Make Your Party Pop with Independence Day Cocktails

While there are plenty of ways to get festive for the holiday with cakes, pies and all-American favorites, the drink department requires a bit of effort. At any July 4th party, you can probably find lemonade, iced tea and maybe some punch. But to really wow your guests, you'll need a few of these colorfully creative cocktails.

Fireworks Daquiri

Photo by: Heather Ramsdell

Heather Ramsdell

Ah, the daiquiri. You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't enjoy this classic summer drink. The red portion of this version is sweetened with strawberries and watermelon, making it extra-light, while the white portion is made with coconut sorbet, giving the drink a bit of creaminess. And the blue center is made with white rum, blue passion-fruit liqueur and blue curacao, giving the drink its grown-up kick.

Red-White-and-Blue Cocktails

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Food Stylist: Brett Kurzweil

This one is a festive template for any kind of cocktail. Just add in your favorite red drink! We suggest a vodka cranberry for the adults and a mixture of pomegranate juice, cranberry juice and seltzer for the kids. For the finishing touch, coat the rim of the glasses with the secret blue ingredient.

Fourth of July Cocktail

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This drink proves that cocktails are not always what they seem at first glance. Jalapeno muddled with citrus juice gives it a bit of a kick while keeping things light, and watermelon schnapps make it unmistakably summery. Garnish with a watermelon wedge for extra-special presentation.

Red Carpet Cocktails

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Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero Prop Styling: Pam Morris

Photo by: Anna Williams

Anna Williams

Save this one for the evening, when it's just the adults. With champagne and orange-flower water, it's sure to impress. But it's also easy to make a family-friendly version of it by replacing the gin and champagne with seltzer water.

Safire Moon

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Who said you can't have it all? You most certainly can when it comes to this creation. It's got sweetness from the vanilla vodka, and some tangy and sour notes from the blue curacao and lime, and the lychee keeps things mild and fresh. Try making a kids' version by replacing the blue curacao with some blueberry soda.

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