apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

For a refreshing muddled-fruit option that can be made with or without alcohol:

Independence Day Punch (adapted from Dale Degroff, The Craft of the Cocktail)
makes one drink

1/2 cup watermelon chunks (seeds and rind removed)
1 1/2 ounces simple syrup
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
4 ounces brewed tea (chilled)
1 1/2 ounces citrus vodka (optional)

In a mixing glass, muddle the melon with the simple syrup until the fruit is watery. Add the remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and garnish with a slice of lemon.

For a cool, sophisticated classic that doesn't come on too strong:

The Americano Cocktail (as blogged by Faith during our special cocktail week in May)

For a sassy Transatlantic salute:

Blushing Monarch (adapted from Peter Dorelli (and Harry Craddock), The Savoy Cocktail Book)
makes one cocktail

1 1/2 ounces gin
1 ounce Campari
1 ounce orange curacao
1 1/2 ounces passion fruit juice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange slice, a wedge of lime, and a cherry.

For something with a little 1950s-style patriotic flair:

Betsy Ross Cocktail (adapted from Gary Regan, The Joy of Mixology)
makes one cocktail

1 1/2 ounces brandy
1 1/2 ounces ruby port
1/2 ounce curacao
1-2 dashes Angostura bitters

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

Do you have any Fourth of July cocktail favorites? Let us know!

Related: Summer Cocktails: The Full Roundup

(Image: Nora Maynard)

-Nora