Fast & festive cocktails

Add a splash of fun to your Fourth of July with these red, white and blue sips that are as tasty as they are easy to mix up

Cran-Cherry Gin & Tonic

Muddled mint adds a bright note to this sweet ’n’ tart twist on a refreshing summer fave. To make: In cocktail shaker, combine 2 sprigs mint, 2 Tbs. lime juice and 1 Tbs. sugar; muddle mint with handle of wooden spoon. Add 1 cup crancherry juice and 1⁄4 cup gin; cover and shake. Strain into 2 ice-filled glasses. Top with tonic water.

Garnish with mint.

Patriotic Piña Colada

Toasted coconut on the rim gives this blender drink an extra dose of nutty flavor. To make: Brush rims of 2 glasses with corn syrup; press into 1⁄4 cup toasted coconut. In blender, mix 6 Tbs. coconut rum, 1⁄4 cup lime juice, 1⁄4 cup pineapple juice, 2 Tbs. cream of coconut and 1 cup ice cubes. Puree until smooth. Divide between glasses. Add skewers threaded with berries.

Sky Blue ’Rita

We replaced triple sec with blue liqueur to give this spin on a classic tipple a fun pop of color. To make: In ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine 1⁄2 cup silver tequila, 1⁄4 cup blue curaçao and 2 Tbs. lime juice; cover. Shake until well chilled. Divide between 2 glasses. Garnish with pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries.