What's in Your July Fourth Cooler?
Whether it's the beach, the lake, or the boat here are the most refreshing drinks for your Fourth of July outing
Fourth of July weekend is just meant for days lounging in the sun and evenings spent on a blanket watching fireworks. Chances are, there’s a cooler involved in your activities.
Here are the best items — both boozy and non-alcoholic — to bring with you while celebrating Independence Day.
Four Loko USA
Launched in 2022, Four Loko USA became the most popular flavor for the brand for good reason. Here are its tasting notes:” Four Loko USA is like a bald eagle driving a monster truck of fireworks jumping a shark after winning gold in a hot dog eating contest.” Sure, Four Loko has a reputation for being the Mountain Dew of canned alcoholic beverages, but the USA flavor is pretty delightful — sort of a cherry bomb pop meets a sour patch kid, but make it boozy. At 14% ABV, it guarantees you’ll be seeing fireworks long before the sun sets. And it’s the best novelty you can bring to the party. Toss some in your cooler and everyone will want to try one!
Olipop
I was on the Olipop bandwagon well before the soda trended. While there are studies that show the amount of prebiotics in Olipop are marginal, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still better for you than regular soda. Plus, the flavors are delicious. If you’re old enough to remember fountain soda, you’ll appreciate Olipop’s root beer, ginger ale and vintage cola. They’re not too sweet and have that almost-bitter taste that balances out thee sweetness and makes a soda so refreshing. If you’re a fan of Mountain Dew, by the way, Olipop’s Ridge Rush is the greatest dupe you’ll ever taste. They also make the perfect mixers for cocktails.
Athletic IPA
If you’re a fan of the thirst-quenching bitterness of a nice IPA, but you’re not fond of the typically high ABVs, try Athletic Brewing Co.’s Free Wave Hazy IPA. It’s delicious, full of citrus notes, and contains zero alcohol. Crack one open, and the juicy aroma will really have you fooled. So will the taste. In a field of non-alcoholic beers, this one is truly satisfying. Out of San Diego, Athletic Brewing Co. only makes non-alcoholic beers and beverages, which is probably why they’re so good at it. They’re perfect even to switch to for a break when you’re spending a long day out and don’t want to drink alcohol all day — or to end the night with a NA.
Triple High Seltzer
There are a host of TCH-infused seltzers out there (we’re compiling a review in the next few weeks), but so far, Triple High Seltzer is a winner for its no-added-sugar, gluten-free drinks that contain 3mg of THC in each serving. Averaging about 20 calories each (it can vary depending on the flavor), they’re a really mellow alternative to beers and wines.
Amalfi Saint Spritz
If you like the sweet/bitterness of a spritz, these Amalfi Saint Spritzes are a good choice. These 5% ABV spritzes are orange-wine based and made with very few ingredients — fruit juices, monk fruit, citric acid, and carbonated water. That results in a refreshing drink that’s not a sugar bomb. Drink them out of the can, or if you want to be fancy, serve over ice with an orange slice and three green olives on a skewer.
Oishi Spritz
These sake-based spritzes are made in the U.S. with pure Blue Ridge Mountain water and single-origin rice grown here in the U.S., making it the most patriotic of all sake spritzes! The spritzes contain zero added sugar and are lightly sweetened with monk fruit and natural fruit flavors. They’re also gluten-free, crisp, and refreshing.