With the kids enjoying their summer holidays and many people taking time off work, Independence Day is the perfect time to get together with your favorite people and have some fun. If you’re planning to host your own Independence Day celebration this year - whether it’s something small or the party of the century - there are a few things you might want to consider. The good news? We’ve got you covered! Celebrate life and liberty with these tips on hosting the year’s best Independence Day party.
Independence Day Party Prep
To get started with preparations, first consider which spaces your party guests will occupy. If the weather’s looking good, the backyard might be the way to go; but if the weather’s on the dreary side, you’ll want to consider hosting it indoors. When you’ve chosen your party space, you can then move on to the fun stuff: decorations, entertainment and games, and delightfully themed drinks!
Decor
No Independence Day celebrations are complete without festive decorations featuring all things red, white, and blue. Set your table with star-spangled table decorations, flower bouquets with red, white, or blue flowers, and festive place settings featuring napkins and utensil holders reminiscent of the theme. For an extra layer of texture and comfort, include some cushions (preferably using Independence Day colors) and red and blue candle holders for an effortless transition into evening celebrations. Speaking of evening celebrations, feel free to string up some lanterns and - if you’re able to - account for a cozy fire pit so guests can enjoy roasting marshmallows and relaxing with an Independence Day themed beverage in hand.
Entertainment & Games
Keep party guests entertained with fun games that all ages can enjoy. If you’re Independence Day celebrations are outdoors, plan out yard games that encourage mingling and laughter: volleyball, giant Jenga, bean bag toss, frisbees, and kid-friendly bubbles and chalk stations are a great place to start for carefree, casual games. If you want everyone to get involved (and want to bring in some of that Independence Day party theme), organize a game of Independence Day Bingo ahead of time; you can print out flag-themed bingo cards and hand out prizes to celebrate the day!
While planning entertainment and games, don’t forget those background vibes; create a party playlist for an atmospheric backdrop that sets the right mood for Independence Day celebrations.
Patriotic Drinks
Festive, colored drinks are a great way to incorporate those signature red, white, and blue hues. For Independence Day celebrations in the Northern Hemisphere, cool off with classics like iced tea and fruit-infused pitchers of soda and spritz. If you’re visiting a cooler part of the world, mugs of toasty-warm teas, mulled wine, and warming cocktails will keep you feeling cozy while you celebrate.
Wherever you’re celebrating, including Independence Day theme party drinks will keep your guests happy and hydrated into the night. Try out these recipes when planning your menu:
Lyre’s Blackberry Smash
This seriously good, refreshingly fruity mocktail is loaded with fresh blackberries, fragrant mint, and American Malt; the perfect way for a whiskey lover to enjoy Independence Day celebrations. Bottoms up!
You’ll need:
- 2 parts (60mL) Lyre’s American Malt
- ½ part (15mL) white sugar syrup (1:1)
- ½ part (15mL) lime juice
- 4 blackberries
- 8 mint leaves
Method:
- Muddle blackberries and mint with sugar syrup in a shaker
- Add the rest of the ingredients and shake with ice
- Strain into an old fashioned glass over fresh ice
- Garnish with a plump mint sprig and a blackberry on a skewer
Lyre’s Mojito Pitcher
Independence Day celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a pitcher of Mojito. This popular summer drink is the perfect combination of sweetness, citrus, and herbaceous mint flavors, thanks to Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, muddled mint, and sugar cane.
You’ll need:
- 180mL Lyre’s White Cane Spirit
- 60mL lime juice
- 45mL white sugar syrup (1:1)
- 2 large handfuls of mint leaves
- 4 lime wheels
- Premium bottled soda water
Method:
- Add ingredients into a carafe with a 1-liter capacity
- Fill with ice and stir
- Garnish with mint sprigs and lime wheels
Lyre’s Bianco Spritz Pitcher
The key to sustaining a superior Independence Day party is staying cool and refreshed at all times. For those unable to take a quick trip to the arctic, nothing chills the frills like a Bianco Spritz by the pool.
You’ll need:
- 120mL Lyre’s Orange Sec
- 120mL Lyre’s Aperitif Dry
- 300mL premium bottled Mediterranean tonic water
- 4 thin cucumber slices
- 4 lemon slices
- Large handful of mint sprig
Method:
- Add ingredients into a carafe with a 1-liter capacity
- Fill with fresh cubed ice
- Garnish with a plump mint sprig, cucumber slices, and citrusy lemon slices.
Lyre’s Classic Margarita
If there’s a lost salt shaker, it’ll be found with a sip and a savor of this classy cocktail. Sichuan pepper and saline dreams combine to create an Independence Day party drink you can melt away with.
You’ll need:
- 45mL Lyre’s Agave Blanco SpiritORLyre’s Agave Reserve Spirit
- 15mL Lyre’s Orange Sec
- 30mL lime juice
- 7.5mL white sugar syrup (1:1)
- 1 dash of orange bitters (optional)
- Lime wedge for garnish
Method:
- Add ingredients into a shaker and shake briefly with ice
- Fine strain into a half salt-rimmed cocktail coupette
- Garnish with a lime wedge
On the Day
Your Independence Day celebration has finally arrived! No doubt you’ve prepped your heart out, so now all that’s left to do is sit back and relax. Bonus points if your beverages are in pitchers or dispensers and your food is buffet style; guests can help themselves to whatever they want, whenever they want.
The Aftermath
You’ve just thrown the party of the year, but does that mean you need to stop celebrating? Certainly not! With Lyre’s exquisite range of
non-alcoholic spirits, you have the freedom to drink your drink, your way, so you can celebrate life, joy, and liberty every day (without worrying about those pesky hangovers the following day). Check out our top 10 non-alcoholic drink recipes to try at your next celebration. Libations!
