Red, White and Bourbon: All American Fourth of July cocktails

All American Fourth of July cocktails toast the red, white and bourbon.

Why not shake up some Fourth of July cocktails with some all-American bourbon.

Fourth of July cocktails will turn any celebration, no matter the size, into a memorable event. This year, why not celebrate the red, white and bourbon with your cocktail choices. These cocktails might be as all American as apple pie.

Bourbon is an American liquor. Recognized by the U.S. Congress as “a distinctive product of the United States,” this liquor has to meet certain requirements to be just straight bourbon. While the legal experts can quote statutes, the U.S. produced liquor must be at least 51% corn, aged in new, charred oak and meet certain proof requirements.

While some liquors are labeled straight bourbon, other popular brands are considered bourbon whiskey, blended or even rye bourbon. Although all the names can be complicated, flavor often determines a drinker’s preferences.

Whether drunk neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail, bourbon is a great choice for the Fourth of July. Somehow an All-American liquor is the perfect pairing for an All-American holiday celebration.

Woodford Reserve cocktails

While often associated with the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve is a luscious bourbon. Even though delicious when drunk neat, a bourbon cocktail can highlight the flavors in the liquor.

For the Fourth of July, Woodford recommends two cocktails. The Woodford Reserve Porch Swing and the Woodford Reserve Thoroughbred.

The Porch Swing cocktail is a refreshing cocktail that pairs beautifully with food straight off the grill. The sweet, tart and layered cocktail could make you want to make a batch for the whole afternoon. Just be careful, this cocktail is not like drinking a glass of sweet tea.

Woodford Reserve Porch Swing

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 3/4 oz Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz Honey
• 6 ozs Peach Tea

Directions:

• Combine ingredients into a tall glass and stir. Garnish with a slice of peach or lemon wheel.

For a little spicy kick to your cocktail, consider the Woodford Reserve Thoroughbred. While this cocktail is quite simple, the ginger beer adds a boost to the classic bourbon. Plus, that little brightness from the lime makes it quite refreshing.

Woodford Reserve Thoroughbred

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 oz Woodford Reserve®
• 6 oz ginger beer

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a mule mug with ice and stir gently. Garnish with lime.

Newer All-American Fourth of July cocktails

If you are ready for a Texas twist and a celebration that is alright, alright, consider opening a bottle of Longbranch. A collaboration between Matthew McConaughey and Wild Turkey, this bourbon gets a boost of flavors from Texas Mesquite.

While the mesquite adds a touch of pepper, the hint of citrus balances the sweetness of the vanilla. Whether slowly sipped on its own or part of a bourbon cocktail, Longbranch is always in season.

For the holiday, Longbranch recommends two cocktails, Firecracker and Bourbon Sparkler. These cocktails take a different flavor approach to the bourbon cocktail. It could be time to experience some flavor fireworks.

Here’s how to make Firecracker.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 parts Longbranch
• 1 part grapefruit juice
• .5 part Campari
• .25 part simple syrup
• 3 raspberries (garnish)

And here’s how to make the Bourbon Sparkler.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Longbranch
• Juice of half a lime
• Top with sparkling mineral water
• *Keep remaining sparkling water on the side to top off the drink until it’s gone

These bourbon cocktails are just a few suggestions for All American Fourth of July cocktails. Whether it is red, white and bourbon or just a beer, toast to the moments that make you happy this year.

How are you celebrating the Fourth of July?