Looking for a refreshing drink to celebrate Juneteenth? This Juneteenth Spritzer cocktail brings together bright flavors that honor the holiday while keeping you cool during summer festivities.
The Juneteenth Spritzer combines red strawberry, white peach, and blue blueberry elements to create a symbolic red, white, and blue drink that tastes as good as it looks. The colors represent freedom and celebration, making it perfect for gatherings with family and friends during this important holiday.
This easy-to-make cocktail requires just a few minutes of preparation but delivers big on flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or attending a community celebration, this drink offers a festive way to toast to freedom while enjoying seasonal summer fruits.
Juneteenth Spritzer Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Measuring jigger (1 oz and 2 oz)
- Bar spoon or long-handled spoon
- Ice bucket
- Knife and cutting board
- Citrus juicer
- Cocktail strainer
Ingredients
- 1½ oz white rum
- ½ oz hibiscus syrup for red color symbolism
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz club soda
- Fresh strawberries 3-4 berries
- Fresh mint sprigs
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- Ice cubes
Optional garnishes:
- Lime wheel
- Additional mint sprig
- Strawberry slice
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
- Muddle the fruit: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 3-4 strawberries with mint leaves and sugar.
- Add liquid ingredients: Pour the white rum, hibiscus syrup, and lime juice into the shaker.
- Shake well: Add ice to the shaker and shake for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain and top: Strain the mixture into your ice-filled highball glass.
- Finish: Top with club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish: Add a lime wheel, strawberry slice, and fresh mint sprig.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Juneteenth Spritzer offers a refreshing blend of sweet and tart flavors. Its taste profile balances fruity notes with a light, effervescent finish.
Upon first sip, you’ll notice the bright, tangy flavor of strawberries and watermelon.
These fruits create a vibrant red color that makes the drink visually appealing.
The addition of lemon juice brings a zesty acidity that cuts through the sweetness.
This tartness helps keep the cocktail from becoming too sweet.
Flavor Profile:
- Primary:Â Sweet strawberry and watermelon
- Secondary:Â Citrus brightness
- Finish:Â Light, bubbly, and clean
Carbonation from soda water or sparkling wine adds a pleasant fizz.
This bubbliness makes the drink perfect for hot summer celebrations.
The optional mint garnish adds a cooling aroma that enhances the drinking experience.
When you sip, the mint scent reaches your nose first, preparing your palate for the fruity flavors.
For those who prefer a less sweet version, adjusting the fruit-to-soda ratio works well.
More soda water creates a lighter, more refreshing drink.
The cocktail tastes best when thoroughly chilled.
Ice not only keeps the temperature low but also dilutes the drink slightly as it melts, evolving the flavor over time.
Substitute
Can’t find all the ingredients for the Juneteenth Spritzer? No need to stress—this cocktail’s pretty forgiving and open to swaps.
For the alcoholic base, you could swap vodka for white rum or gin. Each one brings its own twist, but you’ll still get that refreshing kick.
Non-alcoholic options work, too. Maybe give these a shot:
- Sparkling water instead of club soda
- Lemonade in place of lemon juice
- Strawberry syrup if watermelon isn’t around
The gorgeous red color? You can totally get that from other stuff if watermelon isn’t an option. Cranberry juice or hibiscus tea both give you that bold Juneteenth vibe.
