3 Cocktails To Put Patriotic Pizzazz In Your July 4th Parties

PHOTOS clockwise from top left: Independence Sparkler; Star-Spangled Sangria; Ruby Sparker.

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Beer and wine always work well at Independence Day barbeques! But if you want to add some "pop" to your firecrackin' festivities this year, consider one of these three signature cocktails. One uses wine and fruit, another rum with sugar and lime, and the third mixes champagne with a shimmery infused vodka and moscato liqueur.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July with your family and friends. And remember, if you plan to drink, don't drive!

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Ruby Fireworks created by mixologist Natalie Migliarini of Beautiful Booze.

Ingredients:

· 2 oz. of Viniq Ruby (Viniq is a liqueur made of vodka, moscato and natural fruit flavors, but any simliar brand may be substituted.)

· 1 oz. of lemon juice

· ½ oz. of strawberry simple syrup

· 2-3 oz. of champagne

Instructions:

· Chill all ingredients for 2 hours prior to making the cocktail

· In a flute glass add Viniq Ruby, lemon juice, and strawberry simple syrup

· Stir mixture

· Top mixture with champagne

· Garnish with strawberry and blueberry skewers

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Cruzan® Independence Sparkler

Ingredients:

1 part Cruzan® Strawberry Rum (or any similar brand)
1 part Cruzan® Aged Light Rum (or any similar brand)
1/2 part Sugar
1 half of a Fresh Lime, cut into quarters 6 Fresh Basil Leaves
Soda Water

Method: Muddle lime and basil with sugar in a tumbler. Add Cruzan Strawberry and Aged Light Rums and ice, then shake 2 times to mix. Pour into a rocks glass and top with soda. Garnish with basil and a fanned strawberry slice.

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Recipe from Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi for Star-Spangled Sangria:

Serves 8

½ cup sugar
½ cup lemon juice
1 (10 ounce) bottle club soda
1 (750 milliliter) bottle of Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Pinot Grigio or other brand of Pinot Grigio
1 lemon, sliced
Ice
Star fruit, strawberries, blueberries and mint leaves for garnish

1. Dissolve sugar in the lemon juice in a large pitcher.
2. Add club soda, Pinot Grigio, lemon slices and mix well. Note, do not add ice cubes until ready to serve or it will dilute the sangria.
3. Pour into glasses and garnish with star fruit, strawberries, blueberries and/or mint leaves

*Entertaining Tip: when making for a large group, double or triple using a large container with a tap. Put the ice in a tube in the center of the container to keep it from diluting the mixture, but keep it cold. Add in some of the strawberries and oranges in the container to give the drink a festive touch!

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And also for your July 4th preparations and parties, see:

• Fireworks Aren't So Festive For Your Pets
• DIY Pallet Flag Is Perfect, Easy Holiday Craft For 4th Of July Fun
• Hitting The Road This July 4th Weekend? You Definitely Won't Be Alone!

Plus whether you live in Southern or Northern California, find the fireworks shows closest to you:

• 4th of July Fireworks, Parades and Celebrations in Northern California
• 4th of July Fireworks, Parades and Celebrations in Southern California

Related July 4th coverage:

• 11 Patriotic Films for 4th of July Weekend
• East Palo Alto PD Confiscates 600 Pounds Of Illegal Fireworks

--Images courtesy of Viniq, Cruzan Rum and Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi.