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The 250th Star-Spangled Sling

The 250th Star-Spangled Sling

250 years of freedom, poured into one legendary glass.

A dazzling red, white, and blue layered showstopper built to celebrate America's semiquincentennial Fourth of July in grand style. Bold blueberry and butterfly pea flower blue sit beneath a crisp, frosty white coconut-lemon cloud, crowned with a vivid cherry-pomegranate red float — mirroring Old Glory in every sip. It's fruity, refreshing, and patriotically spectacular, with a bourbon backbone that pays homage to America's native spirit.

Glass: Tall Collins glass (12–14 oz), clear for maximum visual impactGarnish: A skewer of alternating fresh blueberries, a star-shaped watermelon cut-out, and a maraschino cherry, plus a mini American flag cocktail pick and a sprig of fresh mintPrep: 6 minutesDifficulty: Medium

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz American bourbon (e.g., Maker's Mark or Woodford Reserve)
  • 0.5 oz blue curaçao
  • 2 oz butterfly pea flower tea, chilled (brewed strong, then cooled)
  • 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup
  • 1.5 oz coconut cream (lightly whipped or shaken until frothy)
  • 1 oz pomegranate juice
  • 0.5 oz grenadine
  • Crushed ice
  • Club soda, to top (about 1 oz)

Instructions

  1. BLUE LAYER — Combine the bourbon, blue curaçao, butterfly pea flower tea, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well for 10–12 seconds. Strain over a glass packed tightly with crushed ice, filling it about one-third of the way up. The vibrant indigo-blue layer is your base.
  2. WHITE LAYER — In a separate shaker, combine the coconut cream with a splash of lemon juice and a small handful of ice. Shake vigorously for 8 seconds until frothy and thick. Very slowly pour the coconut cream mixture over the back of a bar spoon held just above the blue layer, allowing it to float and form a distinct white middle band. Fill to about two-thirds of the glass.
  3. RED LAYER — Stir together the pomegranate juice and grenadine in a small cup. Again using the back of a bar spoon, gently pour the red mixture over the white layer so it floats on top, creating a bold crimson crown. Top with a small splash of club soda to give it a gentle sparkle.
  4. GARNISH — Skewer alternating fresh blueberries, a star-shaped watermelon cut-out (use a small star cookie cutter), and a maraschino cherry. Lay the skewer across the rim, add a mini American flag cocktail pick, and tuck a fresh mint sprig at the edge for an aromatic, festive finish.
  5. SERVE IMMEDIATELY — Present the drink before stirring so guests can admire the red, white, and blue layers. Encourage a gentle stir before drinking to blend all the flavors together.