Cheers: Strawberry Suckers and Blue Bayous

Red, white and blue are the colors of July 4th—but getting those colors to mix in a martini glass can be a pain without a steady hand and expertise. With fireworks going off overhead, you’re just as likely to end up with a muddled purple mess that might be tasty, but isn’t quite as patriotic as you desired. Why not leave the striated sippables to the professionals and mix up your choice of red or blue to celebrate Independence Day independent of any fuss? Click here() for a recipe for two iced cocktails—one red, one blue—that can be blended up with ease and toted along in a cooler on any 4th of July outing.

Strawberry Sucker

Ice cubes

1 ounce vodka (2 tablespoons)

2 ounces strawberry schnapps (4 tablespoons)

Club soda

1 strawberry, halved

Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Add the vodka and schnapps and top with club soda. Garnish with the strawberry. (Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray)

Blue Bayou

1 ounce Blue Curacao liqueur

1 ounce vodka

6 ounces yellow lemonade

Pour Curacao and vodka over ice in a highball glass. Add lemonade, stir, and serve. (Recipe courtesy drinksmixer.com)