8 American-Made Spirits to Celebrate the Fourth of July

Bourbon is “America’s Native Spirit” so what could be more American than drinking bourbon on the Fourth of July? Wine Enthusiast recently named Quarter Horse Bourbon a “Best Buy” giving it an 89-point rating. They called it an “exceedingly light and delicate bourbon” and we can easily agree. It’s smooth and rich oak flavors leave hints of sweet caramel and aromas of roasted nuts. It is a bourbon that is perfectly crafted for cocktails. If you want to pack a patriotic punch, try Quarter Horse in an All American. You can also try the newly released Quarter Horse Rye to add a zesty zip to your sip. Want to learn more about Quarter Horse? Check out this video!

Started by soldiers, Horse Soldier Bourbon is truly an authentic, all-American whiskey. Horse Soldier is crafted by the real heroes depicted in the movie 12 Strong who bravely rode to war on horses against the Taliban, making this bourbon the perfect pick to celebrate the freedom of our nation. The taste of this star-spangled spirit is so good, you will want to keep this cocktail simple – straight up. You can also take a straw and add two drops of water to your bourbon neat; it actually changes the flavor profiles and enhances its natural aromas. Want to learn more about the story behind Horse Soldier Bourbon? Watch video here.

Tito Beveridge, founder of Tito’s Vodka, grew the brand from a personally hand-labeled bottle to a national brand whose mega-popularity is incomparable. He accomplished the American dream, and that is worth celebrating on the Fourth of July! Tito’s Handmade Vodka is made in batches using old-fashioned pot stills. Every batch is taste-tested, distilled from corn and gluten-free. Fire up the grand finale with Tito’s All-Time favorite cocktail for your stars and stripes soiree.

Hosting a Fourth of July pool party? Dive into some 10 times distilled Deep Eddy Vodka. This small batch, smooth vodka is inspired by the oldest swimming hole in Austin, Texas, making it the most appropriate poolside choice. Dip your toes in the water and drink this low calorie (and swimsuit approved) cocktail, the Star Spangled Betty. The fact that this cocktail is red, white and blue is only a bonus! If you are looking for something simpler, any of Deep Eddy’s flavors are delicious just sipped or mixed with Sprite or soda water. Our favorite flavors are the Deep Eddy Lemon, Deep Eddy Cranberry, and Deep Eddy Grapefruit.

Do you have plans to float on a boat this July 4^th? Channel your inner pirate and enjoy some rum in the sun. Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum is made by Hemingway Rum Company, owned by the family of Ernest Hemingway, one of America’s greatest authors. Papas Pilar is named after Hemingway’s beloved boat, Pilar. Their award-winning blonde rum is Solera blended in bourbon barrels and Spanish sherry casks. Its creamy, buttery vanilla taste makes this rum delish sipped straight or in a Hemingway Daiquiri.

Siesta Key Toasted Coconut Rum is hand-crafted in small batches in Sarasota, Florida at a small, artisan distillery. Made with zero artificial flavors or sweeteners, Siesta Key Distillery takes the time and care to infuse their rum with real toasted coconut, making it a real differentiator compared to other coconut flavored rums. It can be deliciously added to your favorite rum punch or rum runner in substitution of light rum. Our ABC team recently went to Siesta Key Distillery to learn more about their unique craft and use of natural ingredients. You can see what we learned in this video.

Yes, this gin is owned by our favorite Canadian (Ryan Reynolds), but it was created in Portland, Oregon. Aviation American Gin is the world’s highest rated gin after Wine Enthusiast gave it a 97-point rating. Originally crafted as a “summer gin” it lends itself well to refreshing cocktails fit for summertime gatherings. The gin is supported by seven botanicals: juniper, coriander, lavender, cardamom, Indian sarsaparilla, anise seed and orange peel. The flavor profile of this gin mixes up a real first class martini.

Grays Peak is a reference to one of the ten highest summits in the American Rocky Mountains found in Colorado. Despite the name-nod, this gin is actually distilled in Minnesota. It is made with eight exceptionally balanced botanicals: orange, juniper, cubebs, lemon, angelica, coriander, licorice and orris root. This lemon-forward gin makes a tasty Tom Collins. If you are looking for something less sweet, this Light Gin and Tonic recipe curbs the sugar of this classic recipe with a crisp twist.