These Red, White, and blue cocktails will have you feeling extra festive and patriotic for the the 4th of July! How about a refreshing summer punch? A bowl of punch is a great idea since most of us will celebrate during the weekend, and any leftovers from a big batch of punch could be used for the actual 4th of July on Wednesday!

American Sweetheart

Created by Pamela Wiznitzer, USBG NY Chapter President

Celebrate American diversity with the native spirit of our neighbors to the South. This fruity and bold tequila libation is hard to resist, making it a must-have at any 4th of July pool party.

• 2 parts Tres Agaves Blanco
• 3-4 pieces Watermelon
• ½ part Hibiscus Syrup (Boil hibiscus tea; once hot, add in equal parts
• White sugar to the tea and let dissolve)
• ¾ part Lime Juice
• ½ part Coconut Water

Muddle watermelon and combine all ingredients. Shake and strain into a highball. Garnish with a thin watermelon slice.

Star-Spangled Blackberry

Created by Moses Laboy, Le Colonial NYC

Berry forward with a bourbon boost, this “bold” cocktail is perfect for a festive celebration this Fourth.

• 1 ½ parts Maker’s 46
• ½ part fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ part fresh steamed black raspberry juice
• Touch of sugar

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice; strain into a short rocks glass over ice and garnish with a blackberry.

Using a brand-new technique among bartenders, Moses Laboy has introduced the art of steaming fruits to the NYC bar scene; his favorite bourbon rendition is the star-spangled blueberry, made with Maker’s 46.

Where’s the Red and Blue?

Created by Jakob Hostetter, Beverage Director at Cantina on Lenox

Add to the 4th of July fireworks with a burst of flavor with extravagant coconut and a hint of lime. This delicious concoction will surely be a grand finale!

• 2 parts Sugar Island Coconut Rum
• 1 part Coco Lopez
• ½ part fresh lime juice
• Club soda

Shake coconut rum, coco lopez and lime juice; pour over crushed ice and top with club soda. Garnish with shaved coconut and lime twist in Collins glass.

Sips and Stripes

Created by Anthony Caporale, Art of The Drink

A delicious play on the classic apple pie, but with a bourbon kick. This brightly colored cocktail is perfection when cheers-ing with your friends on the Fourth.

• 1 part Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
• 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 dashes Angostura® Bitters
• 3 parts dry hard cider

Stir together the sugar and the bitters until the sugar dissolves. Add Maker’s Mark® Bourbon. Top with cold cider. The dry apple flavor in the cider pairs perfectly with the Maker’s Mark® Bourbon and bitters. This easy-drinking cocktail goes with almost anything.

Fancy Bourbon Punch

Created by Matt Wallace, Mixologist

• 1 liter Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Peels of 3 lemons and 1 orange
• Juice of peeled fruit
• 1 liter of strong tea (preferably green tea)
• 250 ml champagne (club soda can be used for a less fancy version)
• Freshly grated nutmeg*

Combine sugar and citrus peels in the bottom of a punch bowl. Muddle together until sugar starts to clump together. Let sit for about 2 hours, (while not necessary, this does add a little complexity). Brew the tea for about 30 minutes, remove loose tea or tea bags and allow to cool. Add the juice of the peeled fruit, tea and bourbon. Stir. Top with champagne just before serving and stir gently. Top with freshly grated nutmeg and serve.

*If you can’t grate fresh nutmeg, don’t use the prepackaged powdered stuff. It will turn your punch into a paste. If fresh isn’t possible, garnish with citrus wheels or fresh fruit.