Classic 4th of July Foods and Drinks: Recipes for a Perfect Celebration

Who doesn’t love a GREAT 4th of July celebration?!

It’s all about celebrating America, the greatest country in the world. To do this properly, you need great food, drinks and of course, all your friends and family!

Classic 4th of July Foods

1. All-American Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80% lean)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments of choice

Instructions:

1. Form Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
3. Add Cheese: Place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.
4. Assemble: Toast the buns on the grill for a minute, then assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and your favorite condiments.

2. Classic Hot Dogs

Ingredients:

• 8 hot dogs
• 8 hot dog buns
• Ketchup, mustard, relish, diced onions, sauerkraut, and other toppings of choice

Instructions:

1. Grill Hot Dogs: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the hot dogs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through and slightly charred.
2. Toast Buns: Toast the buns on the grill for about a minute.
3. Serve: Place the hot dogs in the buns and top with your favorite condiments and toppings.

3. Creamy Potato Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil Potatoes: Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool.
2. Mix Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled potatoes, red onion, celery, and eggs to the bowl. Toss to coat with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

4. Apple Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 pre-made pie crusts
• 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (such as Granny Smith)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well.
3. Assemble Pie: Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with apple mixture and dot with butter. Cover with the second pie crust, crimp the edges, and cut slits in the top to vent.
4. Bake: Brush the top crust with beaten egg. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool before serving.

Refreshing 4th of July Drinks

1. Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 cups cold water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Make Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Heat until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool.
2. Combine: In a large pitcher, mix the lemon juice, sugar syrup, and 4 cups cold water. Stir well.
3. Serve: Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and mint leaves.

2. Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 8 cups water
• 6 black tea bags
• ½ cup sugar (optional)
• Lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 5-7 minutes.
2. Sweeten: If using sugar, stir it into the hot tea until dissolved.
3. Cool: Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
4. Serve: Serve over ice with lemon slices and fresh mint.

3. Watermelon Mint Cooler (Non-Alcoholic)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Blend: In a blender, combine watermelon, water, lime juice, honey, and a few mint leaves. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp.
3. Serve: Pour over ice and garnish with additional mint leaves.

4. Classic Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 oz triple sec
• Salt for rimming glass
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Rim Glass: Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and dip in salt.
2. Shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice. Shake well.
3. Serve: Strain into the prepared glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

With these food and drink recipes, you’ll be the host of the party that EVERYONE is talking about! Making sure everyone has something to eat and drink is the key! Be sure to eat and drink responsibly, and cheers to America!