On the Fourth of July, the United States of America celebrates its Independence Day, which marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence from Britain’s Parliament as well as King George III himself.

There’s a sense of mirth and joy in the air, as families gather together to celebrate the auspicious day. Carnivals are held all across the US, parades colour the streets of America in the hues of independence.

Whether you are having a barbeque in your backyard or gathering at your friend’s place, here are a few red, blue and white sippers to enjoy on this day: 

1. Stars & Stripes

Celebrate the holiday with the colours of the national flag punched into one fizzy drink. 

Ingredients: 5 fresh blueberries, 1 ounce of blueberry vodka, quarter ounce absinthe, 1/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup 1/4 ounce,1 drizzle of raspberry brandy, Ginger beer, sugar cubes.

Steps:

* Squash the blueberries in a shaker

* Add vodka, absinthe, lemon juice and syrup

* Add ice to the mixture and shake until chilled

* Pour into a highball glass

* Drizzle with the raspberry brandy and top with ginger beer

* Garnish with sugar cubes

2. Firecracker

Make a refreshing burst of sweetness to counter the heat on the Fourth of July. 

Ingredients: Two 1-inch-cubed watermelon chunks, one and a half ounces of aged rum, half an ounce of triple sec, lime juice freshly squeezed and simple syrup. Along with that 1/6 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and top it off with a lime wedge garnish.

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Steps:

* Muddle the watermelon in a mixing glass

* Add all the other ingredients along with ice and shake until chilled

* Pour into a glass

* Garnish with a lime wedge to add the punch

3. Watermelon Mojito

Ingredients: 4 ounces of seedless watermelon chunks (chopped), 4 large mint leaves, 1 tablespoon of agave nectar, a quarter ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, one and a half ounces of light rum, and lemon twist for garnishing.

Steps: 

* Mix the watermelon and mint with the agave nectar and lime juice in a shaker

* Add rum along with ice and shake until chilled

* Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice

* Garnish with a lemon twist

4. Ginger Hibiscus Mocktail

Ingredients: 4 cups water, 4 bags hibiscus tea, such as Badia brand, 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 4 lemon wedges, for garnish, springs fresh mint, for garnish, mint-infused simple syrup, ginger ale.

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Steps:

* Boil water in a medium saucepan over high heat

* Remove from heat and add the hibiscus tea. Let stand 5 minutes.

* Using a slotted spoon, remove the tea bags, pressing hard on the bags

* Pour it in a heatproof pitcher and stir in the ginger, lemon juice and simple syrup

* Refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours

* Pour into ice-filled glasses,

* Top it off with ginger ale and garnish each with a lemon wedge and mint sprig   

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5. Berry Ice Cubes

Ingredients: 1 cup of blueberries, 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of white cranberry juice

Steps: 

* Place 5 to 6 blueberries in each compartment of 1 ice-cube tray

* Stir together white cranberry juice and water

* pour over berries

* Freeze for four hours or until firm 

* Use these cubes with any freezy drink to enjoy an absolute summer delight