Stars & Stripes

There are many different ways to show patriotism, whether it’s on the Fourth of July or any other day of the year. Some people choose to fly flags, while others blast “The Star-Spangled Banner.” You might even watch a few patriotic movies, like “Miracle” or “Independence Day.” But one of the best and most rewarding ways to honor the United States is with a refreshing cocktail.

The Stars & Stripes pays homage to the American flag with red, white and blue ingredients. It calls for fresh blueberries, blueberry vodka, absinthe, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, raspberry brandy, ginger beer and a sugar cube garnish.

The blueberries are muddled in a shaker to release their color and juices and then shaken with the vodka, absinthe, lemon juice, simple syrup and ice. The drink is poured unstrained into a highball glass, so all those blueberry bits remain in the glass. The raspberry brandy is drizzled on top, lending a layered red hue, before the cocktail is topped with ginger beer and garnished with the sugar cube—consider that your white star.

The Stars & Stripes is fruity, refreshing and tasty, walking a line between sweet and tart. The fresh berries and lemon juice add a burst of brightness to the blueberry vodka and raspberry brandy, and the absinthe brings a complex punch of anise that provides an unexpected twist in this otherwise straightforward recipe.

Break out a tray of these at your next Fourth of July party or Memorial Day cookout, and you’ll have a themed drink that fits the occasion. Not only does it look the part, but the red-white-and-blue drink, with its vodka base, fresh fruit and spicy ginger beer, is exactly the type of cold, thirst-quenching cocktail you need on warm days. Stick with all-American spirits if you really want to stay on theme.

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