime. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen