Happy Hump Day, readers!

Since the 4th of July is this week, we are tailoring our cocktails to the occasion! So although today’s drink is a quickie cocktail, there is some advanced prep that goes into it–but it is perfect for any parties you have planned for this Friday, so we decided to roll with it.

Let’s get down to business with the Independence Day Tonic!

Brass tacks: this is just a gin-or-vodka + tonic, but we kicked it up a notch (as is our prerogative) with some special ice to give it a bit of fruit infusion AND some perfect red, white, and blue accents for the festivities.

The advanced prep comes with making the fruity ice, but it is still pretty quick, so don’t worry.

For the Independence Day Tonic, you will need:

• An ice tray
• 2 oz gin or vodka (dealers choice!)
• 4-6 oz tonic
• raspberries
• blueberries
• blackberries
• strawberries

If  you are making this for the 4th, you will need to prep your ice the night before.

Gather up as much fruit as need to fill your ice trays, thoroughly wash them, and chop any strawberries so they fit inside each mold.

Put a piece or two of fruit into each mold (don’t go overboard, there needs to be room for the water!). We recommend separating the red and blue fruits into different molds so the colors stay true.

Take your muddler, and gently muddle the fruit in each mold. You want to do this so the ice becomes infused with the flavors of the fruit, which in turn will infuse your drinks. If you just put whole blueberries in the ice molds, you are just going to get ice cubes with little blue balls in them. Not great.

Once your fruit is muddled, pour water into each mold, and set the trays in your freezer to set. They need at least 4 hours to fully freeze.

Once they are ready to go, add 3-4 cubes (depending on size) into your glass.

Add your 2 oz of gin or vodka.

Pour over your tonic.

Give it all a quick stir, and voila!

The Independence Day Tonic!

Enjoy it!