Drink Like an American.

Tired of drinking the same old beer every Fourth of July? Neither am I. But, if some of your backyard barbeque guests need an alcoholic change of pace, hit them with these 5 recipes and they'll be hitting the ground far before the fireworks.

THE 4th Of July Cocktail

1 ounce watermelon schnapps

1 big splash cranberry juice

1 very thin slice jalapeno or serrano pepper

1 slice lemon

1 slice lime

1 1/2 ounces tequila

1/4 ounce blue curacao

1/2 ounce simple syrup

Watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional)

 Mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass. Muddle the jalapeno pepper, lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly strain into the glass over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon.

The Fourth Martini

1 1/2 ounces vodka

1/2 ounce triple sec

1/2 ounce blue curacao

1/2 ounce prepared sweet-and-sour mix

1 dash grenadine

Mix all ingredients except grenadine in shaker and chill then pour into a martini glass. Add grenadine and it will sink to bottom.

The Yankee Doodle

1 part UV Blue Raspberry-flavored vodka

2 parts sour

1 part tonic

Combine and serve over ice. Simple and refreshing.

Layered Patriotic Punch 

Sobe Pina Colada

Gatorade Fruit Punch

G2 Gatorade Blueberry-Pomegranate

1 Part Whipped Cream Vodka

Start by filling glasses to the brim with ice then pour the drink with the highest sugar content into the cups (Sobe Pina Colada) and fill them approximately one third full. For the second layer pour the second drink with the lower sugar content slowly (Gatorade Fruit Punch) through the ice to fill approximately the second third of the glasses. Finish with the sugar-free drink (G2 Gatorade Blueberry-Pomegranate) and top each glass with vodka. The vodka will sit on top of the creation. Be careful, this drink can be very strong!

Stars and Stripes Forever

1 oz. UV Blue Raspberry Vodka

2 oz. sour

Combine ingredients and add lemonade of your choice. Top off with a cherry.

*For a non-alcoholic version, substitute raspberry-flavored fruit juice for the vodka