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Red, White & Blue Cocktails

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Shake up something star-spangled and delicious with these fun and festive red, white and blue cocktails. Perfect for Memorial Day, the 4th of July or any sunny summer hang, these colorful drinks are guaranteed to bring the party.

Layered desserts in clear cups, featuring blue, white, and red gelatin topped with whipped cream and red, white, and blue sprinkles, are arranged on a marble surface.

Your ultimate guide to red, white and blue cocktails

There’s not much more American than a cocktail. The cocktail has many roots that date back to the Prohibition era, when alcohol was banned by the Constitution. Back then, people made concoctions with heavier substances to enjoy alcohol (drinks you really wouldn’t want in modern times).

Red, white and blue cocktails are so fun and festive and will punch up any summer party. Whether your beverage menu has drinks that are red, white OR blue, or they’re a combination of all three, they instantly dress up a summer party or BBQ.

And, of course, any drink with bourbon — which by law can only be made in the USA — is certainly an American one.

I’ve pulled together lots of cocktail recipes and entertaining tips to help you celebrate the red, white and blue this year. And bonus — they are great way to beat the summer heat.

Tall glass of a red and pink iced beverage garnished with blackberries, mint leaves, and a straw; a bowl of berries is in the background.

Occasions to serve them

You don’t have to pick just one of these drinks to make, as the summer is backed with red, white and blue holidays.

🗽 U.S. Holidays
Memorial Day — Last Monday in May
Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in service to their country, particularly those who died in battle or from wounds sustained in combat.
Juneteenth (Freedom Day) — June 19
Juneteenth is an important celebration of the end of slavery. Red is a key color for this holiday, so I included a few red-colored drinks to try. (Better yet, check out this list of Black content creators and their amazing Juneteenth recipes!)
Independence Day — July 4
A day of cookouts and fireworks celebrates America’s independence from Great Britain.
Labor Day — First Monday of September
Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of American workers and marks the unofficial end of summer.
Veteran’s Day — Nov. 11
Though not in the summer, it deserves a mention! On this day, we celebrate and thank our living veterans for their service.
🌍 Other Red, White and Blue Celebrations
Bastille Day — July 14
Bastille Day marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 and symbolizes the beginning of the French Revolution. Not an American holiday, but the French flag is RWB too! (Technically, BWR.)
Christmas in July — July 25
Swap the blue for green, and you’ve got a Christmas holiday in the summer!
Olympics — Every 4 years: Summer in leap years, Winter in even-numbered years between
Cheer on Team USA with these drinks, or the host country with some Olympic drinks!
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Quick tips for hosting

  • Set up a mojito or margarita bar. Let guests mix their own red, white and blue cocktails by offering fresh ingredients like muddled berries, mint, citrus, and colorful garnishes. Use white rum or tequila as the base, and let the DIY creativity flow.
  • Make your drinks pop by freezing blueberries, raspberries or strawberries in ice cube trays. It keeps drinks cold and adds instant RWB flair without watering them down.
  • Offer one red, one white, and one blue signature cocktail. Label them with cute flags or drink signs so guests can try all three throughout the night.


strawberries garnishing a glass of Strawberry Rosé Sangria

Food pairings

If you are throwing a Fourth of July party, try one of these winning appetizer and dessert recipes to go along with the festive drink recipe you choose.

  • This beer cheese dip is great with pretzels or bread. Make it with your favorite American beer (preferably local!).
  • Caprese skewers are a super cute red & white appetizer. Add fresh blueberries for a sweet, patriotic twist!
  • With a cheesy center, these cat head biscuits are delicious at a cookout.
  • Roasted peaches with goat cheese and honey will knock everyone’s socks off.
  • Made with fresh berries, fruit skillet cake is so pretty and patriotic. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a good idea to go with this one.
  • This gorgeous tarte aux fraises is absolutely a stunner.
  • Bedazzle prosecco popsicles with red and blue fresh berries for a boozy summer treat.

The best red, white and blue cocktails

Whether it’s Memorial Day drinks, July 4th cocktails or another celebration, these red, white and blue libations are sure to bring the perfect pop of color to your cocktail lineup. Skip ahead to one of the sections if you’re looking for a specific hue:

Layered drinks

1
Two tall glasses with red berry drinks, topped with ice, fresh mint, and berries, with bamboo straws. A bowl of assorted berries is in the background.
Red, White and Blue Mojito
This festive Red, White and Blue Mojito is perfect for summer celebrations! It's minty, fruity and super refreshing — plus the colors are just so fun.
Get the Recipe
2
Small cups filled with layered red, white, and blue gelatin dessert topped with whipped cream and red, white, and blue sprinkles. The cups are arranged on a wooden board.
Red, White and Blue Jello Shots
These Red, White and Blue Jello Shots are always a hit! They’re super festive, fun to make and even more fun to eat.
GET THE RECIPE
3
Mint sprigs and a lime wedge garnish a berry mojito. A bunch of mint and bowl of blueberries sit off to one side.
Blueberry Mojito
This Blueberry Mojito is fruity, minty, and seriously refreshing. It’s a great way to upgrade your usual summer mojito for the patriotic holidays.
Get the Recipe
4
Two martini glasses with a Devil's Margarita in them.
Devil’s Margarita
The Devil’s Margarita layers tangy lime and tequila with a bold splash of red wine. It’s got a little spice, a lot of style and major flavor. Add a skewer of blueberries for a festive garnish.
GET THE RECIPE
5
A cocktail garnished with blueberries, mint, and lemon peel sits on a white surface with scattered blueberries, purple flowers, and a bottle in the background.
www.thefreshcooky.com
Blueberry Gin Fizz Cocktail – with Empress Gin
A Blueberry Gin Fizz is light, bubbly and packed with berry flavor. It’s refreshing, pretty and perfect for summer get-togethers.
Get the Recipe
6
Three glasses filled with layered red, white, and blue slush, each with a wide straw on a dark surface.
www.westviamidwest.com
Red White & Blue Vodka Lemonade Slushies
This frozen slush is icy, fruity and full of patriotic vibes. Red, White & Blue Vodka Lemonade Slush is like a boozy snow cone for grown-ups.
Get the Recipe
7
A mason jar filled with a fizzy drink, ice, blueberries, strawberries, and a striped straw, sitting on a star-patterned surface.
www.thegraciouswife.com
Berry Spritzer Recipe
A Berry Spritzer is light, fizzy and just sweet enough. It’s a super simple drink that looks great and goes down easy.
Get the Recipe
8
A cocktail in a ribbed glass topped with foam, garnished with a cherry and lemon twist on a skewer. A gold cocktail shaker is partially visible in the background.
New York Sour
A New York Sour is a classy cocktail with a patriotic twist — bold whiskey meets bright red wine for a stunning layered drink. It’s a conversation starter for sure!
GET THE RECIPE

Red drinks

9
Two glasses filled with a red sparkling drink, partially obstructed by a gold ombre base, next to fresh strawberries and a metal jigger.
Strawberry Mimosas
This Strawberry Mimosa is a fun, fruity spin on the classic brunch drink. It’s bubbly, sweet and made for summer mornings.
Get the Recipe
10
A refreshing watermelon drink sits in a glass surrounded by lime slices, watermelon slices and watermelon chunks.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Watermelon Agua Fresca is fresh, naturally sweet, and super hydrating. It’s a tasty non-alcoholic option that everyone will love.
GET THE RECIPE
11
A pink cocktail in a ridged glass, garnished with lime, mint, and a blackberry. The rim is sugared, with blackberries and mint scattered on a marble surface.
Blackberry Margarita
A Blackberry Margarita is fruity, bold and perfect for summer nights. It’s a colorful twist on the classic margarita and perfect for any festive gathering.
GET THE RECIPE
12
Two glasses with berries and mint leaves in them.
Cheerwine Shandy Cocktail
The Cheerwine Shandy Cocktail is fizzy, cherry-sweet and super refreshing. It’s an easy mix of beer and soda with a nostalgic vibe.
GET THE RECIPE
13
classic Bloody Mary cocktail on a bed of garnishes
Classic Bloody Mary
A homemade Bloody Mary is the ultimate daytime party drink! Let guests build their own spicy, savory drinks with all the fixings.
GET THE RECIPE
14
A tall glass of watermelon lemonade with ice, garnished with a lemon slice, mint leaves, and a watermelon wedge. A pitcher of the drink and a cutting board with watermelon pieces are in the background.
Watermelon Lemonade
Sweet, tangy and totally thirst-quenching, serve this Watermelon Lemonade chilled for a crowd-pleasing drink that tastes like summer holidays.
GET THE RECIPE
15
Two glasses of pink cocktail garnished with lime and chili powder on the rim, surrounded by watermelon slices and a jigger on a white surface.
Watermelon Margarita
This Watermelon Margarita is juicy, fresh and super easy to shake up. It’s got that perfect mix of sweet and tart.
GET THE RECIPE
16
A cranberry Italian soda garnished with a mint sprig on a gray stone coaster.
Italian Soda
Italian Sodas are bubbly, creamy and completely customizable. They’re a fun, non-alcoholic treat for all ages. Serve them with red, white and blue syrups!
Get the Recipe
17
Gold rimmed glasses contain red liquid, ice cubes and whole cranberries with a squeezed lime wedge on a toothpick as garnish. Scattered in the foreground are whole cranberries on a white surface
Cape Codder (Vodka Cranberry)
The Cape Codder is a classic American vodka and cranberry combo with a splash of lime. It’s crisp, simple and always a good idea.
Get the Recipe
18
Kick off summertime with a batch of cherry red Cheerwine Bourbon Slushies. Make ice cubes from this famous North Carolina soda and blend them with your favorite American whiskey for a true patriotic treat. (via feastandwest.com)
Cheerwine Bourbon Slushies
Cheerwine Bourbon Slushies are cold, boozy and bursting with cherry flavor. They’re the perfect make-ahead party drink.
Get the Recipe
19
strawberries garnishing a glass of Strawberry Rosé Sangria
Strawberry Rosé Sangria
This Strawberry Rosé Sangria is fruity, light and easy to make in a big batch. Great for brunches, BBQs or just relaxing on the porch.
Get the Recipe
20
A glass of pink Frosé.
Easy Frosé
Homemade Frosé is frozen rosé wine for a sweet, slushy, summery cocktail. It’s the ultimate summer chiller for sweltering holidays.
GET THE RECIPE
21
a cutting board with limes and strawberries with a berry cocktail
Strawberry Mojito
A Strawberry Mojito is cool, minty and packed with berry flavor. It’s a refreshing twist on a classic mojito.
Get the Recipe
22
a michelada cocktail on a wood coaster
Michelada
A Michelada is a zesty, spicy beer cocktail that’s perfect for hot days. Think of it as a fizzy, savory Bloody Mary.
Get the Recipe
23
A close-up of a frozen strawberry daiquiri on a gold tray.
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris are icy, sweet and always a crowd favorite. Just blend and pour for instant vacation vibes that taste like a visit to America's cocktail haven, New Orleans.
Get the Recipe
24
A drink for the races, the Belmont Jewel is the #1 drink for toasting the Belmont Stakes. Bourbon, lemonade and pomegranate juice served over crushed ice make for a fruity punch that's delicious all summer long. (via feastandwest.com)
Belmont Jewel Cocktail
From New York State, the Belmont Jewel is a fruity bourbon cocktail made with lemonade and pomegranate. It’s easy to sip and packed with flavor.
GET THE RECIPE
25
Two glasses filled with ice water, raspberries, and blueberries sit on a star-patterned napkin beside a metallic shaker.
joyfullymad.com
Tequila Soda
This red, white and blue Tequila Soda is simple, crisp and super refreshing. Add a squeeze of lime and it’s the perfect low-effort cocktail.
Get the Recipe
26
Three glasses filled with a red and pink iced beverage, garnished with mint leaves and cherries, each glass decorated with a gold band.
www.thespeckledpalate.com
Cherry Smash with Vodka
This Cherry Smash is loaded with fresh cherry flavor and a fizzy kick. It’s light, tasty and easy to enjoy any time.
Get the Recipe
27
A glass of frozen watermelon drink garnished with a watermelon slice, a lime wheel, and a blue-striped straw, surrounded by ice cubes and additional fruit.
entirelyelizabeth.com
Watermelon Lime Slush
This Watermelon Lime Slush is sweet, tart and icy cold. It’s super refreshing and great for sipping poolside.
Get the Recipe
28
Two coupe glasses filled with red granita, each garnished with a sprig of fresh mint, set on a light textured surface.
www.resplendentkitchen.com
Strawberry Lemon Gin Granita
Strawberry Granita is an icy, fruity treat that doubles as a drink and dessert. It’s light, pretty and perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe
29
A glass jar filled with iced tea, lime slices, strawberries, and mint leaves sits on a wooden board, surrounded by fresh strawberries, lime, and basil leaves.
veggiecurean.com
Sparkling Strawberry Basil Mocktail – Veggiecurean
This Sparkling Strawberry Basil Cocktail is fresh, bubbly and full of summer flavor. It’s sweet with just the right herby touch. Add some blueberries or blackberries for a patriotic look.
Get the Recipe
30
A red cocktail with a frothy top served in a glass with ice and garnished with a twist of orange peel. Another similar glass is in the background.
hostessatheart.com
Pineapple Campari Cocktail Recipe – Hostess At Heart
The Pineapple Campari Cocktail is tropical and slightly bitter, with a bold flavor that stands out. It’s definitely one for grown-up taste buds to enjoy on the summer holidays.
Get the Recipe
31
Two tall plastic cups filled with pink iced drinks, garnished with mint leaves and striped straws, sit on a light wooden surface.
thewimpyvegetarian.com
Watermelon Wine Cooler with Lime
This Watermelon Wine Cooler with Lime is fruity, crisp and super easy to sip. It’s a chilled-out, backyard kind of drink.
Get the Recipe

White drinks

32
ice, berries and apples floating in a pitcher of water
Berry Infused Water
Staying hydrated never looked so good! This Berry Infused Water is simple, refreshing and bursting with natural red and blue hues.
GET THE RECIPE
33
closeup of edible gold and silver stars on jello shots
Champagne Jello Shots
These Champagne Jello Shots are sparkly, fun, and great for celebrating. They're an easy way to add a little bubbly to your party. The sparkly, star-spangled sprinkles add a gorgeous touch.
GET THE RECIPE
34
Two glasses of lemonade with mint leaves in them.
White Wine Sangria
White Wine Sangria is light, fruity and perfect for sharing. Just add red and blue berries and chill — it doesn’t get easier than this.
GET THE RECIPE
35
Two glasses of layered dessert, one with raspberries and the other with blueberries, sit on colored saucers against a white background, reminiscent of playful hues in sparkling mocktails.
Sparkling Balsamic Mocktails
Studded with festive berry ice cubes, these Sparkling Balsamic Mocktails are tangy, fizzy and totally unique. It's a fun non-alcoholic option that feels grown-up and fancy.
Get the Recipe
36
Two Blueberry Mules alongside fresh mint and blueberries.
Blueberry Mule
The Blueberry Mule is a fruity twist on a classic with zingy lime and ginger beer. Serve it icy cold for maximum refreshment.
GET THE RECIPE
37
frozen margaritas with tajin rims
Frozen Margaritas
Frozen Margaritas are tart, boozy and made for summer fun — and they’re perfect for layering in red, white and blue. Just pour out about two-thirds and blend it with strawberries for the red base layer. Add a layer of the remaining plain margarita, then blend the rest with blueberries or a splash of blue curaçao for a bold blue top.
Get the Recipe
38
A clear jar filled with a pale liquid, accompanied by a clear straw and a decorative stirrer. Two similar jars are blurred in the background.
White Gummy Bear Shot
Gummy Bear Shots are sweet, fruity and surprisingly smooth. They're a fun little throwback with a grown-up twist. Use red and blue gummy bears to complete the look.
GET THE RECIPE
39
Two glasses of White Negroni on a marble table.
White Negroni
The White Negroni brings a crisp, herbal note to your red, white and blue lineup. This modern twist on the classic is a refreshing way to represent the white.
GET THE RECIPE
40
Two glasses of iced Hugo Spritz with gold-colored utensils on a white surface.
Hugo Spritz Cocktail
A Hugo Spritz is floral, bubbly and super refreshing. It’s low alcohol and perfect for brunch or an afternoon hangout.
GET THE RECIPE
41
Beat the heat this summer with Frozen Lemon Daiquiris reminiscent of the New Orleans classic cocktail. Sweet and tart, this citrus and rum cocktail is like a fresh frozen lemonade. (via feastandwest.com)
Frozen Lemon Daiquiris
Frozen Lemon Daiquiris are tart, icy and seriously refreshing. They’re a citrusy way to cool down fast.
Get the Recipe
42
Two red, white, and blue popsicles rest on top of drinks, surrounded by star-shaped confetti and small American flag decorations on a white surface.
www.offtheeatenpathblog.com
4th of july cocktail recipe idea: an easy red, white and blue pina colada
Patriotic Piña Coladas are frozen, tropical and layered in bold red, white and blue. Topped with a firecracker popsicle, they’re as festive to serve as they are fun to sip.
Get the Recipe
43
A glass of clear beverage with ice, strawberry, blueberries, and melon cubes, next to a red and white striped straw and star-shaped confetti.
www.cakenknife.com
Patriotic Tom Collins Punch
Patriotic Tom Collins Punch is a light, bubbly batch cocktail that’s perfect for parties. Just mix, add fresh summer berries and pour over ice.
Get the Recipe

Blue drinks

44
Two highball glasses with blue cocktails and ice, garnished with lemon slices and blue straws, placed on a white surface next to a gold jigger. The glasses have large gold polka dots.
Electric Lemonade
With its brilliant blue color, Electric Lemonade is fizzy, citrusy and just a little sweet. It’s fun, vibrant and super easy to throw together.
GET THE RECIPE
45
Two glasses of blue margarita with limes on a napkin.
Blue Margarita
This Frozen Blue Margarita is vibrant, citrusy and ice-cold — the ultimate cool-down cocktail. Its bold color and bright flavor make it a fun pick for any red, white and blue celebration.
GET THE RECIPE
46
fish-shaped gummy candies with blue cocktails
Fish Bowl Drink
The Fish Bowl Drink is wild, colorful and bursting with tropical flavor. Fill it with red and white gummy fish for a playful twist on this shareable party cocktail.
Get the Recipe
47
colorful jello shots on marble
Classic Jello Shots
Classic Jello Shots are easy, nostalgic and always a party favorite. Make red and blue versions for a colorful nod to your patriotic theme.
GET THE RECIPE
48
a blue margarita on a wooden coaster
Blue Margaritas
Served on the rocks (or even over star-shaped ice cubes!), Blue Margaritas are bright, citrusy and made for a celebration. That bold blue color makes them stand out every time.
Get the Recipe
49
A coupe glass filled with a blue cocktail sits on a white surface, with bottles, a folded cloth, and a vase of purple flowers in the background.
limoncellokitchen.com
This naturally blue cocktail is a stunner for summertime drinks
The Cerulean Sour is bright, citrusy and electric blue — perfect for rounding out your red, white and blue cocktail trio. It’s bold in color and big on flavor.
Get the Recipe
50
Two tall glasses of bright blue cocktail with ice, lemon slices, cherries, and paper umbrellas, placed on a light surface with scattered ice cubes and orange wedges.
www.cupofzest.com
Blue Lagoon Mocktail
The Blue Lagoon Mocktail is bright, tropical and alcohol-free. It’s a fun drink that everyone — kids and adults — can enjoy.
Get the Recipe
51
Two martini glasses filled with blue cocktails, each garnished with a cherry, sit on a blue cutting board next to a small dish with more cherries against a white brick wall background.
www.splashoftaste.com
Envy cocktail
Envy Cocktails are eye-catching, cool-toned and full of flavor, with vibrant red cherries on top. They’re a colorful, crowd-pleasing pick for your red, white and blue lineup.
Get the Recipe

About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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  1. Julie says

    What a fun post! I just loved the beautiful recipes hear. I’m glad that I saw it before the weekend. It was perfect for our get-together!

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