If you can’t wait for this weekend – you are not alone! It’s America’s birthday AND  a long weekend.

Families and friends will gather for outdoor lunches, blankets and baskets will be dusted off, simple and delicious meals will be served — there is no better way to spend a summer day. 

Make your picnic festive with some Long Island Iced Tea!  It’s the perfect drink to sip while sitting out in the sun on a hot day. 

Here’s my favorite recipe for you to enjoy before the fireworks — Happy 4th of July everybody!

Long Island Iced Tea for the Fourth of July

Image courtesy of Dan Clark at Chronicle Books

Long Island Iced Tea

1/2 oz light rum

1/2 oz vodka

1/2 oz gin

1/2 oz gold tequila

1/2 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec

1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Splash cola

Orange or lemon wedge, for garnish

Recipe:

Pour rum, vodka, gin, tequila, Cointreau, and lemon juice over ice in a highball glass.  Stir, and add a splash of cola for color and to round the flavors.  Garnish with orange or lemon wedge.  Enjoy!

PS. What’s your favorite summer drink? Post a comment!