Homegrown Cocktails, Celebration-Ready Tequila

Not to burst your bubble, but apple pie isn’t that American after all. So, this Independence Day, take a taste of something that was definitively made in America and updated the perfect way with a splash of Patrón.  

These seven cocktails were created in some of our favorite American cities and have stood the test of time, making them true classics. Celebrate this Fourth of July by picking your favorite made with tequila then raising your glass to fireworks and freedom. 

Sazerac   

The Sazerac was created in 1850 in New Orleans as a simple cocktail with deep French roots. It became an instant icon in the South and in 2008 was proclaimed Nawlins’ official cocktail.

Mint Julep 

Entrenched in the South and full of fresh flavors, the Mint Julep is a classic that embodies its homeland’s spirit. Created in Kentucky in the eighteenth century, the iconic cocktail traditionally features bourbon, mint and a lot of ice.  

Old Fashioned  

The Old Fashioned was the recipe that brought the word “cocktail” to life. The combination of spirits, bitters, water and sugar that made up the first documented cocktail was eventually known as the Old Fashioned we love today.  

Aviation 

Known for its light purple color, floral scent and bright cherry garnish, The Aviation was created in New York in the 1910s – before Prohibition – and became an instant classic.  

Mai Tai  

Icon of mid-century bars, the Mai Tai was created in 1944 at Trader Vic’s, one of the restaurants that established the Tiki trend. Typically made of rum, orange and almond liqueurs, and lime juice, it is a perfectly tropical cocktail that gave America a taste of Island Time.  

Long Island Iced Tea  

We’ve all had a run in with a Long Island Iced Tea. Made of a dizzying array of spirits and a splash of cola for a cocktail competition in 1972, the drink has made Long Island synonymous with a good time.  

Tom Collins   

The origin stories of the Tom Collins run the gamut, from hoax to misread quote. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that this New York-created classic cocktail, that is effectively a spiked lemonade, owns its name.