What to Drink in July

July brings the heat! Stay cool with sippers that take advantage of in-season produce and colorful drinks perfect for patriotic parties.

Your ultimate guide to July drinks

When July rolls around, there’s no denying that summer is in full swing. It’s a month filled with patriotic parties, pool days and soaking up every ounce of summer fun before August hits.

The month starts off strong with Independence Day celebrations (for those of us in the U.S.) and builds from there. It’s the perfect chance to craft colorful drinks that match the scheme of the holiday and wow your friends and family! From there, take advantage of the flavors of the month and enjoy cool drinks made for hot days.

Most of all, these drinks don’t take themselves too seriously. They embrace summer fun with bright colors and flavors, and I hope they encourage you to do the same!

Your July flavor guide 

July brings peak summer produce that is hard to pass up! Watermelon, blueberries, stone fruit and fresh herbs are all in season and are so good in so many different drinks. Whether you find yours at the farmer’s market, pick some up at your favorite grocery store or even grow your own, embrace these flavors.

July 4 is the anchor holiday, which means red, white and blue drinks and anything BBQ-friendly. These drinks are fun, but come together easily. Think about big batch options that serve a crowd that also include booze-free options for all ages. Lemonade is always a hit!

The Tour de France and Bastille Day give the month a French flair, the perfect excuse to mix up some French-inspired sips that give an air of elegance. Add in National Tequila Day to round things out at the end of the month and there’s something for everyone to enjoy — don’t miss these tequila drinks!

What’s happening in July 

July is jam packed right from the beginning! Whether you prefer big celebrations or want to keep things low-key, mark your calendars for these fun dates:

• July 1 — Canada Day
• July 4 — Independence Day
• July 4 to 26 — Tour de France
• July 10 — National Piña Colada Day — July 10
• July 11 — World Rum Day / National Mojito Day
• July 14 — Bastille Day
• July 14 — MLB All-Star Game
• July 19 — National Daiquiri Day
• July 20 — National Ice Cream Day
• July 24 — National Tequila Day
• July 25 — National Scotch Day

July is also National Blueberry Month, so take advantage of these blue beauties which are also in season! Blueberry syrup is an easy way to infuse their flavor into their favorite drinks. It’s also National Ice Cream Month which is sure to sweeten any day you want to celebrate.

Your July drink menu 

If your month will be filled with fireworks or simply sitting by the pool, there’s a drink here I know you’ll enjoy. Cheers!

July flavors

July is when I let the farmers market do most of the work for me: Bright, refreshing drinks built around whatever's at its peak, with a few easy crowd-pleasers I keep coming back to every summer.

1

Watermelon Margarita

I make this watermelon margarita the second watermelon shows up at the market, because fresh melon turns it into something genuinely refreshing instead of just a regular sweet and tart marg. I keep the lime heavy-handed so it stays bright against the tequila, and honestly the color alone is enough to make me want to serve it at every backyard barbecue.

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2

Blueberry Martini

My blueberry martini is a new favorite, and what I reach for on nights when I want something that feels a little dressier without much extra effort. The sweet berry flavor and that deep purple color do most of the heavy lifting, so I just chill it well and let it shine. Homemade berry syrup is one of my favorite hacks — it's a great way to preserve fruit that's otherwise about to go bad.

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3

Peach Sangria

This peach sangria is my go-to make-ahead pitcher drink all summer. I steep ripe peaches in white wine with a splash of peach schnapps, and it never lasts long once I set it out for a crowd. Every glass tastes like a visit to my favorite orchard in South Carolina — except I don't have to drive far!

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4

Sunrise Mocktail

I reach for this sunrise mocktail anytime I want something gorgeous on the table that everyone can drink. The layered orange, pink and yellow always gets comments, and I love that I can serve it at brunch alongside the boozier stuff without leaving anyone out. Fresh citrus and grenadine make it super flavorful and pretty.

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5

Blueberry Lemonade

I'll often make a batch of blueberry lemonade just to use up berries that are starting to soften, since the sweetness balances the lemon's tartness without losing that classic lemonade snap. The color turns this deep, pretty purple-blue that always gets a double take. I pour it over plenty of ice and it's always gone before I know it on a hot afternoon.

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6

Pineapple Mimosas

A splash of pineapple juice is all it takes to give my classic mimosa a sunnier, more tropical edge. It's still just as easy to throw together, only with a little more flavor packed in. I make this pineapple mimosa for pretty much any brunch that calls for something bubbly. This one is my husband's favorite brunch drink!

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7

Kahlua Coke Float

This Kahlúa Coke Float is my answer for when I want dessert and a drink in one glass. Coffee liqueur and cola are an unexpectedly good pair, and once I drop in a scoop of ice cream it turns rich and a little nostalgic. I bring it out at casual summer parties when I want something fun instead of fussy. I'll probably make it for my own national ice cream day celebration at home, too.

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8

Michelada

When I want a break from the sweeter drinks on this list but want something lighter than a Bloody Mary, I make a michelada. Cold beer, lime and a savory blend of seasonings give it a completely different flavor profile, bold and tangy in a way that holds up to hot weather. I serve mine ice cold alongside whatever's coming off the grill.

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July 4 & patriotic drinks

Fourth of July calls for drinks that look the part. I always reach for these recipes with bold color, festive layers and are easy crowd-pleasers built for backyard parties.

9

Red, White and Blue Mojito

This red, white and blue mojito is one of my favorite ways to make a classic mojito feel like a true showstopper for the holiday. Fresh mint and lime keep the flavor light and crisp underneath all that color, so it never tastes as sweet as it looks. It takes a little effort, but I love setting it out for a Fourth of July crowd.

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10

Boozy Cherry Bombs

I make a batch of these boozy cherry bombs whenever I want a make-ahead treat that's more party snack than cocktail. Each one delivers a quick hit of juicy fruit and a little kick, and they barely take any effort. They're an easy addition to cookouts, summer parties or any holiday spread. You can serve them any time, but dipped in white chocolate and blue sprinkles, they're extra patriotic and festive.

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11

Strawberry Lemonade

Another lemonade, yes, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't make lemonade multiple times in July. My strawberry lemonade is proof that some combinations never go out of style. Sweet strawberries and tart lemon balance each other perfectly, which keeps it refreshing even on the hottest days. I serve it over plenty of ice for the ultimate summer cooler.

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12

Red, White and Blue Jello Shots

These red, white and blue jello shots are a fun, colorful addition to any patriotic celebration I'm hosting. The fruity flavors and festive look make them an easy party favorite, and I always prep them ahead of time so they're ready when guests arrive. Bonus: You can make a non-alcoholic batch (instead of or in addition) to serve to everyone.

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13

Fourth of July Cocktail

My friend Chrissie’s Fourth of July cocktail leans into bold color and bright flavor, which is exactly what I want for Independence Day. She tops these with everyone’s childhood favorite popsicles for an eye-catching presentation that makes it a fun centerpiece on any holiday menu. This is the new recipe I’m making this year.

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Bastille Day & Tour de France drinks

Drinks with a little French flair feel just right in mid-July, whether I'm toasting Bastille Day or following along with the Tour de France.

14

French 75 Cocktail

I'm a huge francophile, and this French 75 is one of my go-to cocktails whenever I want something light and elegant that never feels dated. Sparkling wine and gin form the base, and fresh lemon juice adds just enough brightness to keep it balanced. I make it for brunches and evening celebrations in equal measure.

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15

Monaco Cocktail

I discovered the Monaco cocktail as a French café classic, and now I make it whenever I want something refreshing and a little unexpected. Beer, lemonade and a splash of grenadine balance out beautifully against each other, sweet against crisp. I like to use Stella Artois for mine to keep it feeling like a true French experience.

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16

French Soda

French soda is one of my favorite drinks to make for fun, since flavored syrup and sparkling water turn into an endlessly customizable treat. The result is creamy, bubbly and easy to dress up however we're feeling that day. I make it for parties, afternoon refreshments or anytime I want something on the table for the non-drinkers.

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Rum Drinks

Rum has a busy stretch of holidays in mid-July, from Piña Colada Day to National Mojito Day to World Rum Day, so this lineup leans tropical.

17

Piña Colada

A piña colada is a must whenever you want a few minutes of vacation without leaving your kitchen. Creamy coconut and sweet pineapple come together for a tropical classic that earns its reputation every time. Blended with ice, it has that frosty texture that makes it feel like an instant getaway. My family loves this one!

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18

Queens Park Swizzle

I'm not going to lie, the classic mojito is one of my reliable go-tos for keeping things crisp and light in the middle of summer. But when I want to level it up? It's a Queens Park Swizzle. Fresh mint and lime balance out the rum and sparkling water, but a layer of Angostura bitters on top is an incredible touch. You might never go for a regular mojito again…

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19

Dark & Stormy Cocktail

Truly, I love a dark and stormy for nights when I want a drink with real character. Ginger beer and dark rum combine for something spicy and slightly sweet in equal measure, and it comes together with almost no effort on my part. I just pour it over ice and let the ginger beer do the work. And sometimes it brings out my inner writer, too!

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20

Frozen Mango Daiquiris

This frozen mango daiquiri is what I reach for when I need to cool off fast. Sweet mango gives the blended daiquiri a tropical twist that's hard to resist on a hot day, smooth and icy in all the right ways. I bring it out at summer parties or anytime a frozen treat sounds right.

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21

Virgin Mojito

I make a virgin mojito just as often as the boozy version, since fresh mint, lime and sparkling water deliver all the flavor without skimping on anything. It's light, crisp and easy to make for a crowd. This one works just as well solo as it does alongside everything else on this list.

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Tequila Drinks

National Tequila Day lands July 24, and this lineup covers my classics along with a couple of family-friendly swaps.

22

Classic Margarita

A classic margarita is the drink I trust most to strike that perfect balance of tart and refreshing. Fresh lime juice and tequila keep it simple, which is exactly why it's reliably a crowd favorite no matter how I serve it. I pour it on the rocks or blend it up depending on my mood.

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23

Spicy Paloma

I love to make a spicy paloma when I want a little more excitement in my glass. Jalapeño brings real heat to the classic grapefruit & tequila formula, balanced out by citrus and tequila in a way that keeps it bold without going overboard. It's my go-to for anyone who likes a little spice.

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24

Tequila Sunrise

This tequila sunrise is almost too pretty to drink, with layers of orange juice and grenadine giving it that signature sunrise look. The citrus flavor keeps it light and easy to enjoy, which is why I love adding it to brunch or any colorful party spread.

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25

Frozen Virgin Margarita

I make a round of frozen virgin margaritas whenever I want a family-friendly option that doesn't skimp on flavor. Tangy lime takes the lead here, along with zero-proof tequila, and blended with ice it has that smooth, frosty texture everyone wants on a hot day. It's an easy one to blend up alongside the boozier margaritas.

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26

Watermelon Agua Fresca

I close out my July lineup with a watermelon agua fresca, since fresh watermelon makes for a naturally sweet, hydrating drink that needs almost nothing else. Even if you're not drinking tequila. this Mexican mocktail is light and simple, built for cooling off during the hottest stretch of summer. I serve it well chilled for a refreshing finish to the whole menu.

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