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Red, White & Refreshing: Your Guide to Fourth of July Drinks

Tue, Jun 30, 2026

Few holidays bring people together quite like the Fourth of July. Whether you're firing up the grill, relaxing by the pool, or gathering with family and friends to watch fireworks, the right beverage can make the celebration even more memorable.

Here's a look at some of America's favorite Fourth of July drinks, along with easy food pairings and classic cocktail ideas to help make your holiday a success.

Beer Still Reigns Supreme

When it comes to Independence Day celebrations, beer continues to be America's drink of choice. Its refreshing taste, wide variety of styles, and easy drinkability make it the perfect companion for backyard barbecues, lakeside weekends, and neighborhood cookouts.

From light lagers to hop-forward IPAs, there's a beer for every guest around the picnic table.

Celebrate with America's Native Spirit

Bourbon has become a Fourth of July tradition in its own right. As America's native spirit, it's a fitting choice for celebrating our nation's birthday.

Enjoy it neat, over ice, or mixed into timeless cocktails that have been favorites for generations. Rich caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors pair beautifully with grilled foods and smoky barbecue.

Ready-to-Drink Favorites

Looking for something simple? Ready-to-drink cocktails, canned cocktails, hard seltzers, and refreshing vodka sodas continue to be popular choices for summer entertaining.

They're easy to pack in a cooler, require no mixing, and offer plenty of flavor options for every taste.

Pair Your Drinks with Your Cookout Favorites

Choosing the right beverage can elevate your meal just as much as the food itself.

Burgers

  • Crisp Lager
  • IPA
  • Cabernet Sauvignon

Barbecue

  • Amber Ale
  • Bourbon
  • Zinfandel

Grilled Chicken

  • Wheat Beer
  • Chardonnay

Hot Dogs

  • Light Lager
  • Hard Seltzer

Three Classic Fourth of July Cocktails

If you're mixing drinks this holiday, these timeless classics are always crowd-pleasers.

Lynchburg Lemonade

A refreshing combination of Tennessee whiskey, triple sec, and lemonade that's perfect for warm summer afternoons.

Margarita

Tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice come together in one of the world's most popular cocktails. Serve over ice with a salted rim for a festive touch.

Old Fashioned

Simple, timeless, and unmistakably American. Bourbon, bitters, and sugar create a cocktail that's perfect for sipping while the grill heats up.

Stock Up Before the Fireworks

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, so planning ahead helps ensure you have everything you need before friends and family arrive.

Whether you're filling the cooler with ice-cold beer, selecting a bottle of bourbon for the evening, picking up ready-to-drink cocktails, or choosing wines for the cookout, there's no shortage of great options to help make your celebration memorable.

From everyone at Big Red Liquors, Cap n' Cork, Gay's Hops-N-Schnapps, and Bev Shop, we wish you a safe, fun, and happy Independence Day.

Cheers to America's 250th Birthday—and please celebrate responsibly.

By Jayne Reed