Nothing says Happy Independence Day  like red, white and blue delicious recipes!  This holiday is about celebrating our country’s freedom, history and traditions with family and friends.  We have BBQs, fireworks, parades, picnics; it’s all so fun! With all this celebrating, there’s all this tasty food to be enjoyed.  I wanted to share some of my favorite patriotic drinks + one simple treat. Just think juicy watermelon,  stars + stripes sangria, watermelon infused coconut water & 4th of July fruit pops!

1. The Watermelon Cooler

What you need:

• 2 cups watermelon
• 2 leaves fresh mint + mint leaves for garnish
• 1/2 chilled bottle of your favorite white wine {we used Riesling}

Directions:

1. Place watermelon, 2 leaves of mint and 1/2 bottle of white wine in blender to mix it all up.
2. Garnish with mint leaves + a cute patriotic straw!
3. This recipe makes about 4 glasses.

2. Stars + Stripes Sangria

This has become a holiday tradition now over the last 3 years!

What you need:

• 1 chilled bottle of your favorite white wine {opt for organic if possible}
• 2 cups of sparkling mineral water
• 1 ½ cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 2-3 large red apples, sliced to desired thickness for star-shaped pieces
• 2 tbsp raw honey or 100% pure maple syrup

Directions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir.
2. Use a mini star-shaped cookie cutter to make your star-shaped apple pieces.
3. Chill for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Garnish glasses with star-shaped apple pieces!

Tips:
Keep in the refrigerator until serving so no ice is needed. Ice will water it down.  If you need to store your sangria more than 2 hours, cover with plastic wrap and use within 1 day.

3. Star-Spangled Coconut Water

Super easy, delicious and hydrating!

What you need:

• Coconut water
• Fresh, juicy watermelon

Directions:

1. Slice up watermelon.
2. Use your mini star-shaped cookie cutter to make your star-shaped watermelon ice cubes.
3. Place watermelon stars in an airtight container or baggie and place in freezer.
4. Once stars are nice and frozen, throw them in a glass of coconut water.
5. The watermelon stars will begin to add flavor to the coconut water to make it so delish!

4. 4th of July Fruit Pops

I saw this adorable recipe on Pinterest by Bakers Royale and made this fun dessert last year! Will be making again this year no doubt.

What you need:

• Watermelon
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Sturdy straw

Click here for simple directions from Bakers Royale.

What is your favorite healthy, patriotic recipe?!

Cheers to a very happy + healthy July 4th!  Enjoy!