Time to Be Free! Freedom Weekend

This July Fourth Weekend, I'm taking you to a pool party. Now this pool might just be me with my dogs and some snacks but it's still a winner of a party. Before we get all lounged out by the pool, I want to share my tips and ideas for your July fourth celebration. It's an American holiday to celebrate independence, barbecues, and fireworks. What is there not to love?

Something a little fancy

Gin cocktail

Ingredients

2 oz Bombay Bramble Gin

1 oz Lime juice

1/2 oz Simple Syrup

Garnish: Berries

Recipe: In a cocktail shaker with ice, pour gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. You give it a great shake and then serve it in a coupe glass. This is an elevated Gin Gimlet. The Bramble adds a fun berry twist that works perfectly with whatever snack you are serving. It's sweet and a little bitter which is perfect for a summer day and thinking about barbecue.

Something a little basic

Margarita

Ingredients

2 oz Tequila

3/4 oz Mezcal

3/4 oz Grand Marnier

2 oz Lime Juice

1/2 oz Simple Syrup

Garnish: Light Purple Glitter

Recipe: In a cocktail shaker, pour all ingredients with ice. Give it a nice shake. For your margarita glass, use a lime to rim the glass for a salt rim (if you like). You should also add a little crushed ice to the glass to help keep your cocktail cool in the summer heat. To make it a little more festive, I had added a little glitter. This makes the cocktail party ready!

Something in Between

Bourbon Cocktail

Ingredients

2 oz Bourbon

3/4 oz Cointreau

2 oz Lemonade

1 oz Sparkling Water

6 muddled Raspberries

Garnish: Raspberries

Recipe: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the raspberries then add ice. Pour the rest of the ingredients. Give the shaker a good shake and then carefully pour into a highball glass with ice. You can top with sparkling water and use that to lessen the amount of alcohol. It's a perfect barbecue cocktail: easy to make and goes with everything.