4th of July Cocktails, Wine Spritzers, Sangria
Add Festive Touches to the Picnics and Fireworks Watching Parties with Smoky Cocktails
It’s time to get ready for your 4th of July party. Whether it’s a daytime picnic or an evening fireworks watching event, try your hand at mixing a new watermelon patriotic signature cocktail. To add a little snap to any cocktail, add a drop food-grade dry ice into the mix and watch it smoke! How to Handle Dry Ice Guidelines included. Sample our “Watermelon Blueberry Mojito.” If you prefer Wine Cocktails, Spritzers, and Sangria, I’ve added recipes and some general tips when planning for a crowd. If you are a guest of a 4th of July party, here is quick idea: go to Cocktail Courier and have a gift shipped to your favorite hostess. Happy 249th Birthday, USA.
Watermelon Blueberry Mojito
Serves 2 - Courtesy of Home Front Cooking
Ingredients:
1 cup ice
1-1/3 cup watermelon juice
2 oz/4 tbsp rum
1-2 tbsp sugar
10-12 fresh mint leaves
Juice of 1 lime (2 tbsp)
1/3 cup blueberries
sparkling water
Food-grade dry ice, optional
Directions:
1. Juicing the watermelon. Take 2- 2 1/2 cups of diced watermelon to get the juice you need. Throw it in your blender for a quick minute and then strain out the seeds and pulp.
2. Combine the watermelon juice, rum, the ice, half of the mint, and the lime juice in a shaker or a large jar with a lid. Shake it up to combine.
3. Pour the mixture into a tall glass and top with sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.
4. Test, and add sugar or simple syrup as needed.
5. Garnish with mint, blueberries, and lime wedges as desired.
6. Optional: Add some food-grade dry ice for flare.
How to Handle Food-Grade Dry Ice in a Cocktail
Yes, dry ice can be used to make smoky cocktails. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide that turns directly into a gas when placed in a liquid, creating a white smoke and fine bubbles. Here are some tips for using dry ice in cocktails:
Safety
Never touch dry ice with your bare skin or eyes. Wear protective gloves and goggles.
Breaking
Use a hammer and screwdriver to break large pieces of dry ice while it's still in the bag. Protect the surface with a towel.
Amount
A 1-inch chunk of dry ice will create smoke for about five minutes.
Consumption
Wait for the dry ice to completely evaporate before drinking the cocktail. You may sip the top of the drink but be sure not to ingest any of the ice.
Other Uses for Display
You can also place the dry ice in a separate vessel and serve it alongside the drink to create a smokier atmosphere.
General Tips for 4th of July Wine Cocktails: Spritzers and Sangria
Consider Making Batches: Many wine cocktails, especially sangrias, are great for making in large batches to simplify serving at parties.
Chill Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, including wine and mixers, are well-chilled for a refreshing experience.
Garnish: Enhance the festive spirit by garnishing with red, white, and blue fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. You can even cut star shapes out of watermelon for a fun touch.
Container: Use a large washtub or beverage holder to fill with water, beer, and soft drinks.
Choose the Right Wine: For wine spritzers, I opt for a drier white wine like a Pinot Grigio, Albariño, or Sauvignon Blanc (a no-oak dry wine) to balance the sweetness of the soda. Some recommended wines: 2023 Kris Pinot Grigio, Friuli-Venezia, Italy, $14, 2022 Burgans Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain, $16, 2022 Giesen Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, $12.
Sangria by the Pitcher, choose a wine that complements the fruit flavors. For the Red, White, and Blue Sangria (Courtesy of Kitchen Fun). Mix dry white wine, Triple Sec, Blueberries, Strawberries (hulled and halved), and apples (thin slices). Add a cup or two of seltzer water or Cava if you prefer a more bubbly drink. Let chill in advance so the fruits soak up the flavors. In keeping with Sangria’s origins in Spain and Portugal, I like to use a dry white Albariño or Vinho Verde (which is an effervescent white wine.) You may want to choose a Vinho Verde/Alvarinho blend like 2020 Aveleda for $12.
Wine Spritzers: Simple and refreshing, made with chilled white wine and club soda or lemon-lime soda.
Patriotic Wine Spritzer: ¼ cup blueberries, ¼ cup hulled and quartered strawberries, ½ cup medium bodied white wine, chilled, ½ oz. blueberry-infused vodka, 1-2 splashes of Prosecco, tonic water, or lemon-lime soda. Mix all ingredients, but add the Prosecco, tonic, or soda last to make the drink fizzy.
Strawberry Basil Wine Spritzer: White wine, sliced strawberries, fresh basil leaves, honey, and club soda create an aromatic and flavorful spritzer.
Don't Forget Non-Alcoholic Options: Offer refreshing options like sparkling water, iced tea, or fruit juice for guests and kids who prefer (and need) non-alcoholic drinks.
Happy 4th of July!
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