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4th of July Grilling Essentials: Tips, Tricks, & Recipe Ideas

The fourth of July is all about the heat, baby! The blistering sun beating down on a midsummer’s day, fireworks bursting in fiery hues, and, of course, meat searing on a sizzling grill.

To that end, no Independence Day party is complete without three hot letters: BBQ. To get the party started, we’re sending you an invite to check out our 4th of July grilling guide. 

If you want your soiree to be a smoking success, RSVP on these barbecuing techniques, grilling recipe ideas, and essential accessories. We’ve even snuck in a crisp cocktail to keep the cook cool as he or she serves his or her delicacies (and his or her country).

Grilling Your Way to Greatness

Your 4th of July party will only be as fun as your culinary offerings are delicious. If your guests are hungry or your food leaves a bad taste in their mouths, they won’t be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere you’ve so painstakingly created. Don’t let your great 4th of July pool party ideas go to waste by serving mediocre food.

Grilling is the name of the game on Independence Day, and delicious barbecue starts and ends with the fire. You have a few ways to set July Fourth ablaze:

  • Charcoal – Nothing matches the unique flavor a charcoal grill imparts onto food. The unparalleled smokiness simply can’t be recreated with clean-burning gasses and is definitely worth the slightly cumbersome preparation.1
  • Natural gas – Natural gas is extremely even burning and doesn’t require supermarket trips to refill tanks or purchase coals. The heat doesn’t get as searing hot as other sources, which can be a downside for some, but shouldn’t make a difference for the majority of barbecuers.2
  • Propane – When you fire up your propane grill, you’ll be joining 47 million other American households in cooking with the country’s favorite fuel.3 Propane will give your guests the familiar taste they crave, and it’s more than likely what you already have in your yard. It’s a fantastic choice for grilling—just don’t forget the propane grill accessories.

Accessories (Propane and Otherwise)

No matter how you fire up your ‘cue this Fourth, you’re going to need instruments to poke, prod, and pierce your food with. To ensure you’ve assembled everything you need before the meat hits the grill, make sure to have:

  • A spatula
  • Tongs
  • A meat thermometer
  • Scissors
  • A grill-cleaning brush and a basting brush (don’t confuse the two)
  • A large knife
  • Platters and plates
  • A garbage can
  • Paper towels (for wiping up spills)
  • Aluminum foil (for more delicate items)
  • A fire extinguisher (in case things get too hot)

4th of July Grilling Essentials

A Revolutionary 4th of July Recipe to Astonish your Compatriots

There’s no point in getting the barbie going unless you have something to throw on it. While hot dogs are the holiday standard (and you should definitely have some on hand), we’re going to show you how to elevate not just wieners, but also grilled chicken, pork ribs, or your favorite burger into something extraordinary.

The Magic of Marinades

A marinade is, at its core, a (usually) liquid flavoring rub spread upon meats and other foods to enhance their taste.4 Everything from a can of beer to the secret recipes steakhouses use to season their haute cuisine count as marinades. Not all are created equal, however.

Traditionally, marinades have some combination of oil (canola or olive oil is commonly used), acids (like lime or lemon juice), spices, and other flavorings.5 We see the blueprint, but we’re turning the tradition on its head. 

For this marinade, we’re going to celebrate the diversity that makes America such a unique and beautiful nation by using a Native American technique in conjunction with essentially American flavors. Gather:

  • ½ pound of papaya
  • 1 medium onion
  • 5 cloves of garlic 
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 cups of canola oil
  • 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
  • Tex-Mex spice blend
  • Salt and pepper

To bring this mighty marinade together, grab the carafe of a blender and: 

  1. Add the papaya, onion, garlic, yogurt, and barbecue sauce and blend on medium-high until everything is cohesive.
  2. Pop the top, set the speed to low, and slowly drizzle in the oil until it’s all incorporated.
  3. Add spices to your liking. Tex-Mex is merely one suggestion and can be substituted for a cultural (or personal) blend of your preference. Like people, there are no flavors that don’t belong in America.

Papaya and yogurt have long been used to flavor and tenderize foods for traditional Native American grilling in tandoors. Not only does their acidic nature soften tense muscle fibers in tougher meats, but papaya contains papain, an enzyme that breaks down dense proteins even further.6

What can this tasty spread work its wonders on? The possibilities are nearly endless:

  • Grilled chicken legs
  • Pork belly
  • Pork ribs
  • Grilled salmon
  • All sorts of beef cuts
  • Vegetable skewers
  • Grilled corn
  • Grilled zucchini
  • Even hot dogs (just poke holes in their casings first!)
  • Much, much more

Whatever you decide to marinade, set it in the fridge soon after; any longer, and the papain might make matters mushy. 

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A Cool Cocktail for the Captain of the ‘Cue

If you’re outside grilling up a storm in the hot, hot heat, you’re going to need a refreshing beverage to keep things cool. We’re here to tell you that nothing hits quite as well as red, white, and blue drinks for the 4th of July. Clean the crud out of your carafe, because this frozen blend is the perfect way to chill out while you grill out. 

The Grillmaster’s Muse

To make this instant classic, grab:

This slushy sensation thanks to the vodka and rum ice pops combines the mighty powers of red, white, and blue to deliver a powerfully cooling kick. When it comes to how to make a slushie with a blender, put everything in your blender and, well:

  • Blend.

Grilling is complicated enough, so we’re keeping this cocktail simple. Once you reach your desired consistency, serve to yourself and your partygoers—it’s that easy!

Keep Cool on the Fiery Fourth with Cocktail Pops from SLIQ

Most grilling ideas for the 4th of July require lots of hard work. But if you want a dead-simple way to keep your guests smiling, make sure to keep a cooler cached with the crispest cocktail creations in the country

SLIQ’s line of frozen cocktail pops captures the country’s favorite flavors and freezes them for your enjoyment. From mouthwatering margaritas to delicious daiquiris, our cocktail pops embody the diversity of American beverages in a uniquely fun presentation.

With exploding fireworks, sizzling grills, and the hot summer air cooking up the action, seek chilling respite in SLIQ—your core temperature will thank you.

 

Sources: 

  1. Institute for Advanced Studies. Propane or Charcoal. https://www.ias.edu/
  2. Masterclass. Natural Gas vs. Propane Grills: What Are the Differences?. https://www.masterclass.com/
  3. Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education. Facts About Propane. https://www3.uwsp.edu/
  4. The Culinary Institute of America. Culinary Terms. https://blog.ciachef.edu/
  5. Detroit Free Press. The perfect marinade for the last taste of summer grilling. https://www.freep.com/
  6. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Papain: Extraction and its use as meat tenderizer. https://agris.fao.org/
  7. United States Department of Agriculture. Seasonal Produce Guide. https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/

6 Refreshing Red, White, and Blue Drinks for the Fourth of July

The Founding Fathers outlined many inalienable rights in the constitution. Perhaps the most important of all, however, was the freedom to have an incredible 4th of July party with your compatriots. 

America’s birthday is moving in faster than a continental troop taking territory from the loyalists. If you’re trying to throw the greatest Independence Day shindig since 1776, you’ll need to whip up a red, white, and blue cocktail recipe that celebrates the unbreakable spirit of our great nation.

In honor of the occasion, we’ve developed 6 mixes that will make your friends say, “Those 4th of July drinks red, white, and blue me away!” Each colorful 4th of July cocktail recipe we’ve laid out here combines all three hues to produce elixirs that will dazzle your party’s patriots and have them enshrining the right to mix as our 28th amendment. 

#1 The Red, White, and Shoot

Make this cocktail the center of your 4th of July pool party ideas. Nothing gets the party started like a quick blast of liquid liberty, and this triple-layered temptation provides a powerfully patriotic punch. To get your party in the USA going, assemble:

In the spirit of freedom, we’ll be pouring this shooter with our hearts and our eyes, rather than precise measurements. To bring these red, white, and blue cocktail babies to life:

  1. Slowly pour the SLIQ Spirited Ice until it fills ⅓ of a shot glass.
  2. Hold the spoon upside down in the glass and slowly pour over the crème de cacao liqueur until it fills another ⅓ of the glass. This technique, called floating, is used to prevent different liquids from mixing.
  3. Float the blue curaçao atop the colorful concoction and serve with a salute.

Drinks for the Fourth of July

#2 Wave Jello to Old Glory

If you’re looking to capture the American aesthetic in a shot without an eclectic mix of alcohols, these red, white, and blue jello shots are for you. (Bonus: It’s solid, so you can argue that it’s not subject to the taxes decreed by the colonial government’s 1754 Excise on Spirituous Liquors.)1

Here’s what you’ll need:

You’ll also need:

  • Hot water
  • Disposable shot glasses
  • A pot
  • A little patience

Like throwing off the yoke of your colonial overlords, preparing these red, white, and blue shots  takes proper preparation and forward thinking. The day before your party:

  1. Stir the Strawberry Jell-O into one cup of boiling water, stirring until it’s well-dissolved. Stir in the SLIQ Spirited Ice Frozen Vodka Cranberry & Grapefruit Cocktail Pop.
  2. Fill the shot glasses ⅓ of the way and set them in the fridge until completely firm.
  3. Mix your two packets of unflavored gelatin into 1 cup of boiling water and stir until dissolved. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk, then the SLIQ Spirited Ice Frozen Coconut & Lime Daiquiri Cocktail Pop.
  4. Fill the shot glasses another ⅓ of the way and set them in the fridge until completely firm. With each additional layer, allow the liquid to cool significantly before adding it to the shot glasses, so it doesn’t melt the settled gelatin.
  5. Stir the Berry Blue Jell-O into one cup of boiling water, stirring until it’s well-dissolved. Stir in the SLIQ Spirited Ice Frozen Vodka Blue Raspberry Cocktail Pop. Repeat step 4 for this blue layer.
  6. Allow the shots to chill and set overnight. Serve colder than an unwavering loyalist’s heart. 

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#3 The American Cincinnatus Spritzer

The Father of Our Nation had a penchant for wetting his whistle. George Washington’s love for Madeira, a fortified Portuguese wine, is well-documented by his Mount Vernon estate.<sup<2 We respect the bitter notes, but you can choose whatever red you prefer for this refreshing delight.

Gather:

To assemble:

  1. Pulverize the frozen rum ice pop and add it to a tall glass.
  2. Fill the glass ⅓ up with wine.
  3. In a separate vessel, slowly stir up the soda water with food coloring until you reach your desired blue color.
  4. Float the soda water over the back of a bar spoon and into the cocktail.
  5. DO NOT STIR! Instead, serve this red, white, and blue layered drink immediately.

#4 Revolutionary Rejuvenator

If you’ve spent most of your 4th of July grilling as you did partying, you’re going to want to sneak some electrolytes into your party favors to keep you and your force’s fighting spirit alive. Serve this refreshing red, white, and blue drink when your soldiers are feeling weak. Grab:

To reinvigorate your unit:

  1. Pulverize the frozen rum ice pop and add it to a tall glass.
  2. Fill the glass halfway with a blue sports drink like blue Gatorade®.
  3. Float the red sports drink overtop until the glass is full.
  4. Serve up to your weary warriors and send them back into battle (er, the dance floor).

Drinks for the Fourth of July

#5 Musket Mule

This play on the classic summer vodka drink, the Moscow Mule, the Musket Mule honors the arms and animals that helped the fledgling nation of America win the revolutionary war. To prepare this red, white, and blue 4th of July drink, get together:

To stir up this masterpiece:

  1. Add the vodka freeze pops to a copper cup.
  2. Pour the ginger beer slowly until the vessel is 80% full.
  3. Drip in a few drops of food coloring, then stir and sip slowly, giving the cocktail pop time to melt and flavor the drink.

#6 A Salute to the Thirteen Colonies

This 4th of July cocktail’s best served as a nightcap, as you might need to take a nap to digest it all. This XL shooter pays homage to all the original 13 states of America. We’re sure you know them by heart. Still, for the others who don’t, they include:

  • New Hampshire
  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island
  • Connecticut 
  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania 
  • Delaware
  • Maryland 
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Virginia
  • Georgia3

To honor each of them, get:

  • 13 different liquors of any kind
  • A double-shot glass
  • Red, white, and blue food coloring

We think you know where we’re going with this cocktail recipe, but in case you don’t:

  1. Pour a tiny amount of each liquor into the shot glass.
  2. As you drip in each bit of liquid, name one of the 13 original states and something you admire about it.
  3. After four liquors (remember: there should only be a tiny amount of each liquor in the shot glass!), add a drop of red food coloring. Add a drop of white after four more, then blue after another four. Drip the final alcoholic offering on top ever so carefully.
  4. Clink your cups in cheers to the new nation and enjoy.

Revolutionize Your 4th of July Party with Frozen Cocktail Pops from SLIQ

If you think the heat of fireworks and sparklers will amuse your partygoers—well, you’re probably right. But when it comes to 4th of July drinks, red, white, and blue is the way to go.

If you want to absolutely blow their minds, however, hand them the frozen cocktail pop that’s the biggest leap forward in flavor since the establishment of the American republic. SLIQ has rum, agave, whiskey, and vodka-based cocktail pops that could sway the staunchest loyalist to switch sides and join the battle for freedom.

Mixing a red, white, and blue cocktail recipe for the 4th of July is certainly fun and a service to our country, but it’s also a time-consuming, tiring exercise. When you’ve had enough of stirring up tributes to Old Glory, serve your friends some SLIQ frozen cocktail pops to have them declaring independence from a boring time.

 

Sources: 

  1. University of New Hampshire. The 1754 Excise on Spirituous Liquors. https://www.unh.edu/
  2. Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union. Food and Drink. https://www.mountvernon.org/
  3. The Smithsonian Institute. U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship. https://americanhistory.si.edu/

3 Festive & Delicious March Cocktails to Try

March is a time for celebrating the arrival of spring and all the fun that comes with it: St. Patrick’s Day, Holi, March Madness, and even…National Cocktail Day. If you need St. Patrick’s Day party ideas for adults, these 3 festive and delicious March cocktails are the perfect addition to your menu. From a twist on a classic Harvey Wallbanger to a refreshing and fruity spritzer, these drinks are sure to be a hit with everyone. So shake (or stir) things up this March and give these tasty concoctions a try!

#1 The Screaming Oscar-gasm

The Academy Awards reward the world’s best actors with the highest honors Hollywood can bestow. Film buffs and armchair critics alike will gather to cheer and jeer as their picks are validated and rebuffed. 

If you’re looking to have the second-best Oscar party (second only to the one at the Dolby Theater), you’ll need some delicious drinks to get things started. Cool tempers when everyone’s favorite actor is passed over for the Leading Role award with this twist on a Screaming Orgasm. 

You’ll  need:

Paying homage to all that hard work actors put in to maintain their figures, this cocktail recipe replaces heavy cream and milk with the lighter soy alternative. Here’s how to whip it into shape:

  1. Mix up the liqueurs and soy milk in a cocktail shaker until they’re frothy and incorporated
  2. Break the frozen cocktail pop into chunks and place them into a tall Collins glass to be used as a replacement to fresh ice cubes
  3. Pour the cocktail over the top slowly to maintain the frothy texture

If you want to make it fit for stardom, dust the top with some cocoa powder for the ultimate garnish.

#2 The Holi Wallbanger

Falling around the first week of March, Holi is the Indian holiday notorious for its colorful panache and public paint fights.1

During this time, people flood the streets with their cornstarch-based ballistics dyed every hue of the rainbow. They gleefully pelt each other until they’re covered in color from head to toe.

To honor this vibrant festival and the distinctly spiced and sweet notes of Indian cuisine, we’ve mixed up a play on the Harvey Wallbanger that’s sure to satisfy your paint-plastered posse.

You’ll need the following:

This variation nixes the Italian Galliano in favor of the traditional Indian liqueur Mahua. Mahua’s floral, spicy notes complement the sourness and sweetness of the citrus (though feel free to stick with the classic version of this spirit, which proves hard to source).

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Combine your ingredients including the vodka ice pops in a cocktail shaker
  2. Agitate until you’ve reached a slushy yet smooth consistency (similar to a mango lassi)
  3. Serve in a hurricane glass with sliced cherry and orange adorning the rim, and add a dash of orange bitters on top

The melty, orangey glow of citrus plays gorgeously against the cherry’s rouge hue, making this cocktail as vivid as its namesake holiday.

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#3 The “Slushed-Not-Sloshed” Spring Spritzer

If you want a frozen drink to help you relish the year’s first warm, sunny rays—but don’t want a heavy alcohol-sugar bomb akin to the traditional frozen margarita—this is the cocktail for you. 

A spritzer refers to a mixture of white wine, carbonated water, and any number of other ingredients,2 and is one of the best spring break drinks you can whip up. We’re going with a rum base for this beverage and using seasonal fruity top notes to liven up the party.

You’ll need the following for this cocktail recipe:

Spritzers are best enjoyed with company, so this recipe makes a blenderful. Gather your gang and create it like so:

  1. Combine all the ingredients, except the soda water, in the carafe of a blender. (We don’t want any fizzy overflows). 
  2. Blend on medium-high until you’ve reached a slushy consistency
  3. Fill up 4 cups about ¾ of the way, then top the rest off with soda water
  4. Stir gently and serve

This icy treat perfectly balances the dry notes of wine against the tartness of the berries and SLIQ’s signature rum ice pops. It’s sure to be a hit with your friends this spring break, whether you’re spending it in classic Cancún or your best bud’s backyard.

Make Your March an Ice One with SLIQ

If you want to serve up the coolest drinks at your March social events, reach for SLIQ’s signature frozen cocktail pops to give your beverages some backbone. Our pops run the gamut of the spirit rainbow—vodka, rum, whiskey, and types of agave-based blends—to craft the perfect cocktail for every palate.

Whether you’re craving that sweet-and-sour sensation of a margarita or the complex aromatics of whiskey and ginger, our sensational iced treats can be savored on their own or in your next creation for unparalleled flavor and a delicious foray into spring. 

 

Sources: 

  1. Urban Affairs Kerala. Holi 2023 Date in India, Panchnag, History, Time, Shubh Muhurt. https://urbanaffairskerala.org/
  2. Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. Lime Rosé Spritzer. https://www.abc.virginia.gov/

4 Festive St. Patrick’s Day Drink Recipes

Ah, St. Patty’s Day: The occasion is best known for its verdant veneer, Irish roots, and bibulous festivities. If you’re in need of St. Patrick’s Day party ideas for adults, there’s a wealth of drinks associated with the Emerald Isle, from some of the world’s finest whiskeys to dark, rich malts.

But no beverage screams “St. Patrick’s Day” quite as much as the Shamrock cocktail. With its lush green hue and invigorating flavor, it’s an annual favorite at St. Patty’s celebrations. 

So dust off your Crème de Menthe—we’re shaking up a Shamrock and 3 other superb mixes to serve your mates this St. Patrick’s day.

#1 The Classic Shamrock Cocktail

A widely-known cocktail, the Shamrock has evolved over the years as different bartenders mix up many variations. To kick things off, let’s go with the authentic version courtesy of the 1930s author and barkeep, the Irish-blooded Patrick Gavin Duffy.1

This original recipe calls for the following:

  • ½ ounce Irish whiskey
  • ½ ounce Vermouth
  • 3 dashes green Chartreuse liqueur
  • 3 dashes Crème de Menthe

Here’s how to prepare it:

  1. Pour your cocktail ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Agitate until combined, cooled, and diluted
  3. Serve up in a small, stemmed glass adorned with a single olive

This powerfully flavored elixir is so refined your friends might find it fit for a high-end speakeasy, rather than a Patty’s party at your pad. Still, it’s a classic green cocktail and an intense, beautiful thing to behold. 

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#2 The Shampop Slusher

The powerful bitter and minty notes of the classic Shamrock might be a bit much for some palates. Fear not, because SLIQ has you covered with a frozen mixed drink with whiskey that goes down far easier. 

This slushy surprise keeps the same green hue while ditching the high alcohol potency for a more balanced blend.

In the carafe of a blender, combine the following:

To serve up this frozen delight:

  1. Blend until combined and you reach a slushy consistency
  2. Pour into four tall glasses and slide in straws
  3. Offer to anyone willing to suffer a quick brain freeze for a delicious treat

The tea gives this incredible icey concoction the signature flavor and look of a classic Shamrock without the fiery whack of sipping pure alcohol. 

Of course, some may still desire to stick to the most classic of drinks. And by that, we don’t mean the Shamrock; we’re talking about…

#3 The Green Guinness

Hardly a party will be thrown on March 17th that doesn’t feature the mainstay of green beer. Guinness has long been a part of Irish heritage and identity, and many feel a strong, prideful connection to the brand on The Isle.2

The practice of drinking green beer on St. Patrick’s day is an entirely American tradition, however. Its roots can be traced to a New York social club on St. Patrick’s day, 1914, when the club’s owner had the brilliant idea to tint his beer green with laundry soap in celebration of the holiday.3

We won’t be telling you to potentially poison your pals here, however. Instead, grab the following:

  • One standard 11-ounce bottle of Guinness
  • Green food coloring

To get the perfect tint: 

  1. Pour the beer into a transparent, chilled glass and allow the foam to settle a little
  2. Add a single drop of food coloring and stir until it’s fully incorporated
  3. Take note of the color and repeat as necessary until you get a tinge that’s to your liking. Don’t go overboard! Once it’s too dark, there’s no going back

The unique flavor of Guinness is beloved by many, but some may crave the rich chocolate and coffee notes of stout without the heavy, gassy gulp of a dark beer. If you find yourself in this dilemma, then we have the perfect cocktail for you…

#4 The Colder-Than-Kildare Irish Coffee

Kildare is the region where Ireland recorded its lowest-ever temperature (-18.8°C or -1.84°F).4 In honor of this accomplishment, we’ve crafted a cocktail that’s even frostier.

This play on an Irish coffee keeps the strong flavor but nixes the standard hot-to-handle serving style. To whip it up, assemble the following:

Once you’ve got everything together:

  1. Combine the liqueur, heavy cream, and coffee in a cocktail shaker filled with ice
  2. Channel your best Tom Cruise in Cocktail and shake that drink up into a frothy delight
  3. Break the whiskey ice pops into large chunks and place them in a tall glass
  4. Pour your mix over slowly and stir gently. Top with whipped cream if you please

The flavorful rocks will not only keep your cocktail cool, but add to the taste as they melt into your St. Patrick’s Day drink. This frigid play on an Irish coffee is a surefire way to cool down and recharge your muckers who have been having a proper rince on the dancefloor. 

Need more cocktail recipe ideas? Here’s our marvelous March cocktails to try.

Get Things Poppin’ This St. Patrick’s Day with Frozen Cocktails from SLIQ

Whipping up cocktails and stirring green beers for your buddies is time-consuming, difficult work. Festivities can also devolve into fiery, sweaty soirees. When they do, the best way to cool off is slurping on frozen cocktail pops from SLIQ.

SLIQ brings the flavor with a variety of vodka ice pops, rum ice pops, frozen margarita pops, and whiskey-based pops to choose from—there’s an icy blast to get anyone into the holiday spirit. If you want to ensure your St. Patty’s party is the SLIQest in town, don’t roll the dice; get the ice.

 

Sources: 

  1. Patrick Gavin Duffy. The Official Mixer’s Manual. https://babel.hathitrust.org/
  2. JSTOR. Why We Drink Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day. https://daily.jstor.org/
  3. The Smithsonian Institute. The First Green Beer Was Made With Laundry Whitener. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/
  4. The Irish Meteorological Service. Weather Extreme Records For Ireland. https://www.met.ie/

4 Refreshing Cocktail Recipes with Lavender

Classic cocktails are timeless for a reason. With bold, vivacious flavors, they please the palate and tickle the taste buds—whether it’s the rich texture and simple zest of an Old Fashioned or the sweet bite of a Lemon Drop. 

Sometimes, however, these traditional cocktails need to turn up a notch or two. Fortunately, several of your favorite cocktails are made even more delicious with the addition of one simple ingredient: lavender.

Lavender lends a flavorful floral rush to a range of popular cocktails. If you’re looking for ways to put a fresh spin on classic drinks and impress every guest at your next backyard cocktail party, or you’re looking for some of the best drinks for the beach, here are four lavender cocktail recipes crafted using delicious alcohol ice pops that you must try.

#1 Lavender Lemonade 

No beverage proclaims that spring has arrived quite as loudly as lemonade. But as a full-fledged adult, you probably need something a little stronger than what’s on tap at your neighborhood lemonade stand. This homemade Lavender Lemonade cocktail is a delicious and decadent way to dress up this signature beverage. 

The homemade Lavender Lemonade cocktail marries the floral, minty nectar of lavender simple syrup with vodka and lemonade for an endlessly sippable springtime drink. For the full experience, consider making your own lavender simple syrup. The ingredients are:1

  • 1 cup water
  • 2–4 tablespoons of culinary lavender
  • 1 ¼ cups sugar 

Begin by combining the ingredients in a medium-sized pot. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then place the mixture over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool before straining the lavender syrup into a pitcher.

Now it’s time to mix the cocktail, so grab the remaining ingredients. You’ll need:

First, completely juice the two lemons (keeping a thin lemon slice or two for the garnish). Then, use a blender to mix the lemon juice, water, and SLIQ pops on medium speed. After a few bladed spins, serve from a pitcher and zhuzh it up with a lemon wedge.

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#2 Lavender Lemon Drop 

The lemon drop martini is perhaps one of the most popular vodka drinks in the world. It’s fresh, citrusy, and sweet. Adding lavender to the recipe puts a floral twist on this contemporary classic.2 

To make it, you need:

Quicker to make than hand-crafting your own lavender simple syrup—this lavender vodka cocktail is delicious, simple, and sure to please. Simply mix all of the ingredients, including the vodka ice pops, in a cocktail shaker, shake it up, and pour it into a martini glass with a sugar rim.

#3 The Bees Knees With Blue Raspberry and Lavender

The Bees Knees was a popular cocktail during American prohibition. Dry gin or vodka, tart lemon, and sweet honey are the ingredients of this classic drink. This spring, consider stepping it up by adding lavender and vodka blue raspberry pops for one of the best icy cocktails around.3

The ingredients you need are:

In a cocktail mixer, combine the vodka pops, lemon juice, honey syrup, and simple syrup. Shake it until the texture is right, serve, and wow your guests with a lavender honey cocktail with a blast of blue raspberry. 

Lavander cocktail

#4 Lavender Old Fashioned

Looking for fun mixed drinks with whiskey? The Old Fashioned gets new life when you add the essence of lavender flowers to the mix. Widely beloved for its immaculate and subtle balance of sweet, citrusy, and bitter flavors, Old Fashioneds are a staple of any credible cocktail party. But using a lavender-infused whiskey makes it the perfect lavender cocktail recipe to enhance all your spring gatherings.

The simple ingredients that give the Lavender Old Fashioned its tasty and complex notes are:3

You can mix the whiskey ice pops and ingredients in a cocktail shaker or blend them to slushy perfection. An orange peel is the O.G. of O.F. garnishes and works very well here, but a spring of fresh lavender flowers is a nice touch and a festive note for outdoor spring parties.

Enjoy Your Favorite Frozen Cocktails At Home 

SLIQ’s alcoholic ice pops like rum ice pops and frozen margarita pops are a fun and refreshing way to enjoy your favorite mixed drinks at home anytime you want. With premium liquors, quality ingredients, and a range of spirit options and cocktail flavors to choose from, it’s time to reach for a SLIQ.

 

Sources: 

  1. My Millennial Kitchen. Lavender Lemonade Cocktail. https://mymillennialkitchen.com/lavender-lemonade-cocktail/ 
  2. The Spruce Eats. Lavender Lemon Drop Martini. https://www.thespruceeats.com/lavender-lemon-drop-recipe-761094 
  3. Moody Mixologist. The 10 Best Lavender Cocktail Recipes. https://www.moodymixologist.com/blog/the-10-best-lavender-cocktail-recipes 

4 Best & Easy Spring Break Drinks & Cocktail Recipes

Spring break is a time when people everywhere gather at beaches, bars, and hotel pools to celebrate good times, liberated inhibitions, and warm weather. The tradition may have once been associated with college kids blowing off steam before finals week, but spring break is open to anyone these days. 

Best of all, you don’t have to hop on a flight or stay in a hotel to get in on the fun. With the right spring break drinks, you can transform your backyard into a hotspot of positive vibes with a refreshing spring cocktail in your hand! 

Here are four easy spring break drinks guaranteed to get the party started:

#1 Kentucky Buck 

Wondering how to drink whiskey in different ways? Dear whiskey fans: the Kentucky Buck needs to be at the top of your list of the best spring break cocktails and mixed drinks with whiskey. The recipe piles sweet strawberries, tart lemon, and the spicy zest of ginger on top of the smoky haze of whiskey for a seasonably refreshing drink that’ll make your spring break the best week of the year.1

Start by gathering the following ingredients: 

From here, grab a cocktail shaker, drop in strawberries, and muddle them gently. Next comes the lemon juice and bitters. Shake to combine the ingredients, strain into a glass (rocks glass or highball), and combine with the SLIQ whiskey ice pops, a pour of ginger beer, and a strawberry and/or mint sprig garnish. 

Four frosty choices. Which will you choose? Shop now!

#2 Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Between perennially popular party destinations like Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and of course, Cancun, Mexico is practically synonymous with spring break. That’s part of what makes the Oaxaca Old Fashioned one of the best spring cocktail recipes on either side of the border. Well, that and the fact that it’s undeniably delicious.

The ingredients are:2

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned’s complex flavor profile belies the simplicity of making it. Blend all of the ingredients together in a glass, garnish with an orange peel and cherry, and serve. 

For any spring breaker, this icy refreshing drink is perfect for partying poolside, and you can mix and match between all three cocktail flavors of SLIQ’s frozen margarita pops as you craft your concoctions. Choose classic to keep the original flavor, or use mango and strawberry to add a burst of color and sweetness.

#3 SLIQ’s Frozen Cocktail Pops

While we’re on the subject of frozen spring break drink recipes, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention our entire collection of mouthwatering frozen cocktail pops. 

Hard frozen and individually packaged, our frozen cocktail pops are the easy way to chill out with your favorite mixed drinks at home, on the beach, and anywhere else your spring break takes you. 

We use top-quality ingredients and natural flavors to craft a variety of frozen cocktails with four spirits you already know and love, like:

  • Barrel-stored bourbon in our whiskey ice pops
  • Seven times distilled vodka in our vodka ice pops
  • 100% blue Agave spirit in our frozen margarita pops
  • Premium Caribbean white rum in our rum ice pops

When you reach for a SLIQ, you eliminate complicated mixology and cut right to the fun. 

Boozy Frozen Old Fashioned Slushy with Orange and Bourbon

#4 Mezcal Pineapple Sour

Like tequila, mezcal comes from plants in the agave family that are native to certain parts of Mexico. Even so, mezcal is an entirely singular way to imbibe. 

There are between 40 and 50 different agave plants that can be used to make mezcal, so its flavor profile can range from sweet and floral to spicy and herbal. And depending on how the mezcal is produced, it may express a smoky taste.3

But across varieties, this robust spirit is an invigorating addition to your rotation of spring break drinks. We suggest trying it in Mezcal Pineapple Sour, a tart and tasty agave experience.4

For this, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake (or double the recipe and blend for simplicity). For a garnish, go for something that complements the agave spirit, like a light dusting of crushed red or black peppercorn. 

SLIQ Frozen Cocktail Pops: Your Spring Break Escape

Spring break is the perfect time to try something new. This year, you can amp up the fun on your spring break parties by reaching for SLIQ’s Frozen Cocktail Pops, the easy way to enjoy your favorite mixed drinks at home. 

We use top-shelf quality liquors and other premium ingredients to craft our delicious frozen drinks. Barrel-stored bourbon, 100% blue Agave spirit, white Caribbean rum, and seven-times distilled vodka commingle with delicious flavors for deliriously good frozen treats any spring breaker can enjoy on their own, or mixed with their favorite spring break drinks. We also have concocted other exciting springtime cocktail recipes, like cherry blossom cocktail recipes or cocktails with lavender.

This spring break, chill out with SLIQ. 

Sources: 

  1. Epicurious. Kentucky Buck. https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/kentucky-buck-bourbon-cocktail 
  2. Epicurious. Oaxaca Old Fashioned. https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/oaxaca-old-fashioned-tequila-cocktail
  3. The Spruce Eats. What Is Mezcal? https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-mezcal-5190801 
  4. Town & Country. 18 Best Spring Cocktails. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/g234/best-spring-cocktails/ 

5 Cherry Blossom-Inspired Cocktail Recipes

Each year, the cherry blossom trees sprout their bright pink buds in a wondrous display of floral beauty and tell the world that spring has arrived. In cities all over the world, from Tokyo to D.C., these magnificent trees dazzle and delight all cherry blossom season long.

And when the sakura trees bloom, it’s somewhat of a tradition to take notice by lifting a drink to celebrate the end of winter and the promise of warmer weather. You can join the legions of celebrants this blossoming season by toasting with festive cherry blossom cocktails.

To that end, here are five tasty recipes that think pink with your favorite spirits. 

#1 Cherry Trip

The Cherry Trip is a semi-sweet, slightly bubbly cherry blossom drink that combines tart lemon, rich cherries, and vodka ice pops for a delectable cherry blossom cocktail as refreshing as spring itself. Light, airy, and pinkened by cherry juice and a splash of sweet rosé, it’s the perfect cocktail for picnicking in the park or taking it easy at home.

The ingredients are:1

To craft the cocktail, combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker or a mixing glass. Once combined to the perfect consistency, serve in a glass, add a twist of lemon peel for a garnish, and you’re set to toast.

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#2 Classic Cherry Blossom

Many cherry blossom cocktail recipes are heavy on ingredients and complicated instructions. And sure, the results might be delicious, but there’s something to be said for simplicity.

Enter: the Cherry Blossom, the original cherry-blossom-inspired cocktail and still a stand-out beverage. Sweet, succulent, and adorable sakura pink, it’s among the best and easiest ways to honor its namesake tree.

To make your own, you’ll need the following:2

Now for the easy part. Simply combine the ingredients (keeping the cherries and mint as garnishes) in a cocktail shaker or blender and mix it up. Pop in three cherries and the fresh sprig of mint, and you have the namesake cocktail ready to cheers.

#3 Cherry Blossom Paloma

The Paloma is a classic agave cocktail that combines lime and grapefruit for a tart and citrusy drink with just the right amount of bitterness. With the simple addition of grenadine to the recipe, the Cherry Blossom Paloma transforms into a smooth and satisfying cocktail.

This cherry blossom cocktail recipe calls for:3

Use a cocktail shaker to mix the ingredients, then strain into a cocktail glass. Beforehand, be sure to mix salt, chili powder, and sugar for a salt rim that’s sweet and spicy. The Cherry Blossom Paloma, so smooth and refreshing, is one of our favorite spring break drinks to craft up.

Cherry-Blossom-cocktail

#4 Cherry & Lemon Vodka Martini

Sakura blossoms are elegant and refined, so any drink inspired by them should be, too. And few cocktails are as elegant as the martini, a stately and sophisticated libation that matches the subtle glamor of the cherry blossom tree.

That said, your standard martini won’t quite do. You’ll need cherry-infused vodka, watermelon, and lemon to turn it into a cherry blossom cocktail vodka that martini lovers will fall in love with.4

To make the Cherry Vodka Martini, you’ll need the following

Once you’ve assembled your ingredients, you’ll mix the Cherry Vodka Martini in a cocktail shaker, just as you would a traditional martini. Then, pour the contents into a martini glass with a salt or sugar rim to enhance the sweetness.

BONUS: Have you ever tried cocktails with lavender? Try adding a ½ ounce of lavender simple syrup for a refreshing botanical twist.

#5 Cherry Blossom Smash 

Wondering how to drink whiskey in unique ways? Then you have to try the cherry blossom smash. The earthy jolt of whiskey is perfectly balanced with an overload of cherry flavor and a dash of lemon, then tempered with mint for a seasonable and sippable cherry blossom inspired cocktail. 

The ingredients are:5 

Combine all of the ingredients without the whiskey ice pops in a cocktail shaker and muddle gently. Then, strain and add the whiskey pops. Stir the mixture until you have a smooth, even texture; pour it into a cocktail glass, and you’re ready to serve and celebrate the cherry blossom season!

Sweeten the Evening with SLIQ

This spring, get into the celebratory spirit with one of SLIQ’s alcohol ice pops. You can try all our flavors, including rum ice pops and frozen margarita pops to name two. We use premium liquors and quality ingredients to deliver a fun, frozen alcoholic treat that’s perfect for when the cherry blossoms bloom or any time of the year.

Sources: 

  1. DC Travel Mag. 21 Unique DC Cherry Blossom Cocktails and Recipes. https://dctravelmag.com/cherry-blossom-cocktails/ 
  2. Town & Country. 18 Best Spring Cocktails. ​​https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/g234/best-spring-cocktails/ 
  3. District 1100, Tequila Cherry Blossom. https://district1100.com/2020/05/21/tequila-cherry-blossom/ 
  4. Northforker. Celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival with these flower-inspired cocktails. https://northforker.com/2021/05/celebrate-the-cherry-blossom-festival-with-these-flower-inspired-cocktails/
  5. Cake-n-Knife. Cherry Whiskey Smash Cocktail Recipe. https://www.cakenknife.com/cherry-whiskey-smash/ 

 

5 Best New Year’s Eve Drink Recipes

When you think of New Year’s Eve drinks, you probably think of champagne—and it’s no wonder. Toasting the arrival of another year with a glass of bubbly is tradition. 

But during the hours before and after you sing “Auld Lang Syne,” it’s nice to have something else to sip on. This year, consider one (or all!) of these New Year’s Eve drink ideas to enliven your holiday party. 

#1 Happy New Year 

Among the best New Year’s Eve cocktail drinks to make—the Happy New Year. Classic, fruity, and tart, this fruity punch dresses up a regular glass of champagne for the festivity of the occasion.

The ingredients you need to make the Happy New Year are:1 

To create the drink, fill a cocktail mixer with the ice pops, orange juice, and ruby port, then shake well. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute and then add the champagne. Just like that, you’ve got a delicious and festive holiday drink.

#2 Brandy Alexander 

The Brandy Alexander is a centuries-old signature cocktail that’s perfect for New Year’s Eve thanks to its sweet, chocolatey flavor and smooth, creamy texture with a dash of alcohol. These qualities combine to make a drink that’s as decadent as the holiday itself.

The ingredients for a Brandy Alexander are:2

  • 1-ounce brandy
  • 1-ounce dark creme de cacao liquor 
  • 1-ounce cream

Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail mixer filled with ice. Then, strain the mixture into a glass and garnish it with a light dusting of ground nutmeg. If you want to have rum instead of brandy, there are plenty of winter rum drinks and daiquiri popsicles you can also try. 

Cut open a cold one! Shop now!

#3 Figgy Sparkler 

If you’re looking for New Year or Lunar New Year cocktails that capture the night’s celebratory nature and the flavor profiles of the best winter cocktails, look no further than the Figgy Sparkler. Vodka, sparkling white wine, and perennial wintertime standbys like figs and cranberries conspire to create a thrilling cocktail that truly sparkles.3

But because New Year’s Eve calls for genuinely unique cocktails, we’re swapping out regular vodka for two SLIQ alcohol ice pops with vodka and turning the Figgy Sparkler into a succulent slushy concoction. 

Begin by gathering the ingredients. You’ll need:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the SLIQ ice pops along with the fig, cranberries, and orange slices until well combined. Then, add the sparkling white wine and stir to mix. Serving this drink in a champagne flute with a celebratory New Year’s Eve straw can add even more pizazz to a New Year’s Eve party. Don’t forget the cranberry garnish!

#4 French 75

The French 75 is one of the simple, refreshing signature cocktail recipes you can enjoy any time of the year thanks to its flavorful blend of dry gin, lemon, and simple syrup. But the addition of sparkling wine gives it just enough fizz to place it among the best New Year’s Eve drinks around. 

The French 75 comes together with four simple ingredients:4 

  • 1 ½ ounces gin
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup
  • ½ ounce lemon juice
  • 4 ounces champagne

Shake the gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice together in a cocktail shaker with ice. You can replace the ice with SLIQ alcohol ice pops of your choice to enhance the flavor and strength of the drink. Strain it over ice into a champagne flute and top it off with champagne. You can garnish this champagne cocktail drink with a lemon twist, but it isn’t necessary. The drink is classy enough on its own.

#5 Black Velvet 

New Year’s Eve drink ideas tend to favor gold-toned cocktails. This makes sense, as gold is one of the requisite colors of this celebratory holiday. But black is just as big among the classic colors of New Year’s, and the Black Velvet cocktail is a sophisticated way to ring in the New Year. 

The Black Velvet is unique among New Year’s Eve drinks due to its dark color. But it still features champagne as one of its main ingredients. Fancy, fun, and a little foamy—if you haven’t tried the Black Velvet, be sure to do so before the year runs out.

The ingredients you need are:5

  • 4-ounces champagne
  • 4-ounces stout beer

Fill a flute glass with champagne about halfway. Then, pour the stout slowly until you fill the glass. Delicious and simple, it doesn’t get much better than the Black Velvet. 

For a Truly Happy New Year, Choose SLIQ

Fancy New Year’s Eve drinks are a snazzy way to spruce up a holiday party, but you don’t have to be a world-class mixologist to please your friends with a delicious mixed drink. All you have to do is reach for SLIQ.

SLIQ’s alcohol ice pops are quick, simple, and packed full of flavor. They’re made from the best ingredients and the finest liquors, like whiskey ice pops made from premium, barrel-stored whiskey, vodka ice pops made from seven-times distilled vodka, rum ice pops crafted with Caribbean white rum, and agave ice pops made from 100% Blue Agave spirit. No matter your tastes, you’re guaranteed to pop open a frozen cocktail you’ll love.

 

Sources: 

  1. The Spruce Eats. Happy New Year Cocktail Recipe. https://www.thespruceeats.com/happy-new-year-cocktail-recipe-759437 
  2. The Spruce Eats. Brandy Alexander Recipe. https://www.thespruceeats.com/brandy-alexander-cocktail-recipe-759278 
  3. The Spruce Eats. Figgy Sparkler Recipe. https://www.thespruceeats.com/figgy-sparkler-cocktail-recipe-4154829 
  4. The Spruce Eats. French 75 Recipe. https://www.thespruceeats.com/french-75-champagne-cocktail-759295 
  5. Liquor.com. Black Velvet Recipe. https://www.liquor.com/recipes/black-velvet/ 

4 Delicious Winter Rum Drinks

It might sometimes seem like rum is a quintessential summer liquor. As a classic of the Caribbean and the favored drink of pirates everywhere, one sip of this sweet & spicy spirit can transport you to a tropical paradise of palm trees, sandy beaches, and warm weather.1 

But none of that means you have to move your bottles of rum to the back of the liquor cabinet when winter rolls in. Here are four winter rum drinks, a few of which include SLIQ’s alcohol ice pops, that are guaranteed to give you that chilly winter feeling all season long.

#1 Winter Daiquiri

The classic daiquiri has been a staple drink of beach bars and poolside cabanas since its inception in 1896.2 But with a few small alterations, you can swap out those summertime associations and turn the daiquiri into the perfect winter rum cocktail for holiday parties or relaxing nights by the fire. 

The classic daiquiri is a simple cocktail with rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup. The winter version is only slightly different, adding in a couple of additional flavors that taste like the season.3 The ingredients are:

You mix this drink like the original daiquiri, so add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake thoroughly. Garnish it with a cinnamon stick for an added seasonal touch of flavor.

SLIQ’s frozen rum daiquiri cocktails, made with authentic Caribbean White Rum, are perfect for the wintery version of a frozen daiquiri. Your taste buds will thank you. 

#2 Winter Mojito  

Few drinks can match the refreshing, minty blast of an ice-cold mojito in the summertime. And when it comes to tasty winter rum drinks, the Winter Mojito is a true champion. 

The Winter Mojito comes together with all of the standard mojito ingredients you know and love, like rum, lime juice, and soda water. But instead of mint, this one calls for a wintry, herb-infused simple syrup, which you’ll need to make yourself.4 This requires a few more steps, but the payoff is worth it.

The ingredients for the syrup are:

  • 2 Rosemary sprigs
  • 2 Bunches of thyme
  • 5 Sage leaves
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring the whole time. Then let the mixture sit for about an hour before using it.

From there, the Winter Mojito ingredients are:

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail mixer and shake. Top it off with a pour of soda water. For a final touch, add the sprig of rosemary to garnish or a splash of black rum for a stronger drink.

A grown up pop fpr grown up you! Shop now!

#3 Hot Buttered Rum

Of course, no list of winter rum drinks would be complete without the go-to classic, Hot Buttered Rum. Americans have turned to this sweet, warm drink on cold days since the 1600s, and it’s still a popular option for cozy winter nights.5 

The ingredients for the Hot Buttered recipe are:6

  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon softened butter
  • Splash of vanilla extract
  • Dash of ground cinnamon
  • Dash of grated nutmeg
  • Dash of ground allspice
  • 2 ounces dark rum
  • 4 ounces hot water
  • 2 ounces dark rum

This might seem like a lot of ingredients, but putting the Hot Buttered Rum together is incredibly easy. Simply combine the spices with the sugar, butter, and vanilla extract in a coffee mug. Use a muddler to make sure everything is well-mixed.

Then, add the rum and the hot water. Stir it gently but thoroughly. A fresh cinnamon stick makes the perfect garnish, so pop one in and enjoy.

#4 Coquito

Wintertime is synonymous with the holidays, so this season, consider celebrating as they do in Puerto Rico—with one of the island’s favorite winter rum drinks, the Coquito. 

A traditional holiday rum cocktail in Puerto Rico, the Coquito is a delicious punch drink that has a flavor similar to eggnog but with a twist of coconut.7 As a celebratory drink, it’s best enjoyed in groups, so this rum cocktail recipe creates a large batch to share with friends. The ingredients are:

  • 1 ½ cups dark rum
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 15 ounces cream of coconut
  • 13 ½ ounces coconut milk
  • 4 ounces evaporated milk
  • ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces raisins 

Combine the rum, cinnamon sticks, and raisins in a large pitcher and let it sit for about an hour. Then, use a blender to combine the other ingredients. When they’re well mixed, pour it into the pitcher and stir thoroughly.

Let the drink chill for several minutes before serving. Stir it again before pouring it over ice. Fresh ground cinnamon is an excellent garnish, but a rim sprinkled with coconut shavings is ideal. For extra ice-cold flavor, add a couple of SLIQ Spirited Ice Rum Coconut & Lime Daiquiri Pops.

al touch, add the sprig of rosemary to garnish or a splash of black rum for a stronge

Spice Up Your Winter Cocktails with SLIQ 

Finding new ways to enjoy your favorite drinks all year round can bring plenty of joy to the season. But even better are the secret ingredients that help you fix your winter cocktail in a snap.

This winter, cozy up with SLIQ’s alcohol ice pops. Delicious on their own or mixed into your favorite drinks, they’re a guaranteed way to enjoy quality mixed drinks at home or with friends.

Pop open a good time with SLIQ. 

Sources: 

  1. Bespoke Unit. What is Rum & What Does Rum Taste Like? https://bespokeunit.com/rum/ 
  2. Eater.com. Cocktails 101: The Daiquiri. https://www.eater.com/drinks/2016/5/12/11327350/daiquiri-cocktail-recipe-rum-lime-cuban-drink 
  3. Cashmere and Cocktails. Winter Daiquiri. https://cashmereandcocktails.com/2021/02/08/winter-daiquiri-recipe/ 
  4. Letie’s Culinaria. Winter Mojito Recipe. https://leitesculinaria.com/221725/recipes-winter-mojito.html 
  5. National Day Calendar. National Hot Buttered Rum Day. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-hot-buttered-rum-day-january-17/#
  6. The Spruce Eats. Classic Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail Recipe. https://www.thespruceeats.com/hot-buttered-rum-recipe-759309 
  7.  The Novice Chef. The Best Coquito Recipe. https://thenovicechefblog.com/coquito/ 

4 Cocktails for Celebrating Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also called the Chinese New Year, is a time to honor prosperity, abundance, and togetherness. All around the world, families gather at home, and crowds gather in the streets to watch parades and partake in other celebrations. And, of course, plenty of cocktails are added to the festivities. 

Traditionally celebrated by billions of people from China, Vietnam, Korea, and other Asian countries, Lunar New Year comes with a rich cultural history—and plenty of flavorful inspiration for your festive beverages.

Before celebrating Lunar New Year, you’ll want to come prepared with some cocktails inspired by traditional flavors. Here are four Lunar New Year cocktails you can try at home.

#1 Orange Blossom 

The Orange Blossom cocktail might have gotten its start during American Prohibition. However, it’s still an excellent Chinese New Year cocktail.1 Celebrate Chinese culture and enjoy the dry taste of gin and the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh orange juice. A splash of iced lemonade vodka gives this cocktail a delicious extra kick, the perfect nod to a holiday about money, good fortune, and coming together.

The ingredients for the Orange Blossom cocktail are:

Shake the ingredients together in a cocktail mixer with the SLIQ ice pops. Then, strain it into a glass and serve. It’s as easy as that. 

#2 Cherry Moon

As its name suggests, the Lunar New Year is celebrated according to the Lunar calendar, which follows the phases of the moon. For that reason, no list of Lunar New Year cocktails would be complete without a cocktail named for the Earth’s night sky companion.

This Chinese New Year, the Cherry Moon is the way to go. You’ll need the following ingredients:2

  • 1-ounce cherry vodka
  • 3 ½ ounces lemon-lime soda
  • ½ ounce grenadine

This recipe is so simple, it doesn’t even require a cocktail shaker. Simply pour the vodka over some ice pops and add soda and grenadine, and you’re all set to sip. 

SLIQ’s alcohol ice pops are the perfect addition if you want a Chinese New Year cocktail that makes an impact. Made with seven times distilled vodka, 1 or 2 SLIQ Spirited Ice Vodka Cranberry & Grapefruit Pops are the perfect way to put a chilly cranberry spin on the Cherry Moon.

Four frosty choices. Which will you choose? Shop now!

#3 Lemon Lychee Martini 

The lychee fruit has been a staple of Southeastern Asian diets for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why.3 With a flavor profile that’s fragrant, sweet, and acidic, it’s delicious on its own or as an ingredient in a number of dishes. In some parts of the world, it’s also prized for its medicinal properties.4 

Lychee’s status as an iconic Southeast Asian fruit, with a splash of sweet lemonade vodka, makes the Lemon Lychee Martini a perfect Chinese New Year cocktail. Another reason? It’s simply constructed but packs a flavorful punch. 

Because the Lunar New Year is all about togetherness, this recipe is enough to make two lemon lychee martinis. So gather your closest companion and the following ingredients:5 

Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail mixer and shake until well combined. Pour the drink into two martini glasses and serve. 

#4 Dynasty Margarita 

China is known for its succession of ruling emperors known as dynasties, where the name of this Chinese New Year cocktail comes from. It combines the sugary sweetness of a margarita with the aromatic spice of ginger and the acrid taste of lychee. The result is a cocktail you can sip on for the entire 15 days it takes to adequately celebrate the Lunar New Year.6

For the Dynasty Margarita, assemble the following ingredients:7 

To make the drink, combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and mix well. Strain the mixture and pour it into a margarita glass with a salted rim. Add a lime wedge for a garnish, and you’re ready to join the Lunar New Year festivities.

Raise a Glass to the New Year with SLIQ 

When you’re celebrating the Lunar New Year, you have plenty of opportunities to craft delectable Lunar New Year cocktails. But some nights, you may just want to kick back with your favorite premixed drink. On those nights, reach for a SLIQ.

SLIQ’s alcohol ice pops are an easy and refreshing way to enjoy premium mixed drinks at home. Available in daiquiri ice pops, whiskey highball ice pops, vodka slushie ice pops, and frozen margarita pops in a variety of mouthwatering flavors, they’re fun, frozen, and ready to go when you are. All you need to do is pop one open.

This New Year, discover a new way to chill with SLIQ. 

 

Sources: 

  1. Mix That Drink. Orange Blossom. https://mixthatdrink.com/orange-blossom/ 
  2. LIquor.com. Cherry Moon Recipe. https://www.liquor.com/recipes/cherry-moon/ 
  3. Britannica. Lychee. https://www.britannica.com/plant/litchi-fruit 
  4. WebMD. Lychee: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1508/lychee#
  5. Food Network. Lychee Martini Recipe. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/lychee-martini-recipe-1939454 
  6. Britannica. Chinese New Year: Summary, History, Traditions, & Facts. ​​https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year#
  7. Clink.ph. Uphold Traditions: 5 Festive Cocktails for Chinese New Year. https://clink.ph/blogs/recipes/cocktails-chinese-new-year