Fun 4th of July Drinks to Try This Summer
The 4th of July is one of those holidays that just begs for something fun and festive in your hand, whether you’re grilling in the backyard, lounging by the pool, or watching fireworks light up the sky. It’s warm, it’s colorful, and it’s the perfect excuse to break out the drinks that scream summer celebration.
And no, we’re not just talking about soda and lemonade (though those are always welcome). We’re going full-on red, white, and blue with drinks that taste as good as they look.
What’s great about themed drinks is how much they can elevate the vibe of your celebration. It’s the little details — the layered colors, the fresh fruit garnishes, the fun straws — that make guests smile and ask, “What’s in this?!” Plus, whether you prefer boozy sips or non-alcoholic refreshers, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So grab your ice, your blender, and your cutest glasses because we’re about to get into 10 delightful 4th of July drinks. Some are sweet, some are tangy, and all of them are a party in a glass.
10 Easy 4th of July Drinks
1. Firecracker Layered Drink (Non-Alcoholic)
This colorful drink is a crowd-pleaser and totally kid-friendly. With distinct red, white, and blue layers, it’s as patriotic as it gets — and super Instagram-worthy. The trick? Using drinks with different sugar content so the layers don’t mix. It’s magic, but it’s also just science.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red sports drink (like Gatorade Fruit Punch)
- 1 cup clear lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7UP)
- 1 cup blue sports drink (like Gatorade Cool Blue)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Fill each glass to the top with ice. This is key to keeping the layers from mixing.
- Slowly pour the red sports drink into the glass until it’s about a third full.
- Next, gently pour the clear soda over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the red layer. Fill until two-thirds full.
- Lastly, repeat with the blue sports drink, again pouring it slowly over a spoon.
- Serve immediately with a fun straw or a little flag on top!
2. Berry Mojito Sparkler
This refreshing twist on a mojito adds fresh berries for a fruity punch and swaps club soda for sparkling water to keep things extra fizzy. It’s light, minty, and ridiculously good on a hot day.
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ cup fresh blueberries and strawberries
- 2 oz white rum (optional)
- Sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar and lime juice to release the mint oils.
- Add the berries and gently muddle just enough to break them up slightly.
- Fill two glasses with ice and divide the berry-mint mixture between them.
- If using rum, pour 1 oz into each glass.
- Top off with sparkling water, give it a quick stir, and garnish with a mint sprig and a few whole berries.
3. Red, White & Boozy (Vodka Lemonade Slush)
Think frozen lemonade with a grown-up twist — this boozy slush uses strawberries and blueberries for a red and blue swirl that’s perfect for sipping under the sun.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for making simple syrup, optional)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 2 cups frozen blueberries
- 1 cup lemonade
- ½ cup vodka
- Ice as needed
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine strawberries with half the lemonade and half the vodka. Blend until slushy.
- Pour into the bottom half of your glasses and stick in the freezer while you blend the next layer.
- Rinse your blender and repeat with blueberries, lemonade, and vodka.
- Pour the blueberry layer over the strawberry layer.
- Add a fun straw, maybe a fruit skewer on top, and serve!
4. Patriotic Punch (Non-Alcoholic)
This bright and fruity punch is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s made with juice and soda, and the fruit slices floating inside make it as pretty as it is tasty.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda
- Fresh blueberries and strawberries
- Sliced lemons
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, mix the cranberry and pineapple juices.
- Stir in the lemon-lime soda.
- Add sliced lemons, strawberries, and blueberries.
- Serve over ice in individual glasses, and let the fruit float for a festive look!
5. Blueberry Moscow Mule
A classic mule gets a berry upgrade with muddled blueberries and fresh lime juice. It’s spicy, cool, and has that signature zing from the ginger beer.
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4 oz vodka
- 1 cup ginger beer
- Ice
Instructions:
- Muddle the blueberries and lime juice together in a shaker or glass.
- Add vodka and stir to combine.
- Fill copper mugs or glasses with ice.
- Pour the blueberry mixture over the ice, then top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a few extra berries.
6. Cherry Bomb Fizz
This drink is bright, bubbly, and sweet with a slight cherry tang. It’s the grown-up version of a cherry soda — made even better with a splash of rum or bourbon.
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry juice or cherry soda
- ½ cup lemon-lime soda or sparkling water
- 2 oz white rum or bourbon (optional)
- Ice
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill two glasses with ice.
- Mix the cherry juice or soda with lemon-lime soda.
- Add alcohol if using, and stir.
- Top with a maraschino cherry or two and a little umbrella if you’re feeling extra.
7. Frozen Strawberry Piña Colada
If the 4th of July had a beach drink, this would be it. Creamy coconut, tropical pineapple, and sweet strawberries blended into a frozen treat. Yes, please!
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 1 cup frozen pineapple
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup white rum (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness with honey if needed.
- Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a pineapple wedge or a mini flag.
- Serve immediately for maximum frozen goodness.
8. White Sangria with Summer Fruit
Light, refreshing, and full of fruit, this white sangria is ideal for easy entertaining. Plus, you can make a big batch ahead of time and just let it chill until party time.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup apple juice
- ½ cup orange liqueur (like Triple Sec)
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 sliced apple
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Ice
Instructions:
- Combine the wine, juice, and liqueur in a large pitcher.
- Add all the fruit and stir.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours.
- When ready to serve, pour into glasses over ice and scoop in some fruit with each serving.
9. Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic)
Zesty, tangy, and full of berry flavor, this raspberry lemonade is just the right mix of sweet and tart. The sparkling finish makes it extra special.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Juice of 4 lemons
- 4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups cold sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions:
- Muddle raspberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl or pitcher.
- Strain the mixture to remove seeds (optional).
- Add sparkling water and stir gently.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and a few whole raspberries.
10. Stars & Stripes Milkshake (Non-Alcoholic)
This one’s a fun, dessert-style drink — part shake, part sundae. You can make them in layers or swirl red, white, and blue syrups through vanilla ice cream for a festive twist.
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup milk
- Strawberry syrup
- Blueberry syrup or blue food coloring mixed with a little vanilla syrup
- Whipped cream and sprinkles
Instructions:
- Blend ice cream and milk until smooth.
- In tall glasses, drizzle strawberry syrup down one side and blueberry syrup on the other.
- Pour in the milkshake and gently swirl with a straw to create a ribbon effect.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
- Serve with a long spoon and a big smile.
Whether you’re planning a backyard bash or just enjoying a chill day with friends and family, these 4th of July drinks are the perfect way to toast to summer.
From sparkling refreshers to frozen treats, there’s something for everyone on this list — kids, adults, and those who just love a good themed drink. So go ahead, grab your favorite and raise a glass to freedom, fireworks, and festive sips. Happy 4th!