When the Fourth of July rolls around, the best part of the holiday is bringing people together. Between the warm weather, the smell of food on the grill, refreshing drinks, and fireworks all across the sky, there’s nothing quite like a Fourth of July party. Whether your plans are small and intimate this year or you’re master-minding a big blow-out bash, make your party the best it can be with ideas for cocktails, hot dog toppings, burger recipes, and of course, red, white, and blue desserts. Plus, we even include a calendar to Pittsburgh’s Fourth of July events so you can be sure to see fireworks and at least one parade before the holiday is over.

Fourth of July Party Ideas: From Food to Fun

10 Spritz Cocktails to Try Instead of the Aperol Spritz

The Fourth of July always feels like the hottest day of the year when you’re out grilling with family. Cool down with 10 different spritz recipes that take your beyond the basic Aperol Spritz (which don’t worry, we still love). Sip on a Strawberry Aperol Spritz that doesn’t stray too far from the original but adds a fruity twist. Spritz cocktails don’t have to be on the sweet side either. For instance, the Sippin’ on the Spritz blends flavors like passionfruit, cinnamon, and a little citrus. Then there’s the Spritzer Sisters: that’s a bittersweet quaff with sage syrup and gentian amaro.

6 Recipes for a Red, White, and Blue 4th of July

Every great Fourth of July party is full of red, white, and blue. This year, make your food a part of the colorful fun with these six recipes all with a vibrant hue. Make a childhood favorite, Bomb Pops, at home with fresh fruits or create a sweetly delicious Tres Leches with an American-flag-themed edible topping. You can even take the simple route with a Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad or put your skills to the test with a Red, White, and Blue Stained Glass Gelatin Cake that wows all ages.

5 Burger Recipes and Beer Pairings

Burgers are one of those foods that just screams summer cookout. For the Fourth of July, set up a menu of various burger recipes and beer pairings to go with them from local breweries. Our recipes take you outside the bun with variations like a Korean Lamb Burger that uses kimchi and homemade seasoned mayonnaise as well as a Turkey and Black Bean Burger for those looking to avoid the red meat this time around. But, in case you’re looking for the most gourmet of burgers, we also have a recipe that mixes bacon, beef, turkey, and pork into one patty then tops it with sharp cheddar cheese. Talk about a belly-full!

Gourmet Hot Dogs

You probably have your own go-to hot dog assembled with a combination of chili, cheese, mustard, ketchup, and relish. However, there’s a whole world of hot dog toppings just waiting for you to test something new out. And we promise, these recipes are not your average dog. The Japanese Dog is dressed in a teriyaki glaze, Japanese mayo, nori flakes, and pickled ginger. Or try a Mexican Dog with fresh pico de gallo, avocado slices, jalapeños, and a drizzle of crema on a bun. Even a Vegan Dog lets everyone enjoy the fun featuring a plant-based dog, a medley of grilled vegetables, spicy mustard, and a fresh herb slaw.

Pittsburgh Hot Sauces Made Locally for the Grilling Season

If you prefer dishes that bring the heat, you might want a bottle of hot sauce on hand for your celebration. We highlight three of Pittsburgh’s local hot sauce masters, and each is ready to bring boldness to your Fourth. They know that hot sauce isn’t just about the burn. Instead, it’s about the flavor, the depth and the ingenuity. They sell types like Habanero Island, smokey variations, and ones that use Fresno peppers.

5 Potato Salad Recipes

The cooling nature of a potato salad makes it a fantastic side along meats on the grill. Shake up your usual potato salad recipe this year by going beyond potatoes, eggs, mayo, and mustard. Choose to cook up a Dill Pickle Potato Salad with crispy smashed potatoes, chunks of pickles, and a dill pickle dressing. Or, a Potato Salad with Green Garlic and Sumac that infuses earthiness and brininess into hearty potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. But just in case you don’t feel up to making it yourself, you can take our advice and check out these grocers for the best potato salad in Pittsburgh.

Stylish Melamine, Enamelware, and Paper Plates

You’re going to need something to serve your feast on and with this much food, we’re not sure regular paper plates will do the job. But, an array of artisan paper plates, enamelware, as well as melamine can upgrade your table with a bit of beauty and hefty utility. These plate selections range from handprinted artwork on 100% recycled paper to patterned melamine-bamboo plates and eco-friendly enamelware. We’re sure you can find something in red, white, and blue here for the nation’s birthday.

Fourth of July Events in Pittsburgh

In case you’re in the mood to venture out and about on or around the Fourth of July, Pittsburgh’s calendar is full of parades, block-parties, and firework shows. You can be dazzled and impressed all holiday weekend long. You can head Downtown on the Fourth for family activities, live music from Plain White T’s, plenty of food to keep you full, and a huge fireworks show to end the evening. Or, spend the holiday itself cooking out at home with family and head to the Big Butler Fair over the weekend for a bit of nostalgia as well as more time together as a family.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Featured Photo by Dave Bryce

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