As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion beyond fireworks and backyard barbecues.
Fine Wine & Good Spirits has rounded up a collection of patriotic pours inspired by American history – including several with Pennsylvania roots – for whatever kind of celebration you might have planned.
From historic punches enjoyed by George Washington and Benjamin Franklin to modern sparkling cocktails and Pennsylvania-made spirits and wines, here’s a look at some festive ways to toast America’s semiquincentennial.
Hosting an America 250 celebration?
Fine Wine & Good Spirits is sharing several cocktail recipes inspired by the country’s early history—from Philadelphia Fish House Punch, reportedly enjoyed by George Washington, to Benjamin Franklin’s Clarified Milk Punch. Here are four recipes worth trying this summer.
Start with a Sparkling Founders Fizz
If your summer cocktail style leans fresh, fruity, and easy-drinking, the Founders Fizz is a simple crowd-pleaser. This an incredibly easy way to make your bev a bit more festive this 4th of July.
Fresh strawberries are muddled in a wine glass, topped with sauvignon blanc, and finished with club soda for a light, bubbly sip that feels right at home on the patio.
Founders Fizz
- 2 strawberries
- 3 oz sauvignon blanc
- Club soda
Muddle strawberries in a wine glass, add wine, and top with club soda.
Take a Sip of History
Several of FW&GS’s featured recipes trace their roots back to America’s earliest days.
Philadelphia Fish House Punch
Created by Philadelphia’s historic Schuylkill Fishing Company in the early 1700s, Fish House Punch is one of the country’s oldest known cocktails. The rum-forward punch was reportedly enjoyed by George Washington and remains a favorite for entertaining today.
Made with rum, cognac, peach brandy, fresh lemon, and a decorative ice ring, it’s a perfect centerpiece for a summer gathering.
Recipe (Serves 12)
- 1½ cups spiced rum
- ¾ cup cognac
- ¾ cup peach brandy
- 1 cup lemon syrup
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups cold water
- Freshly grated nutmeg
Directions: Combine all ingredients except nutmeg and refrigerate for 3 hours. Pour into a punch bowl over an ice ring. Serve over ice and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Shortcut: If you’re entertaining, don’t stress about the decorative ice ring. A large block of ice works just fine.
Ben Franklin’s Clarified Milk Punch
If you’ve never tried a clarified milk punch, this is your sign.
Benjamin Franklin shared this recipe with a friend in 1763, and while the preparation takes a little patience, the result is surprisingly smooth, clear, and elegant. The milk-washing process softens the spirits while creating a silky texture and bright citrus character.
It’s a fascinating piece of cocktail history — and a conversation starter at any party.
Recipe
- 6 cups brandy
- Zest of 11 lemons
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 1⅛ cups sugar
- 3 cups whole milk
- Lemon peel and nutmeg, for garnish
Directions: Steep lemon zest in brandy for 24 hours. Strain. Add lemon juice, water, sugar, and nutmeg. Bring milk to a boil, then slowly add the brandy mixture. Allow to curdle and stand for 2 hours. Strain until clear. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon peel and freshly grated nutmeg.
Prescription Julep
Long before mint juleps became synonymous with horse racing, they were often prescribed as medicine. This historic version combines cognac, rye whiskey, dark rum, mint, and simple syrup for a spirit-forward cocktail that’s both refreshing and complex.
Recipe
- 8 mint leaves
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1½ oz cognac
- ½ oz rye whiskey
- ¼ oz dark rum
- Mint sprig, for garnish
Directions: Muddle mint and simple syrup in a julep cup. Fill one-third with crushed ice. Add cognac and rye whiskey; stir. Add more crushed ice and stir again. Float rum on top and garnish with a mint sprig.
Pennsylvania-Made Favorites Worth Adding to Your Celebration
One of the best parts about shopping at Fine Wine & Good Spirits is discovering products made right here in Pennsylvania.
Bluecoat American Dry Gin
Produced in Philadelphia and named for the soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War, Bluecoat is crafted with certified organic botanicals and bright American citrus peels. It’s a versatile summer spirit that works beautifully in gin and tonics, martinis, and seasonal cocktails.
Adams County Winery Rebel Red
A longtime Pennsylvania favorite, Rebel Red pays tribute to Gettysburg while delivering approachable, fruit-forward flavors. If sweet reds are your style, this one belongs at your next cookout.
Patriotic Bottles & Ready-to-Drink Picks
Looking for something festive without mixing cocktails all afternoon? These limited-edition and ready-to-drink options make entertaining easy.
Mano’s Cabernet Sauvignon 250th Anniversary Liberty Bell Edition
This commemorative California cabernet features a Liberty Bell-etched bottle and bold flavors of blackberry and black cherry. Pair it with grilled steaks, burgers, or dark chocolate desserts.
Rittenhouse 10-Year Straight Rye Whiskey 250th Anniversary Edition
A collector-worthy bottle honoring America’s 250th anniversary, this limited release celebrates the country’s long history with rye whiskey while featuring patriotic packaging inspired by the Liberty Bell.
Rancho La Gloria Rocket Pop Margarita
Inspired by the classic red, white, and blue frozen treat, this ready-to-drink margarita combines cherry, lime, and blue raspberry flavors for a nostalgic summer sip.
Smirnoff Red, White & Berry Vodka
Cherry, citrus, and blue raspberry flavors make this seasonal favorite a natural fit for summer cocktails and patriotic celebrations.
BuzzBallz Americana Variety Pack
Need something portable for the pool, campground, or backyard? This variety pack includes Strawberry ‘Rita, Lotta Colada, and Berry Cherry Limeade flavors in convenient ready-to-drink cups.
Cheers to 250 Years
America’s 250th birthday offers a great excuse to gather with friends, enjoy a little history, and raise a glass to the people and places that make our communities special.
Whether you’re trying a historic punch recipe, supporting Pennsylvania-made producers, or simply picking up a festive bottle for your next barbecue, Fine Wine & Good Spirits has plenty of inspiration for the season.
What’s going in your cooler this summer?
