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I can't believe the 4th of July is just around the corner. Over the 4th we always invite family and friends up to our cabin to celebrate and enjoy good food and good drinks, lakeside. I remember two years ago when it was so hot on Independence Day that the lake felt like bath water. We just played in the water all day. It was really the only way to get any relief. While the heat that year was a bit out of the ordinary, it's around the 4th that we usually need to kick in our A/C unit at the cabin to sleep comfortably.
During the day, however, when we're out enjoying the sun and warmth, we depend on cool drinks and fresh foods to keep us happy. This Berry Sparkler, a combination of cranberry-raspberry juice, lemon-lime soda and fresh fruit, is both festive and refreshing - the perfect drink for your Independence Day picnic or party!
It's also a great "special" drink for the kids over the holiday. I created a layered look by pouring in the cranberry raspberry juice first, followed by a handful of crushed ice and blueberries and topped everything off with some lemon-lime soda and another sprinkle of berries.
Encourage your guests to stir the drink after you serve it to them to allow the flavors to blend. This is what creates the bubbles and true "sparkler" throughout the drink.
If you're anticipating lots of sun and heat over the 4th, get to the grocery store to pick up the ingredients needed to make this drink! Heck, you probably have all of the ingredients at home already! I can't wait to serve these up to our guests this year and hope they make it on your menu, too!
Berry Sparkler
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cranberry-raspberry juice
- 4 ounces lemon-lime soda
- Fresh raspberries
- Fresh blueberries
- Ice cubes or crushed ice
Instructions
- Pour the juice into a glass.
- Add some of the blueberries and a handful of ice.
- Top with lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and blueberries.
Notes
- Experiment with Juice Varieties: While cranberry-raspberry juice adds a tart and fruity base to the Berry Sparkler, don't hesitate to experiment with other juice flavors for a unique twist. Consider using combinations like cranberry-pomegranate, mixed berry, or even pineapple juice to tailor the flavor profile to your taste preferences. Each juice variety brings its own distinct sweetness and acidity, adding depth to the refreshing drink.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Elevate the flavor and aroma of your Berry Sparkler by incorporating fresh herbs into the mix. Consider muddling a few sprigs of mint or basil with the berries before adding the juice and soda. The herbs infuse the drink with a subtle hint of freshness and complexity, complementing the sweetness of the berries and the tanginess of the juice.
- Play with Presentation: Get creative with how you present your Berry Sparkler to make it visually appealing. Instead of simply adding the berries to the drink, consider skewering them onto cocktail picks or bamboo skewers to create colorful garnishes that float atop the drink. You can also rim the glass with sugar or colored salt for an extra festive touch. These small details add flair to your beverage and make it even more enticing to enjoy.
Nutrition
Looking for more red, white and blue recipes to enjoy? Here are a few of my favorites!
The Easiest Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Watermelon Agua Fresca Popsicles
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Hannah Flack
Thank you for linking up to Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday last week. As one of the co-hosts, I will be featuring your recipe on Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday this week on my site, Detours in Life. Congrats! Please stop by and grab a feature button when you get a chance.
Katie
How would I make the berry sparkler drink using a mason jar dispenser? I'd love to make it for the 4th this weekend!
Sara
Just fill your dispenser with half juice, half lemon-lime soda. Garnish with fruit and you're ready!
Sarah @ 702 Park Project
Such fabulously cute ideas!! Just pinned! 🙂
Sara
Thanks for the pin, Sarah!
Alecia
Thank you for linking up to Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday last week. As one of the co-hosts, I will be featuring your recipe on Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday this week on my site, Detours in Life. Congrats! Please stop by and grab a feature button when you get a chance.
Sara
Thanks so much Alecia!
Alicia | The Dumbbelle
Sara, this berry sparkler is so fun & refreshing. Will be making these!
Sara
Thanks, Alicia! I can't wait for you to try one!
Laurie
This sounds perfect for a hot summer day! I would be honored if you would hop over and share with us at the Tip Me Tuesday 4th of July linky.
(http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/4th-of-july-crafts-and-recipes-add-yours/)
Wink~ Laurie {aka The Tip Junkie}
Sara
Laurie, I'M the one who's honored that you stopped by! I just linked up. Thanks for the invite!
Serene @ House of Yumm
Sara these are so fun!! Love 4th of July stuff! We're having a 4th of July party and I think these would be perfect!
Sara
Serene, I love the 4th, too! We're having a party as well and I'm still planning the menu!!
Gina
Omg yum! Your drink recipe looks sooo perfect! I wanna make it next time hubs and I do a BBQ nommmm
Gina
http://www.thepinkwings.com
Sara
I hope you try it, Gina!