Independence Day Imbibing: Firewater and All

The 4th of July  is not only the most anticipated holiday of the summer, it’s a time for families and reunions and remembrances of time honored traditions, like fireworks and barbecues to celebrate the nation’s birthday.  So enjoy all of the festivities and mark your 4th of July party with a memorable signature libation that is perfect for the occasion. Make yours a standout celebration with one of these colorful cocktails and show your true colors. Whether you’re hosting an indoor gathering or outdoor barbecue, your guests will be impressed with these all-American drinks.
–roz edward

The Dawn’s Early Light                         
Ingredients:
1 ounce Southern Comfort
1 ounce ABSOLUT Vodka
1 dash of club soda
1 ounce fruit syrup
3 ounces sweet and sour mix
Directions:
Shake all the ingredients (except the club soda). Top the drink with soda. Garnish with a slice of orange.

Stars and Stripes
Ingredients:
¾ ounce Bombay Sapphire Gin
¾ ounce Jose CuervoTequila
¾ ounce BACARDI Light Rum
¾ ounce vodka
1 ½ ounces sour mix
¾ ounce Blue Curacao
1 ounce Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda)
ice
Directions:
Combine in a pint glass, shake and serve with a lemon wedge. This is an expanded version of the Long Island Iced Tea, we’ve just made it a little less regional.

The Blue Star Martini                                                
Ingredients:
1 ½ ounces Bombay Sapphire Gin
½ ounce blue curacao
1 ounce peach schnapps
¾ ounce lime juice
¼ ounce sugar syrup
1 lemon peel
Directions:
Place the gin, curacao, schnapps, lime juice, and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain drink into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.

The Yankee Doodle
Ingredients:
1 ½ ounces ABSOLUT Berri Acai Vodka
1 teaspoon raw sugar
4 slices of peeled ginger
5 large green grapes
Clear soda
Blueberries and raspberries
Directions:
Muddle grapes, ginger, and sugar in pint glass. Add ice and vodka. Shake vigorously and strain drink into a cocktail glass over ice. Top with soda and garnish with raspberries and blueberries.