4th of July Favorites: Pitcher Cocktails Make Cookouts a Hit
4th of July Cocktail Recipe Ideas
It seems like summer is just getting started, but it’s actually already time to get ready for Fourth of July celebrations. Independence Day is one of the most important holidays in the United States, and definitely one of the most fun. The Fourth is marked with colorful, exploding fireworks, barbecues, and delicious cocktails in the sun.
Beer is a known staple at any summer cookout, let alone a Fourth of July barbecue, but there are a lot of options for imbibing on this national holiday. It’s a good idea to create big batches of cocktails before the party so that you’re not playing bartender all day and can enjoy the social event. Although some recipes may require last-minute assembly when preparing, it still cuts drink-making time. Try our two favorite Independence Day pitcher cocktails and remember the Fourth of July cardinal rules: keep it fun, tasty, and cool.
Cajun Lemonade
The Cajun Lemonade is not really from New Orleans, but it does embrace the flavors and style of this Creole region.
Ingredients:
12 oz white rum or vodka
4 ozPimm's No. 1
8 oz fresh lemon juice
4 oz simple syrup
1/2 Tbsp Tabasco
Ice
8 oz chilled 7-Up
Thin lemon wheels for garnish
Instructions:
In a large container that you can seal, combine all of the ingredients except the ice, 7-Up, and the lemon wheels.
Refrigerate it until the drink is chilled, which is at least 1 hour.
Cover tightly and shake carefully not to spill, and then pour into an ice-filled pitcher.
When serving, strain into an ice-filled rocks glass, stir in the 7-Up, and garnish with lemon wheels.
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Starlight
This cocktail infuses old world glamour into your modern lifestyle. Starlight is based on a famous cocktail recipe from the Starlight Room in the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco.
Ingredients:
16 oz chilled club soda
3 oz simple syrup
12 oz Campari
8 lemon wheels
Ice
6 oz triple sec
8 oz fresh orange juice
8 lime wheels
2 oz cognac
4 oz fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
In a pitcher, combine the Campari, orange juice, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cognac.
Refrigerate until it’s nice and chilled, which is about 2 hours.
Stir the mixture well and pour it into an ice-filled highball or red wine glass. Top each drink with 2 oz of chilled club soda and garnish with the lemon and lime wheels.
