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 a Watermelon Mojito would sure help to beat the heat too. It's on the list of my Favorites for July 4th!
I love a great fresh from the garden watermelon...be sure to visit the post for the Watermelon Mojito with Mint ... I've got some tips on how to find one when you go to the grocer. Plus you'll find more watermelon cocktails and salads that would be great for the 4th or all summer long!
Here are some of my favorites for a great 4th of July 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. Plus a list of more favorite margaritas too!
Watermelon Raspberry Cooler - A refreshing combination of the best of summer fruit...with rum!
Lemon Drop Martini - Had them before? None like this. Combining fresh lemon and lime juice and zest with vanilla; it's incomparable.
Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade Cocktail - A wonderful summer cooler, definitely an adults only lemonade!
Fresh Grilled Corn Salsa with Poblano Peppers and Honey - This is great with chips or in my case? A spoon. Love this stuff; so will your friends.
Watermelon Salsa - This is both fun, pretty and so delicious! Watermelon is combined with yellow, orange, red, and jalapeno peppers for my favorite summer salsa.
Artichoke and Parmesan Cheese Dip from The Wynkoop Brewery - Colorado's own Senator John Hickenlooper used to own this brewpub and this has been my favorite appetizer since day one!
Canyon Creek Burger - This burger I recreated after enjoying one at Ted's Montana Grill might be the best burger I've ever had!
Beer, Butter, and Garlic Basting Sauce for Chicken - This sauce is simple to put together but it makes the best grilled chicken!
Flank Steak with Pesto, Mashed Potatoes and Salad - From a Denver restaurant, Panzano, they may not serve it anymore but I'm so glad I have this recipe; it's a favorite I've served for parties, the Super Bowl and yes, backyard barbecues.
Buttermilk Pan Fried Chicken - My Dad first showed me how to make fried chicken and I still think his recipe is the best; we always had a platter on our table for the 4th!
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?
Panzanella Salad - I think the best of the summer salads when tomatoes are fresh from the garden and can be the rightful star.
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.
Fresh Strawberry Pie - I've been making this since I was given a Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook in my twenties. In other words, a LONG time. Still a favorite. My only change over the years is a layer of mascarpone or cream cheese; it keeps the crust from getting soggy and just happens to be delicious!
Lime Sherbet - Easy to make plus so cool and refreshing; perfect for a July 4th barbecue. Not just on my list, nope, this is truly one of my personal Favorites for July 4th!
Raspberry and Chocolate Pavlova - The beauty of this baked meringue dessert is belied by how easy it is; especially since it can be made a day ahead. It's a huge crowd pleaser and really simple to make.
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.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Pie - Take a French Silk Pie, add some tequila and cayenne pepper and replicate a famed drink from Cabo San Lucas in this pie. It is amazing, I promise!
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!
If this isn't enough; I've got another post for a Citrus Rum Punch that has more great drinks and appetizer foods. Check it out too...I know you'll find something you can't live without!
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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