Perfect 4th of July Layered Drink [4th of July Mocktail]

Last Updated on January 3, 2024 by Michele Tripple

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This 4th of July layered drink is the perfect way to celebrate this year! It is easy to make, totally customizable and a fan with kids and adults! It’s the perfect 4th of July mocktail that you have been looking for. 

4th of July layered drink

Looking for a kid-friendly fourth of July drink? Meet the 4th of July Layered Sparkling drink!! Plus check out the 4th of July Craft Straws to make as well!

The 4th of July is a great day to spend with your friends and family. You can plan a delicious BBQ party or enjoy the summertime with homemade 4th of July cookies, 4th of July Rice Krispies, Firecracker popcorn, and a delightful 4th of July mocktail.

Since 4th of July is all about red, white, and blue, making a layered drink is the perfect drink for the day!

Whether you are looking for Layered drink recipes that are non-alcoholic or alcoholic, you can find tons of them. 

However, I have just the right non-alcoholic layered drink recipe for you and your family. It’s not just easy to make but super delicious, refreshing, and kid-friendly. 

With this simple recipe and a few tips up your sleeves, you can make this layered drink and enjoy a fun day. 

Add a couple 4th of July themed activities for a fun party or gathering! Check out our 4th of July Scavenger Hunt, Scattergories, or Charades for some ideas!

Here is everything you need to know about making this 4th of July layered drink.

What is a 4th of July layered drink (4th of July mocktails)?

Fourth of July non-alcoholic drink, or 4th of July mocktail,  is a delicious non-alcoholic drink made from three ingredients that create three layers, red, white, and blue! 

This drink is not just easy to make but it is also tasty and refreshing. Above all, it is a fun way to enjoy a day with your friends and family by the pool or watching fireworks. 

Looking for a kid-friendly fourth of July drink? Meet the 4th of July Layered Sparkling drink!! Plus check out the 4th of July Craft Straws to make as well!

How to Make Layered Drinks?

Most people wonder how layered drinks are made. 

I mean, it seems super easy. You just have to add one colored drink, then the other, and that’s it. 

But it isn’t quite as easy as that! The first time I tried, it turned out to be a big fail. 

So I did some research and found out the secret to a perfectly layered drink. Once you know the secret it is so easy! You just have to keep two things in mind. These are:

  • Use plenty of ice
  • Sugar content is the key

Using a lot of ice is very easy, and especially when it’s hot outside. As for the sugar content, you need to make sure that at least one of your ingredients has a very  high sugar content. The next must-have has a medium sugar content, and the third one must have zero sugar. 

As the sugar content decreases, you get perfect layering for these 4th of July layered drinks. 

Ingredients

You can easily make this Fourth of July non-alcoholic drink by using three simple ingredients. These ingredients are readily available at every store. These are:

  • Red Soda: The first ingredient you will need for this recipe is a red soda. Since it is a non-alcoholic drink, I recommend you choose red mountain dew. You can choose another option, but just keep in mind, i.e., it should be red in color, and it should have high sugar content. In fact it should have the highest sugar content of all three drinks. 
  • Clear Soda: The next ingredient you need to make your layered drink is a clear soda. The best choice for a clear soda to make a Fourth of July non-alcoholic drink is 7up or Sprite.
  • 0 Sugar Blue Gatorade: The last ingredient you need to make this layered drink is Blue Gatorade. It has a beautiful blue color which is crucial to making this red, white and blue layered drink. The trick here is to use a zero sugar drink. If you don’t have blue Gatorade, you can also use Powerade. However, make sure you are choosing a sugar-free or zero sugar drink.
  • Ice: Don’t  forget the ice! No drink is super refreshing without tons of ice. Add either  ice cubes or crushed ice. Whatever you like best.

How to Make A Red White and Blue Layered Drink

  • You will first want to start by filling each glass all the way to the top with ice. This is important because with the ice cubes all the way to the top it really helps keep your layers exact!
Looking for a kid-friendly fourth of July drink? Meet the 4th of July Layered Sparkling drink!! Plus check out the 4th of July Craft Straws to make as well!
  • Next, pour the Red Soda slowly into the glass, Fill until the glass is ⅓ full. When I do this I like to slightly tilt the glass while pouring in the red drink, this helps to avoid staining ice cubes red!
Looking for a kid-friendly fourth of July drink? Meet the 4th of July Layered Sparkling drink!! Plus check out the 4th of July Craft Straws to make as well!
  • After you have the red soda in your glass rotate the glass, and fill with your Sprite or 7-up until the glass is ⅔ full. As you pour the clear soda in I have found that it works best when you pour it over a large ice cube and as slow as you possibly can manage!
Looking for a kid-friendly fourth of July drink? Meet the 4th of July Layered Sparkling drink!! Plus check out the 4th of July Craft Straws to make as well!
  • Now for your final layer of your kid-friendly 4th of July drink, the BLUE! Slowly pour in your zero sugar blue sports drink!
Looking for a kid-friendly fourth of July drink? Meet the 4th of July Layered Sparkling drink!! Plus check out the 4th of July Craft Straws to make as well!

Tips and tricks and FAQs for perfect red, white and blue layered drink

Keep these tips in mind when making this delicious red, white and blue layered drink:

  • For the perfect layering, always choose the ingredient with high sugar content for the bottom of the glass.
  • Fill each glass with ice cubes all the way to the top prior to adding the liquids. It will give you exact layers.
  • To avoid staining the glass, tilt it a bit; it works well with the first color.
  • For the rest of the colors, pour the ingredients at the back of the spoon to get perfectly even layers.
  • Always keep the zero sugar drink for the top and add it last.

Substitute ideas

There are so many amazing mocktails for the 4th of July. The recipe we have mentioned is undoubtedly amazing, but it is not just the only one! 

There are so many ways you can substitute the ingredients to make this drink different yet enjoy the spirit of the Fourth of July. 

Here are a few substitute red, white and blue layered drinks that work just as fine as the one we have shared:

  • Alcoholic version: Want to create an adult version? Well, you can spike this layered drink and still enjoy the visual effects. All you need is the right ingredients. Here are three simple ingredients that will make this drink just as beautiful (for adults, of course!)
  • Blue Curacao: This drink has a beautiful blue color, a rich flavor, and moderate alcohol content. It is a perfect choice for the blue effect.
  • Grenadine: Grenadine is a delicious thick syrup made from pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and sugar. It has the perfect balance of sweet and sour, and its color is beautiful. It is a non-alcoholic syrup, so you can use it in the non-alcoholic version of this drink as well.
  • Vodka: Vodka is clear alcohol. It is available everywhere where alcohol is sold. It is the clear drink in your layered drink. If you want a prominent white color, you can add a bit of cream to the vodka as well. 

Note: Add all the ingredients in equal parts and enjoy the drink. 

  • Fruit juice version: Now, you don’t need to alter the complete recipe of this red, white and blue drink non-alcoholic. The white and blue ingredients will remain the same. It’s the red that you can change or, should I say, improvise. I love using red-colored juices for this recipe instead of red soda. For instance, use pomegranate juice or cranberry juice to add a fruity flavor and a vibrant red color to the drink. Moreover, you can add a little white to your clear soda by using a different drink like a White Sobe Pina Colada. Try it! It works really well, and you get a delicious drink that is both alcohol-free and kids friendly. 

How to Store 4th of July mocktails?

These 4th of July mocktails are best enjoyed right away. As they sit the soda will begin to go flat and the ice will melt and dilute the drink. 

If you choose to store your drink, store it in the fridge for up to 1 hour. 

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4th of July Drinks

4th of July Layered Sparkling Drink

4th of July Layered Sparkling Drink

Looking for the perfect kid-friendly fourth of July drink? Meet the 4th of July Layered Sparkling drink perfect for your next party! Plus 4th of July Craft Straws to make as well!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • Lots of Ice
  • Red Soda with high sugar content – Red Mountain Dew or Faygo work best
  • Clear Soda such as 7up or Sprite
  • 0 Sugar Blue Gatorade or Powerade (Needs to be Zero Sugar!)

Instructions

    1. You will first want to start by filling each glass all the way to the top with ice. This is important because with the ice cubes all the way to the top it really helps keep your layers exact!
    2. Next, pour the Red Soda slowly into the glass, Fill until the glass is ⅓ full. When I do this I like to slightly tilt the glass while pouring in the red drink, this helps to avoid staining ice cubes red!
    3. After you have the red soda in your glass rotate the glass, and fill with your Sprite or 7-up until the glass is ⅔ full. As you pour the clear soda in I have found that it works best when you pour it over a large ice cube and as slow as you possibly can manage!
    4. Now for your final layer of your kid-friendly 4th of July drink, the BLUE! Slowly pour in your zero sugar blue sports drink!
    5. Serve with Patriotric Straws!

Notes

You will want to make sure that you are checking how much sugar is in each drink you are buying.

5 thoughts on “Perfect 4th of July Layered Drink [4th of July Mocktail]”

  1. Love this post!! Where exactly did you get the straws? They make a beautiful extra touch with the mason jar. If you didn’t buy them, I imagine that making them could be a fun activity with little ones.

    Reply
  2. Pingback: 4th of July Decor, Food and Drink Recipes | Share it Sister

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