The Fourth of July Cocktail – The Firecracker

If anyone knows how to celebrate with style, it’s Martha Stewart. Here’s a cocktail from a couple years back that we have enjoyed on summer evenings, but especially appropriate for the Fourth of July. If you’re having house guests or heading to the lake for the Fourth of July weekend, you might want to try this recipe. It’s perfect for after fireworks and the kids are in bed! Have a happy and safe holiday.

The Firecracker

www.marthastewart.com/904253/firecracker

Prep: 15 minutes    Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes   Servings: 10

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen sour cherries, pitted*
  • 16 ounces London dry gin
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 bottle (75 mL) chilled dry rose wine
  • Ice
  • Lemon slices, for garnish

Step 1: Bring sugar and 3/4 cup water to a boil in a small pot. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, and let cool. This simple syrup can be refrigerated up to two weeks.

Step 2: Combine syrup, cherries and gin in a 3-quart pitcher, and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours. Stir in lemon juice and wine. Serve over ice, and garnish with lemon slices.

*Can’t find fresh or frozen sour cherries? We’ve used canned, tart cherries with great results.

Please drink responsibly.