Fabulous Fourth Cocktails!

Bellas, now that we’ve done the eating healthy portion of our 4th of July weekend, might I propose a toast?

Cheers to fabulous 4th of July cocktails!

But only if you’re over 21, mmmkay?

Part of the fun of having an at-home celebration is whipping up deliciousness in the kitchen and serving your guests something both festive and delicious. So allow me to present to you the Afrobellatini!

This concoction was made by my friend Courtney who has an amazing food blog at CocoCooks. You gotta check her out! Here’s the deetz on the drink:

“Natural, real, rich, complex, and sweet. Raspberry Currant simple syrup, Cognac, Cointreau, served in a chilled martini glass. Garnished with currants. Edible Blue Glitter optional for Independence Day.”

How do you make this summer fruit inspired deliciousness? Here’s the recipe!

— Raspberry Currant Simple Syrup: 1 pint each of raspberries and currants. 1 cup water, 1 Cup sugar. Bring to boil. Let sit for 20 minutes, Strain, set aside.

— Cocktail: 1 part Cognac, 1 part Rasp Currant Simple syrup, 1/4-1/2 part Cointreau, Shake all with ice and serve in a chilled glass. Garnish with edible Blue Glitter for Independance Day and a sprig of currants.

Fabulous, right?

The Afrobellatini is an elegant cocktail, meant to be sipped at a fab garden party. But what if you’re having an affair that’s a bit more um, down n’ dirty BBQ style? Well that might call for a little something we came up with called the Pank Drank.

Myself and my homeboy Francisco Alvarado — ahem, multiple award winning journalist Francisco Alvarado — came up with this when he helped us move from Miami to Chicago.

The recipe is easy! Get a big ol’ glass pitcher, add a liberal and unrestrained amount of Rosangel hibiscus tequila, lots of OJ, a little grenadine and a big splash of Grand Marnier. Over ice? So very nice. This one can sneak up on you, so be forewarned. And PS – the Rosangel website includes several, far fancier recipes. We just wanted to whip up something simple and super easy.

I like my drinks like I like my men — sweet and strong. So when Bacardi released Dragonberry, their strawberry and dragonfruit flavored rum, I knew I’d like it. I didn’t think I’d LOVE it. But oh, I do – just as much as I love the Cruzan flavored rums. If you’ve got a punch bowl, these are the intoxicants for you! You can sip em with Sprite, but if you really want to go Caribbean style, check out your local supermarket’s ethnic foods aisle and look for Grace juices. Specifically, fruit punch. Or you can make your own mix with pineapple juice, and pineapple or guava nectar.

If all else fails, go for traditional Trinidadian rum punch. Strong, sweet, can’t be beat!

Remember, everything in moderation — and word to the wise, if you’re drinking strong, don’t drink in the sun. I recommend counterbalancing each cocktail with some refreshing club soda and lime over ice, and eating a good meal all the while. Stay safe and enjoy your holiday weekend!