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13 Last-Minute Fourth of July Drink Ideas to Toast America’s 250th Anniversary

Celebrate the height of summer (and America's birthday) with a crowd-pleasing drink.

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Need a last-minute drink for your Fourth of July celebration? Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to a cookout, or pulling together a fireworks watch party, these easy Fourth of July drinks come together fast. From refreshing cocktails and fruity punches to festive mocktails and frozen favorites, you'll find plenty of crowd-pleasing recipes made with simple ingredients. So even if you're short on time, you can still serve a fun, colorful drink that tastes like summer.

1

Old-Fashioned Lemonade

4th of july drinks lemonade
David Tsay for Country Living

Fill this sweet and tangy lemonade with fresh berries to make it festive for the Fourth.

Get the recipe for Old-Fashioned Lemonade.

2

Firecracker Sangria

a punch bowl filled with firecracker sangria
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living

This festive punch is perfect for Independence Day! White wine gives it a grown-up flavor, but sparkling grape juice or white grape juice would make it kid-friendly.

Get the recipe for Firecracker Sangria.

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3

Blackberry Gin Smash

two cocktails with blackberries and mint on coasters
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living

Hosting a smaller, more elegant affair? Take advantage of the fresh blackberries everywhere by making a sweet, flavorful cocktail that everyone will want to try. Blueberries or raspberries work equally well.

Get the recipe for Blackberry Gin Smash.

4

Shaved Ice Cocktails

blueberry bourbon snow cone cocktail
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living

What could be sweeter or more refreshing on a hot summer day than shaved ice topped with homemade syrup and (for the grownups) a shot of strong drink? We've got three different combinations you can choose from: pick one, or mix up all three and set up a shaved-ice stand at your Fourth of July party!

Get the recipe for Blueberry-Bourbon Snow Cone Cocktail.

Get the recipe for Raspberry-Vodka Snow Cone Cocktail.

Get the recipe for Mango-Tequila Snow Cone Cocktail.

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5

Hibiscus-Lime Cocktail

hibiscuslime cocktail
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living

If you're looking for something that's festive, fun, and simple to make, then you've got the drink right here! At just five ingredients, this tart sweet sipper takes just 10 minutes to make.

Get the recipe for Hibiscus-Lime Cocktail.

6

Spicy Watermelon Paloma

a couple of glasses with spicy watermelon paloma and fruit in them
IAN PALMER for Country Living

What could be a more summery flavor than watermelon? Mixed with a homemade spicy syrup, these refreshing drinks also have a bit of a kick: perfect for getting everyone going.

Get the recipe for Spicy Watermelon Paloma.

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7

Strawberry-Lemonade Punch

strawberry lemonade punch
Linda Pugliese for Country Living

All you need are a few simple ingredients to make this refreshing punch! But the best part is definitely garnishing with watermelon stars. The kids will love using cookie cutters to help make the garnish!

Get the recipe for Strawberry-Lemonade Punch.

8

Strawberry and Sparkling Rosé Punch

4th of july drinks strawberry and sparkling rose punch
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living

Strawberries are a sweet, summer treat! And a large pitcher of this fruit-filled drink is just what your Fourth of July party needs!

Get the recipe for Strawberry and Sparkling Rosé Punch.

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9

Refreshing Berry Spritzer

refreshing berry spritzer
Brian Woodcock for Country Living

Grab your favorite summer berries and make this super easy spritzer! Get the kiddos in the kitchen to help you stir everything together.

Get the recipe for Refreshing Berry Spritzer.

10

Dogwood Punch

dogwood punch in a pitcher and two glasses
Brian Woodcock

This easy drink is full of flavor thanks to fresh strawberries and lemons.

Get the recipe for Dogwood Punch.

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11

Thyme-Blueberry Lemonade

a glass of thyme blueberry lemonade
Brian Woodcock for Country Living

What could be better on the Fourth of July than a refreshing blueberry beverage? This lemonade is easy to make and best served with extra berries and fresh thyme.

Get the recipe for Thyme-Blueberry Lemonade.

12

Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler

4th of july drinks
Brian Woodcock for Country Living

This bright sparkling drink is easy to make in big batches, so you can spend more time hanging out and less time mixing drinks.

Get the recipe for Raspberry and Lemon Rosé Sparkler.

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13

Fresh Mint and Lemon Iced Tea

fresh mint and lemon iced tea
Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living

Is there anything more refreshing on a hot summer day than iced tea? This recipe is all about the strawberries, lemon, and fresh mint. Perfect for sipping on the Fourth of July!

Get the recipe for Fresh Mint and Lemon Iced Tea.

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