As we gear up to celebrate Independence Day, it's time to plan a menu that will make your Fourth of July gathering unforgettable. From refreshing drinks to mouth-watering food, here are some fantastic recipes to ensure your celebration is a hit. Plus, we've included tips on creating star-shaped garnishes for an extra patriotic touch!

Festive Drinks

1. Red, White, and Blue Sangria

Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of white wine

• 1/4 cup brandy

• 1/4 cup triple sec

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced

• 1 cup pineapple, cut into star shapes

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine white wine, brandy, and triple sec.

2. Add blueberries, strawberries, and star-shaped pineapple.

3. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

2. Patriotic Pink Lemonade

Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:

• 6 cups water

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup blueberries

• 1/2 cup raspberries

• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, mix water, lemon juice, and sugar until sugar dissolves.

2. Add blueberries, raspberries, and mint leaves.

3. Serve over ice and enjoy.

3. Sparkling Strawberry Mocktail

Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:

• 4 cups sparkling water

• 1 cup strawberry puree

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine sparkling water, strawberry puree, and lime juice.

2. Stir well and serve over ice

3. Garnish with mint leaves or lime slice.

For more mocktail inspiration, check out our celebratory sips.

4. Blueberry Mojito

Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 1/2 cup white rum

• 2 cups club soda

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Muddle blueberries and mint leaves in a pitcher.

2. Add lime juice, white rum, and club soda.

3. Stir well and serve over ice.

For more cocktail recipes, explore our cocktails section.

Delicious Foods

1. Grilled BBQ Chicken

Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:

• 6 chicken breasts

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

3. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, basting with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes.

4. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce.

2. Classic American Burgers

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 4 burger buns

• 4 cheese slices

• Lettuce, tomato, and onion slices

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Form ground beef into 4 patties.

2. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side.

4. Assemble burgers with buns, cheese, and toppings.

3. Star-Spangled Fruit Salad

Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:

• 1 small watermelon

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced

• 1/4 cup mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Cut watermelon into star shapes using a cookie cutter.

2. Combine with blueberries, strawberries, and mint leaves.

3. Serve chilled.

4. Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:

• 6 ears of corn

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro)

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil or grill corn on the cob until tender.

2. Mix butter with chopped herbs and salt.

3. Spread herb butter over hot corn before serving.

5. Red, White, and Blue Salad

Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:

• 6 cups mixed salad greens

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1/2 cup raspberries

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

2. Sprinkle with feta cheese and walnuts.

3. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.

6. Star-Shaped Cookies

Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Red, white, and blue icing

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth.

4. Add egg and vanilla, then gradually blend in the dry ingredients.

5. Roll out dough and cut with a star-shaped cookie cutter.

6. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets for 8-10 minutes.

7. Let cool, then decorate with red, white, and blue icing.

Tips for Making Star-Shaped Garnishes

• Create star-shaped garnishes for your drinks by using star-shaped cookie cutters on fruit like watermelon, pineapple, and even lemon slices.

• Float these in pitchers or add them to the rim of your glasses for a festive touch.