by Richard Lloyd Evans

Created on: May 20, 2008   Last Updated: March 06, 2010

It is time to raise our glass to salute the nation. But pack away the beer for another day, no boring beer or shots, here! Color up to some red, white and blue cocktails and let's get the fireworks started with some unique libations!

FIRECRACKER SHOOTER

Here is an intense shooter that will light the fuse. This a great, “shoot one down as you come through the door and get the party started”. Mix, shoot it back and step back for launch!

Ingredients:
1/2 oz tequila
1/2 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
1/2 oz Peppermint Schnapps

Real simple here! Just mix well and snap it back. Watch out for that ignition!

GLORY MILKSHAKE!

Talk about cold and refreshing! And so easy, too! This is a great, refreshing summer drink that is a great staple at 4th of July gatherings, or for any hot summer evening, for that matter.

Ingredients:

cup vanilla ice cream
1 cup milk
1 oz Creme de Cocoa
1 oz Orange Schnapps

Mix ice cream and milk in a blender and blend well, then add in the Creme de Cocoa and Orange Schnapps. This tastes wonderful on those hot, hot, hot 4th of July’s. You'll be tempted to head out for more ice cream! Be careful though! These frosty cold ones have a kick that can sneak up on you. For something different, use chocolate ice cream and banana schnapps instead. Yum!

DEFEND THE FLAG!

This is a colorful drink that can be a bit tricky to get the look just right. But this layered drink looks fantastic and goes down so easy.

Ingredients:

1/2 oz Grenadine Syrup
1/2 oz Cream
1/2 oz Blue Curacao liquor

Make sure all the ingredients are frosty-chilled. In a highball glass, layer the Blue Curacao liquor (Blue) at the bottom, then on top of that the Cream (white) and finally top it by the Grenadine Syrup (red). The cream makes for a really cool and refreshing drink that goes down so smooth. Watch it! The Blue Curacao at the end gives it a thumping kick!

RED WHITE AND BLUE ICE SHOOTERS

Here is another way to get your red, white and blue drinks going for your Independence Day celebrations. For each color, start with two cups of cool water, then add a cup of vodka or rum. Mix well, then for each color add a few drops of red, white, or blue food coloring to the mix until the color is right. It is important to add one drop of coloring at a time and best to stir each one well after each drop, so you don't over color. Once the color is right, pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze in the icebox. Serve with a clear drink.

You can also do this as a non-alcoholic version just leave out the alcohol!

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