Stop in your tracks – the 4th of July is right around the corner! While we’re not sure how the summer is flying by so quickly, there’s one thing we are sure of – we are sharing our secrets for THE ULTIMATE 4th OF JULY! We can’t exactly lead you to the best fireworks show in your area, and we can’t guarantee the weather will cooperate, but one thing we can do is make sure that your food, drinks, and fun activities are all planned out! Read on to discover how you can make this day one to remember!
Dazzling Drinks
Fireworks are what makes the 4th of July stand out from all the other holidays. But we think a spectacular summertime cocktail can also be one of the day’s highlights! Check out some (or all) of the options below!
- This Patriotic Slushy Cocktail does take a few steps to make, but we think your guests will be impressed with the final product. It’s like a firecracker ice pop for adults!
- Independence Punch uses honeydew liqueur to make a standout drink!
- Combine two summertime favorites – watermelon and margarita – and you’ll be sure to cool off on a hot night!
- Mojitos are so refreshing – you’ll love this patriotic version that features blueberries and raspberries.
Delightful Dips
It is perfectly acceptable to eat appetizers all day long on the 4th. It’s hard to resist all of the delicious dip options, especially when they’re jazzed up with patriotic flair!
- American Flag Layered Taco Dip features layers of bean dip, guac, sour cream, and looks just like an American flag…it’s almost too cute to eat!
- Savory dips are always tasty, but if you’re looking for something sweet, this Red, White, and Blue Funfetti Dip will satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Another sweet dip option – fruit salsa! You’ll love its 4th of July flair!
- This Loaded Creamy Ranch Dip has to be the ultimate summer dip – serve with Ruffles for some extra salty goodness.
Grilled Greatness
Would it even be the 4th if you didn’t throw something on the grill? (Also, raise your hand if you are so committed to grilling on the 4th that you’ve even stood out there in the rain with an umbrella while grilling!).
- Can you picture lounging by the pool and chowing down on this Weber® Gourmet Burger Double Cheeseburger? We think that sounds like an excellent way to spend your day off!
- The intoxicating smell of this Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Alabama White Sauce will surely have the neighbors flocking to your backyard!
- Kabobs are always a crowd-pleasing option – this version uses steak and veggies (and Dash™ Seasoning for a sodium-free experience)!
- Hot dogs are fine and everything…but if you’re going to grill something, we think Weber® Buffalo Trace Ribs should be your numero uno.
Sensational Sides
If you’re hosting the 4th and your guests ask you what they can bring, give them these side dish options! That way, you know they’ll be delicious and you won’t have an untouched bowl of something blah sitting around (we are looking at you, canned baked beans).
- Weber® Kick ‘N Chicken™ Corn and Avocado Salad has the perfect amount of heat, plus…can you really go wrong with a dish that features avocados?
- This vinegar coleslaw tastes great with ANY main dish – plus, stuff with mayo can get really weird when it sits out in the heat too long!
- Can you imagine eating your double cheeseburger mentioned above with these Rosemary Garlic Roasted Potato Wedges? Sounds like a dream come true!
- Cucumber salad is another superb choice for a backyard cookout…it’s just so refreshing!
Don’t Forget the Desserts
If there are kids involved in your 4th of July celebrations, there’s a good chance that all of the food mentioned above will be skipped and they’ll head right over for the desserts. To that we say, hey, it’s a holiday! Here’s some options both kids and adults will love.
- Want to impress the adults with your culinary skills, but also make something the kids will enjoy? This Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle fits the bill!
- No, it’s not red/white/blue, but nothing says summer quite like Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake!
- If you’re not concerned about your sugar intake, go ahead and go for the gold – Oreo Cheesecake Bars!
- S’mores are the classic summertime dessert, but do they ever really turn out how you want them? (Chocolate is not melty enough…burnt marshmallows…crumbled graham crackers…). Good thing these S’mores Bars are easy to make and feed a crowd!
Are you ready to head to the grocery store and get your party planning underway? Be sure to also check out how to decorate your porch for the 4th, 4th of July printable bingo cards, rocket cake toppers, and patriotic rice jars!
We hope you have a fabulous 4th!
XOXO,
Gossip Grill
