The 4th of July is a great time to fire up the grill and barbecue outdoors...and make sure you have a fresh, cold cocktail in your hand while you do it! These are some of my all time Favorites for July 4th!
Combining great foods and refreshing drinks with friends and family makes for a perfect day. Considering the heat wave we've been having in Colorado, I'm all for celebrating without turning on the oven and this Watermelon Mojito would sure help to beat the heat too. It's on my list for my Favorites for July 4th!
I love a great fresh from the garden watermelon...be sure to visit the page for this Watermelon Mojito with Mint ... I've got some tips how to find one when you go to the grocer.
Plus I've listed more watermelon cocktails and salads that would be great for the 4th or all summer long!
Can I tell you how good this cocktail is? So light, so fresh, so full of summer with the flavors of watermelon, mint and lime. I love Mojitos (pronounced mo-HEE-toe), one of Cuba's oldest cocktails. Legend has it that the name comes from the African word mojo, which means to place a little spell.
The original Mojito did not include fruit but the combination of rum, mint, lime, simple syrup, and club soda is so perfect with fresh seasonal fruits that I love to go there.
Bacardi Rum traces the drink's roots to 1586, when Francis Drake and his pirates tried to sack Havana for its gold. While the invasion was unsuccessful, Drake's associate, Richard Drake, was said to have invented a mojito-like cocktail known as El Draque made with aguardiente (a crude forerunner of rum), sugar, lime and mint.
Supposedly consumed only for medicinal purposes (I need a new doctor!) the recipe was revised and gained in popularity as the original Bacardi Company was established in Cuba. I've written before about Bacardi and their history in Cuba; seems they are synonymous with more then just a Cuba Libre or a Bacardi Cocktail.
Here are some of my favorites for a great holiday barbecue!
My children are grown so I'm not as inclined to make food with a red, white and blue theme as I am to make foods I love. I bring the colors of the day into play with white paper tablecloths and plates, blue napkins and well, this Watermelon Mojito is all the red I need; for me I always want the food to be the star!
Watermelon Mint Mojito - One of my favorite summer cocktails!
Best Fresh Margarita - ALWAYS on the list, the cocktail that inspired me to start making cocktails at home. .
Cilantro Serrano Rice - This rice is simply fantastic. Don't let the serrano peppers steer you clear; they add amazing flavor without overpowering heat. Seriously could sit and eat this entire bowl of rice all by myself.
French Potato Salad - As much as I love my old fashioned potato salad; I'm currently in love with the French version. All herbs and no mayo make a tasty dish and one that does not have to be kept cold. How perfect is that for a holiday barbecue?
Bacon Wrapped Grilled Asparagus - I'm usually happy with grilled meats and salads but if I serve a hot side dish this one is pretty perfect.
Strawberry Squares - Last but certainly not least; these are cool and crisp and can be made ahead and kept frozen til the 4th. Unless you eat them all.
Strawberry and Blueberry Patriotic Poke Cake - Here's my one exception; I redid an old recipe and used fresh fruit and whipped cream and it is the bomb!
What are your Favorites for July 4th? Is there a certain cocktail, appetizer, or dessert you must have? Would love to hear from you!
Have a safe and fun filled holiday...Cheers!
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