Rum Diaries: Four Cocktails to Make Your Fourth of July Special

Hosting a Fourth of July cocktail party barbecue should not induce sweat. It's one of the easiest parties to throw. We're here to help you make it even easier by giving you four fun and popular rum drinks that your guests are sure to enjoy. 

Rum has played such a sordid role in our nation's history that it just wouldn't be a proper Fourth of July without it. 

Caipirissima: Think gin and tonic without the gin and without the tonic. To make this refreshing rum-based drink you'll need:

• 1 1/2 ounce(s) Rum
• 5 wedge(s) lime
• 1 tablespoon(s) sugar
• 3 ounce(s) lime juice
• Crushed ice

Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake away. Strain into a martini glass and wait for the rockets red glare. They'll come after a few of these.

Mojito: What is it about the combination of rum, lime and sugar that just clicks? And it never clicked better than in a mojito!

• 2 oz Rum
• .75 oz Simple Syrup
• .75 oz Lime Juice
• Fresh Mint
• Club Soda   

Muddle the mint, add the rum, ice and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with cracked ice. Top off with club soda and any remaining mint.

It wouldn't be a proper American holiday without a trip to Bahama with the Mama of all mama drinks--Bahama Mama:

• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 2 oz. orange juice
• 2 oz. pineapple juice
• 1 1/2 oz. rum
• 1 oz. coconut rum
• 1/2 oz. cherry liqueur or splash of grenadine
• dash of bitters

Shake ingredients with cracked ice. Serve in a Collins glass, garnish with a cherry and orange slice.

Although the "Hurricane" is a drink invented in New Orleans, it's fair to say that we can put shoes on it and bring it up home to the north for the fourth. 

Hurricane:

• 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 4 oz. dark rum
• 4 oz. passion fruit syrup

In a cocktail shaker, add lemon juice, rum and syrup to crushed ice. Shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes and strain into a tall glass or hurricane glass. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Editor's Note: The author, Fort Lee native Ann Piccirillo, is currently the editor of New Milford Patch.