A classy twist on the classic Red Solo Cup. (
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If you’re planning a barbecue this fourth of July, you’ve probably got everything lined up by now. Brats, burgers, buns, beer.
However, if you’re still thinking about it, it’s not too late to throw something together in the spirit of independence. Here are some tips for making it a little more memorable.
Keep the food simple
Meat: Burgers, artisanal franks, mystery meat dogs – that’s the easy stuff. If you are attempting a rack of ribs for the first time, make sure you have room on the grill. If not, do it early and keep it warm in the oven.
Other: To be on the right side of history, grill some vegetables (eggplant, zucchini strips) and some fish (salmon).
Side dishes Corn on the cob and green salads are also usually welcome. Macaroni or bow tie pasta salad and potato salad are something your guests can bring. There’s no shame in getting them ready-made from the store. Who wants to spend all day cooking?
Decorate
Red, white and blue tablecloths and paper plates are the way to go. Make sure they’re not still around in 2776 by going green.
For a twist on the old Red Solo Cup, try these non-disposable ones shaped like cocktail and wine glasses.
3. Entertainment
Blast the music. Portable speakers are everywhere these days: splashproof, in some cases solar powered so you won’t have to sweat about sloppiness.
Many of them connect wirelessly via BlueTooth to smartphones, so you can treat everyone to your playlist, or theirs if they have better taste. The mobile versions of streaming music services like Spotify give access to hot hits and curated playlists. ($10 a month, or free trial for 30 days.) Just make sure you silence your reminders and ring tones before you plug in to the Marshall stacks.
Icebreaker Games:
Hand out paper and pens and have everyone name the US presidents over six feet tall. [THERE WERE 20] Bonus for the one over 300 lbs. Have a patriotic prize for the winner, such as a handful of beads or an old glory Snugee.
### 1 Abraham Lincoln (6 feet 4 inches) ### 2 Lyndon Baines Johnson (6 feet 3 inches) ### 3 William Jefferson Clinton (6 feet 2 1/2 inches) ### 4 Thomas Jefferson (6 feet 2 1/2 inches) ### 5 Barack Obama (6 feet 2 inches) ### 6 George Herbert Walker Bush (6 feet 2 inches) ### 7 Franklin Delano Roosevelt (6 feet 2 inches) ### 8 George Washington (6 feet 2 inches) ### 9 Chester A. Arthur (6 feet 2 inches) ### 10 Ronald Wilson Reagan (6 feet 1 inch ### 11 Andrew Jackson (6 feet 1 inch) ### 12 George W. Bush (6 feet) ### 13 James Monroe (6 feet) ### 14 Gerald Rudolph Ford (6 feet) ### 15 John Fitzgerald Kennedy (6 feet) ### 16 John Tyler (6 feet) ### 17 James Buchanan (6 feet) ### 18 William Howard Taft (6 feet) ### 19 James A. Garfield (6 feet) ### 20 Warren Gamaliel Harding (6 feet)
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Nix the Rockets
Nothing says psycho like daytime fireworks. Tell cousin Norm to leave his $200 box from eBay in the car. Unless you have a sober firefighter willing to take over the show, don’t bother doing your own. Pets scare easily, and you don’t want to spend the afternoon in the e.r. Plan to watch a professional firework show later in your neighborhood, or on TV. If anyone asks, tell them they’re not covered by the Second Amendment.
The food might be simple, but go a little crazy on the drinks by including a Fourth of July punch designed in 2013 by Junior Merino, AKA the Liquid Chef.
Merino’s Summer Blush Punch
• 1 btl (750ml) Brut Champagne
• 12.75 oz Perfect Puree Guava Puree
• 8 oz Dainzu Rose Syrup
• 5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 btl (750ml) Gin
• 8 oz Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice
• 1/2 oz Junior Merino Vodka Bergamot & Hops Intensives (Bitters)
Pour all of the ingredients into a punch bowl and stir gently. Garnish with rose petals, strawberry slices and whole blueberries. Serve over ice.