Ask A Cleveland Expert: Fourth Of July Cocktail Recipes

The Daily Meal Staff|

The Fourth of July is a perfect day for some summer celebrations in Cleveland. By the time July rolls around, Cleveland is deep into the heat of a well-earned summer and BBQs abound. Sometimes these BBQs can all look the same, though, so why not mix it up with some new simple ideas to make your party more unique and one to remember? CBSLocal asked a Cleveland expert about what cocktails make this season so special and collected some recipes for you to try this holiday.

bartender2 Ask A Cleveland Expert: Fourth Of July Cocktail Recipes

Rob Dorsey (Credit, Kaitlin Dershaw)

Rob Dorsey
 ABC the Tavern
 11434 Uptown Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 721-1511
www.abcthetavern.com

Rob Dorsey has been a bartender for seven years and has been working at ABC the Tavern in Uptown for one year. He started bartending out of necessity one night at a bar that he was working as a DJ. The bar service needed an extra person and Rob quickly picked up the slack, a natural at the position. A social person, he was happy to take on the responsibility, and he now sees it less as work and more as "hanging out" and having fun. But don't be fooled, even though he may be having fun, he's also working hard to make sure his customers get what they want and perhaps learn a little along the way. A huge peanut butter fan and self-proclaimed "Whiskey Guy," Rob doesn't drink beer, smoke or watch sports, and he's got the charisma and jokes to keep a strong fan-base at ABC.

abc Ask A Cleveland Expert: Fourth Of July Cocktail Recipes

ABC the Tavern (Credit, Kaitlin Dershaw)

Traditional Daiquiri

Rob chose this drink because it's easy and delicious; almost everyone has enjoyed a daiquiri at some point. A refreshing citrus drink, this cocktail is great when paired with a light chicken dish or any BBQ on Independence Day.

Recipe:

  • 2 ounces of any white rum (suggested: Bacardi)
  • 1 ounce of fresh squeezed lime juice (fresh is better for a more fruity and clean taste)
  • 1 half ounce of simple syrup (tip: you can make your own simple syrup with sugar and boiling water)
  • Shake all ingredients together and serve in martini glass

Michelada

The Michelada is a great twist on a traditional Fourth of July refreshment: beer. Its base is a Mexican lager, so Rob suggests enjoying this creation with tacos, nachos or any Mexican-style BBQ dishes.

Recipe:

  • 12 ounces of Mexican lager
  • Half of a lime, squeezed (keep the rind in the final drink for more flavor)
  • 3 dashes of hot sauce (suggested: Tabasco)
  • Place all ingredients in a pint glass with a lime wedge on the rim

Mint Julep

Another light and refreshing cocktail, the mint julep can be enjoyed on Independence Day just as much as at the Kentucky Derby. Rob simply suggests enjoying this one with friends.

Recipe:

  • 3 ounces of bourbon
  • 5-7 leaves of fresh mint (again, fresh is best for a cleaner flavor)
  • simple syrup to taste
  • Muddle the mint with the simple syrup and add the bourbon. Serve over ice.

Bonus: Powers and Ginger Ale

Rob doesn't drink beer, so his go-to for a refreshing cocktail is a simple Powers whiskey and ginger ale. 

Related: Best Boozy Brunches In Cleveland

Kaitlin Dershaw is an Ohio native with a distinct love for Cleveland. She enjoys making new discoveries from tasty places to eat and drink, to perfectly unique live music venues. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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