Fourth of July tequila cocktails to celebrate Old Glory's red, white, and blue

It's nearly Independence Day, which means it's time to celebrate freedom and the good ole' red, white and blue! Here are three tequila cocktails that feature the colors of Old Glory.

The first recipe comes from Casa Herradura. It's a layered drink which takes a little work and care, but the visual effect makes for an awesome presentation, and the three layers of fresh ingredients and packed with the wonderful flavors of fresh fruit and tequila. It was created by Mark Drew, Casa Herradura’s ambassador and mixologist.

Herradura Red, White and Blue
(created by Mark Drew)

Ingredients:

Layer 1:

• 1/2 oz Herradura Silver tequila
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz agave syrup
• 4 strawberries

Layer 2:

• 1 oz Herradura Silver tequila
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz agave syrup

Layer 3:

• 1/2 oz Herradura Silver tequila
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz agave syrup
• 12 Blueberries

Garnish:

• 1/2 Strawberry
• 3 Blueberries

Instructions:

1. Combine each set of ingredients in advance as you’ll want to blend these quickly one after another.
2. Blend the ingredients of layer 3 and place in the base of the glass.
3. Blend the ingredients of layer 2 and layer carefully over the first base.
4. Blend the ingredients of layer 1 and layer carefully.
5. Garnish with half a strawberry and 3 blueberries.

Camarena Sparkler
(from Camarenta Tequila)

If you prefer something a little less complicated, or if you like fizzy drinks, this fruity and festive "sparkler" is the perfect red-accented bubbly drink to celebrate our country's freedom and independence.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 oz Familia Camarena Silver Tequila
• 2 1/2 oz Champagne or other sparkling wine
• Fresh strawberry chunks
• 1/2 oz agave nectar

Directions:

1. Serve in a champagne flute.
2. Pour in the agave nectar first, followed by Familia Camarena Silver Tequila.
3. Top off with sparkling wine and garnish with fresh strawberries.

Red, White and Sauza Blue Margarita
(from Sauza Tequila)

After you make this drink, you might ask, "where's the blue?" It's in the name of Sauza Tequila's newest offering, Sauza Blue - a 100% agave version of their popular "Silver Tequila." This recipe is great for big groups!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 parts of Sauza Blue Silver tequila 
• 2 parts cranberry/raspberry juice
• 1 part lemon-lime soda
• mint leaves

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients except mint leaves in a pitcher.
2. Serve each glass with 2 mint leaves as a garnish.
3. Serve cold or over ice.