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Last Updated on May 1, 2025 by Alaina
The Red, White, and Blue Cocktail is the ultimate show-stopping drink for your 4th of July bash! With its vibrant layers and refreshing taste, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Colorful layers of grenadine, lemonade, and blue curacao come together to create a visually stunning and refreshingly delicious red white and blue cocktail. Perfect for your 4th of July celebration, this layered drink will dazzle your guests and elevate your summer gatherings. It’s also great for Memorial Day, Labor Day, or any occasion worth toasting with a little patriotic flair!
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a festive gathering, or celebrating Independence Day at home, this red white and blue cocktail is the perfect addition to any patriotic celebration.
There are two easy ways to make it. My go-to version uses grenadine, lemonade, and blue curacao liqueur (not the syrup). It tastes a lot like cherry lemonade and looks just as festive as you’d imagine! But if you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, I’ve got an alternate version using vodka and blue curacao syrup. I’ll include both recipes below!
Let’s get started!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Clear Layers
The secret to the perfect layered patriotic cocktail? Pouring slowly and in the right order. Follow the steps below for Instagram-worthy results every time.
Simple Ingredients
Just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. No need to make a special grocery store run!
Versatile for Summer Holidays
This red white and blue cocktail is ideal for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day—pretty much any red, white, and blue-themed event.
Quick and Easy to Make
You’ll only need a few minutes and a steady hand. The drink comes together fast but looks like you spent all afternoon on it.
How to Make This Layered Red, White, and Blue Cocktail
Follow these simple steps to create your own stunning red, white, and blue cocktail. You’ll find the complete ingredients list and printable instructions in the free recipe card at the bottom of this post.
As written, this recipe yields two delicious patriotic cocktails—but you can easily double or triple it for a small gathering.
Watch My Recipe Video to Learn How To Make This Delicious Layered Patriotic Cocktail
Want to see exactly how it’s done? Watch the short video in this post to learn how to layer the drink perfectly!
Kitchen Tools You May Need
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links for products or services I think you’ll like. This means if you make a purchase from one of these links, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend items I use and love.
Having the right tools makes all the difference in getting those perfect layers.
- shot glass or jigger
- martini glasses
- spoon for layering
- Small funnel (optional, for even more control)
Ingredients for Patriotic Layered Cocktail
Here’s what you’ll need for the classic version of this red white and blue cocktail:
- grenadine
- lemonade – I used Simply Lemonade
- blue curacao liquor
- Ice
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Red, White and Blue Cocktail
These step-by-step instructions will walk you through the layering process to get perfect red, white, and blue layers every time.
Step 1: Red Layer
- Prepare the Base: Begin by adding 1 oz of grenadine to the bottom of each glass.
- Add Ice: Next, carefully add some ice. Pouring grenadine first helps keep the red layer at the bottom. This will help prevent the whole drink from turning pink.
Step 2: White Layer
- Add Lemonade: Slowly pour in the lemonade over the back of a spoon. This helps the liquid gently float above the grenadine without mixing. A steady hand is crucial here to maintain distinct layers.
Step 3: Blue Layer
- Gradually pour the blue curacao over a spoon so it gently layers on top of the lemonade.
That’s it! You’ve got a picture-perfect patriotic cocktail ready to serve.
Alternative Recipe: Vodka with Lemonade and Blue Curacao Syrup
Looking to switch it up? Try adding vodka to the lemonade and using blue curacao syrup instead of the liquor version. This version is just as tasty and great for those who prefer vodka.
Ingredients
- 2 oz grenadine
- 1 cup lemonade
- 4 oz vodka
- 2 oz blue curacao syrup instead of the liquor version
- Ice
Instructions
- Red Layer: Add the grenadine to the two glasses first. Then add the ice.
- White Layer: Mix the lemonade and vodka. together, then slowly pour over the back of a spoon to create the white layer.
- Blue Layer: Add the blue curacao syrup last using the same spoon-pouring technique.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Pour slowly and steadily to keep the layers clean and separate.
- Use a tall glass so the layers are more visible.
- Crushed ice works well, but larger cubes help with stability.
- Chill the liquids first so the ice doesn’t melt as quickly and muddle your layers.
- If your layers start to mix, try again! It takes a little practice but is worth it.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Make it a mocktail: Use blue curacao syrup instead of liqueur, and skip the vodka.
- Frozen version: Blend each layer separately with ice and carefully spoon into glasses for a slushy layered look.
- Berry twist: Muddle strawberries in the grenadine or add fresh blueberries on top for extra flair.
- Citrus boost: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon to the lemonade layer.
FAQs
Q: Can I batch-make this cocktail?
A: Not really—because of the layering, it’s best made one glass at a time. But you can set up a DIY cocktail station so guests can layer their own!
Q: What type of lemonade should I use?
A: I suggest a lightly sweetened lemonade. You can make your own, but for store-bought, I prefer the Simply Lemonade brand.
Q: How can I achieve perfect layers?
A: Pour slowly and use the back of a spoon for each new layer. It also helps to chill the liquids ahead of time. It took me a few tries before I nailed it. Practice makes perfect!
Show Me What You’ve Got!
Did you make this Red, White, and Blue Cocktail recipe? I’d love to see it!
Nothing makes me happier than seeing your take on my festive drinks. Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @bullocksbuzz or use #bullocksbuzz so I can cheer you on!
And if you loved this drink, please take a second to comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on the printable recipe card below!
Don’t forget to save this post by pinning it or clicking the heart. And feel free to share it with your friends and family!
Looking for More Red, White, and Blue Recipes?
Keep the patriotic party going with these fun and easy treats:
Free Printable Recipe Card for Red, White and Clue Cocktail
Red, White and Blue Cocktail: Easy Layered Patriotic Cocktail Recipe
Create a festive Red, White, and Blue Cocktail with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for 4th of July celebrations, this refreshing and delicious drink is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 2 oz grenadine
- 6 oz lemonade
- 2 oz blue curacao liquor
- Ice
Instructions
- Pour the grenadine into the glass, then fill it with ice.
- Very SLOWLY pour the lemonade over the back of a spoon into the glass.
- Again using the back of the spoon, SLOWLY pour the blue curacao liquor into the glass to create the final layer.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
The key is to pour each ingredient very slowly onto the back of a spoon held against the top of the glass. This is to help the layers stay separate. It may take some practice, but you will get it!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 355Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 24mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 0gSugar: 45gProtein: 0g
Nutritional information is automatically calculated with ingredients and serving size and may not be accurate. Please always double check with your own nutritional apps as well.