Celebrate America’s Independence w/ Red, White, and Blue(berry) Cocktails

With all the recent tumultuous events we as American have been experiencing, there is not a better time to come together and celebrate the fact that we have freedom to live our lives without threat of persecution…..or at least we shouldn’t be. Let us not forgot the words of our Founding Fathers who wanted us to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What better way than a patriotic cocktail to help us celebrate life, our liberty and our continuous pursuit of happiness. In the spirit of celebration, let’s raise a glass or two of these delicious cocktail recipes from Basil Hayden Whiskey, Cruzan Rum, DeLeón Tequila, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. All of these delicious cocktail recipes are the perfect companion to the fireworks, and fun-filled cookouts.

Toast to America’s Independence with a one of two firecracker cocktails (your choice of tequila or vodka), a sparkler, odes to Independence, and living the dream. This weekend, kick back, be wowed by the beauty of the fireworks, and embrace your freedom to enjoy life.

Firecracker Red Manhattan

2 oz. DeLeón Reposado
½ oz. Cardinal Mendoza Spanish Brandy
¼ oz. Tempus Fugit Creme de Cacao
½ dropper Bittermans Hellfire Shrub
Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass over cracked and cubed ice until thoroughly cold. Strain into a chilled coupe and serve up.

Miss Independence

2 oz. DeLeón Platinum infused with fresh sage
¾ oz. clarified lime juice
¾ oz. fresh cane syrup
Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass over cracked and cubed ice until thoroughly cold. Strain into a chilled coupe and serve up garnished with a sage leaf.

The Firecracker

2 parts Skinnygirl® Bare Naked Vodka
1 part club soda
Watermelon balls, frozen
Toothpick/mini umbrella
Shake vodka with ice. Pour into martini glass and top with club soda. Spear frozen watermelon with a toothpick and drop in glass.

Blueberry Sparkler

2 parts Skinnygirl® Bare Naked Vodka
5 muddled blueberries
Dash of grenadine
Splash of club soda
Lemon wedge for garnish
Muddle blueberries at the bottom of a glass, add in Skinnygirl® Bare Naked Vodka and grenadine. Then, top off glass with club soda. Garnish with lemon wedge.

Star Struck Sipper

5 parts Skinnygirl® White Peach Margarita
Star fruit wedge for garnish
Pour Skinnygirl® White Peach Margarita over ice. Garnish with star fruit.

Basil Hayden’s Independence Spice (Created by Kristi Green)

1 ½ parts Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon
½ part Fresh Lemon Juice
¾ parts Simple Syrup
7 Blackberries
7 Mint Leaves
2-3 parts Sparkling Wine
Muddle 6 blackberries and 6 mint leaves in a Boston Shaker with ¼ part simple syrup. In the mixing glass, combine Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, lemon juice and remaining simple syrup and add to the muddled blackberries and mint leaves. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a Collins glass with fresh crushed ice. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a skewered mint leaf and blackberry.

Cruzan Caribbean Dream

1 1/2 part Cruzan Blueberry Lemonade Rum
1/2 part Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 part Cream
Cinnamon
Maraschino Cherries
Combine all ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and double strain into a shot glass. Garnish with freshly grated Cinnamon and a speared Maraschino Cherry.