Every July 4th party needs some festive red, white, and blue cocktails and snacks. You'll definitely want to add this spiked limeade to your menu this year; it's refreshing, summery, citrusy, and all dressed up for the occasion.
If you've browsed other July 4th cocktails online, you've probably noticed that many recipes sacrifice taste in favor of color; they often contain loads of food coloring and sugar. This cocktail is different; it focuses on flavor and ditches most of the sugar. It combines refreshing limeade (opt for a low-sugar variety or make your own) with bitter Campari and a naturally-colored blue rum float.
Ready to party? Keep reading to learn how to make this festive, layered July 4th cocktail.
Although layered cocktails can seem intimidating, they're simple to make as long as you use a light touch while pouring. Creating and maintaining the layers in this red, white, and blue cocktail relies upon having liquids with different densities such that they want to sink or float relative to one another.
In this case, the red layer (Campari with a dash of grenadine) has the highest sugar content and stays at the bottom. The white layer (limeade) is less dense and floats on top of the Campari. The blue layer (80-proof rum colored naturally with blue spirulina) is much less dense and floats on top. Those density differences are what keep this layered spiked limeade looking crisp and neat.
The only tricky piece is pouring each subsequent layer gently. Some mixologists prefer to pour the liquids over the back of a spoon to help them disperse and fall delicately into the cocktail. If you're worried, you can always make a miniature trial version in a small glass to make sure you have the feel for it before you try a full-sized version.
Interested in other layered cocktails? If so, check out my whimsical Unicorn Cocktail, this unique Solar Eclipse Cocktail, this clever Chai Tai, this festive Thanksgiving Eve Dark and Stormy, and this brunch-appropriate Pineapple Express Cocktail.
While blue curacao is often used to make drinks blue, it's essentially just a low-proof orange liqueur with a bunch of food coloring and sugar. However I've spent a lot of time experimenting with natural blue cocktails and I'm excited to share my secret with you. Can you guess how this stunning July 4th cocktail is colored?
To make a blue cocktail naturally, I use blue spirulina. It's an edible algae, and a relative of the more common green spirulina. I find it works best if I dissolve the spirulina in a dash of room-temperature water first, then mix it into the cocktail after dissolving. It's a great trick and I guarantee you'll be making lots of blue spirulina cocktails once you get the hang of it. This natural coloring also works great for non-alcoholic drinks, like my favorite Tropical Ocean Matcha.
Don't have blue spirulina? No worries, this spiked limeade recipe will work fine with any liquid food coloring of your choice. I don't recommend using blue curacao though; its high sugar content won't allow the blue layer to float easily on top of the limeade.
Here's what you'll need for this red, white, and blue cocktail, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
What do you think about this festive red, white, and blue cocktail? I love that it's bursting with tart limeade, bitter Campari, and just a tiny bit of sweetness; it's definitely one that will impress your guests with not only its colorful layers but also its delicious flavors. It's sure to be a photo-worthy centerpiece of your party.
I'm excited for you to give this recipe a try. Although it looks complicated, the density differences between the layers do all the work for you; you just need a gentle hand while pouring. Layered drinks always feel so special and celebratory. Cheers and Happy July 4th!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
As with all my cocktail recipes, please enjoy responsibly!
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Disclosure: This recipe has been developed through a paid partnership with Koloa Rum. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.
This refreshing red, white, and blue cocktail features refreshing limeade, summery rum, and bitter Campari. It's exactly what your July 4th party needs.
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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