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Ask A Philadelphia Expert: Fourth Of July Cocktail Recipes

The Fourth of July is just around the corner,so it's time to start preparing for the big summer holiday bash. Whether planning a barbecue, clambake or picnic, the party is not complete without thirst-quenching cocktails to celebrate the nation's day of independence.

Pablo "Papi" Hurtado is Master Mixologist for the Libary Bar at The Rittenhouse. Papi has been recognized for his creativity in Grubstreet.com, Main Line Today magazine, Ralph Lauren Magazine and Philly.com, among others. Papi has shared with us his top five fabulous summer cocktails that will go perfectly with this year's Fourth of July celebration.

Related: Fourth of July Party Essentials

Pablo "Papi" Hurtado
Library Bar at The Rittenhouse
210 W. Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 546-9000
www.rittenhousehotel.com

Daiquiri

"Originally served in a tall glass with cracked ice, this classic cocktail has been raved about since its invention and is a perfect way to welcome warmer weather. Classics are classics but we like to offer this cocktail in three different ways."

Ingredients: The Original Daiquiri - White Rum, Fresh Lime Juice, Sugar Nectar; Hemingway Daiquiri - White Rum, Fresh Lime Juice, Grapefruit, Sugar Nectar; Seasonal Daiquiri - White Rum, Fresh Lime Juice, Sugar Nectar, Seasonal Fruit

Sage Pineapple

"This is our newest twist on an old favorite – 'the classic margarita.' The margarita was invented in October of 1941 by Don Carlos Orozco in Ensenada, Mexico. He named his new concoction after the first guest willing to try it, Margarita Henkel."

Ingredients: Vanilla Vodka, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice, Sage Leaves, Sage Nectar

Seasonal Bellini

"In the mid-1930s, Giuseppe Cipriani invented the famous bellini. Then working at Harry's Bar in Venice, he began serving this cocktail year-round because of its demand. Easy drinking begins with this cocktail."

Ingredients: Marquis de la Tour Sparkling Wine, Peach or Seasonal Fruit

Vesper

"Every James Bond fan will recognize the lines in the recipe below as the first martini James Bond ordered in 'Casino Royale.' The Kina Lillet Bond speaks of can be found today labeled as White or Blanc Lillet. It's a brand of dry vermouth made in France since the late 1800s that is often referred to as 'the apèritif of Bordeaux.' Bond's glassware of choice for the Vesper is a deep Champagne goblet."

Ingredients: Ketel One, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Lillet Blanc

Flower Poem

"This cocktail is first to commemorate the Philadelphia Flower Show and secondly to express our readiness for the warm spring days to come. We marry the sweet and tangy with a splash of bubbles. Ingredients consist of vodka, St. Germain, white cranberry, pineapple and Marquis de la Tour Sparkling Wine Sakura. The Cherry Blossom, Sakura, Festival is about the connecting of two countries. In 1912, Japan extended an offer of growing friendship between our two nations with 2,000 cherry blossom trees. To recreate our bond, this cocktail brings together Saké and Yuzu juice with Maker's Mark Bourbon and cherry soda."

Ingredients: Saké, Bourbon, Yuzu, Amarena, Cherry Blossom

Related: Top Bloody Marys In Philadelphia

Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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