A celebration of the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally received the news of emancipation (two years late), Juneteenth is an important part of our heritage, and a day worthy of fanfare.
A variety of traditions have been adopted to commemorate the day, and the “Red Drink” is one of the most enduring. Passed down for generations by families that have celebrated the holiday since the 1800s, the custom of drinking only red drinks at Juneteenth affairs has a variety of meanings.
Elders passed down the belief that drinking red drinks honored the blood shed by generations of enslaved ancestors during their oppression and struggle to be free.
Historians suggest that the use of red in our cultural celebrations stretches even further back – to our time on the continent. Enslaved people maintained some cultural threads through oral tradition, and the symbolic meaning of red is one of them.
It’s time to party, and these red cocktails are perfect options for the cookout! Each one is refreshing and has a balance of summer flavors. Choose a few – or all of them – for your soiree.
Enjoy the fresh flavors perfectly ripe summer berries in the Strawberry Basil Smash. This cocktail combines ripe strawberries with basil and lime juice for a refreshing and vibrant drink. This can be served with vodka, or left alcohol-free for tantalizing mocktail. It’s ideal for a June celebration.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Muddle the strawberries and basil together. Add your vodka (if using), simple syrup, and lime juice. Top with sparkling water for the perfect amount of effervescence.
This sophisticated highball cocktail blends the tartness of pomegranate with the floral notes of hibiscus and an aromatic touch of rosemary. It’s a drink that will delight the senses.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Mix the gin, pomegranate juice, and hibiscus syrup. Top with club soda and garnish with a bruised rosemary sprig. Want to up the ante? Grill the rosemary sprigs for a minute or two to heighten the flavor.
Sangria is a celebration staple, and the classic version is perfect for Juneteenth. Combining red wine with fresh fruit and a splash of brandy, this cocktail is both delicious and festive.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Mix the wine, brandy, sugar, orange liqueur, and orange juice with sliced fruits and let it chill. Top with club soda. Serve over ice.
Combining the tartness of raspberries with the fizz of champagne, this cocktail is perfect for summer.
Ingredients:
Instructions: Mix raspberry puree, lemon juice, and vodka in a glass. Top with sparkling wine or champagne and garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon slices.
Add a floral twist to your margaritas with hibiscus syrup. This cocktail blends the tartness of lime with the sweet and floral notes of hibiscus, creating a unique drink.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
These cocktails are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your Juneteenth festivities. Cheers!
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