Are you planning a big party in honor of America’s birthday this coming Monday? You’ve probably already got the burgers, hot dogs, snacks and sides, but do you have something that makes your party stand out from the pack? Do the USA proud and get creative with your July 4^th drinks; it’s easier than you think and they can add that special touch to your BBQ!

July 4^th is the holiday where we honor America’s independence and the best way to celebrate is to gain your very own independence! How do you do that, you ask? Three words: Life Alert Protection. Simply slip on their lightweight, waterproof emergency pendant around your neck or wrist and in the event of a life threatening emergency, push the button on your pendant and summon an emergency medical response fast! Plus, just like America’s brave soldiers, Life Alert’s dispatch team is available 24/7 to protect you.

Celebrate this 4^th of July, and every day after that, in safety and style with Life Alert Protection, and if you want to amp up your BBQ and skip the high-calorie sugary sodas, try these fun fruit-infused concoctions, courtesy of Everyday Health[1]. 

Red, White, and Blue Berry Coconut Slushies

Nothing says summer like strawberries and blueberries, and this tasty sip from Kitchen Confidante highlights them beautifully. First, make the red layer by combining frozen strawberries with agave nectar and lemonade (to keep calories in check, look for a low sugar variety). Then, make the white layer by blending light coconut milk with ice and a small amount of agave nectar. Layer the slushies into glasses and top with fresh blueberries. Serve them virgin or with a splash of vodka or tequila.

Ginger Lemonade

This twist on a summer favorite is a thirst quencher and a health booster. Ginger is traditionally used to quell digestive issues and provides a good amount of magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C. Add it to your lemonade with fresh mint leaves and sparkling mineral water for a party-ready sip. Ingredients: 3-4 slices fresh ginger, 1 cup water, 2 tbsp honey, 1/2 lemon, 1/2 cup sparkling mineral water, 1-2 fresh mint leaves. Boil the ginger with 1 cup water. Strain and add the honey, juiced lemon, sparkling mineral water, and mint leaves. Stir well and chill. Serve cold.

Energizing Watermelon Juice with Fresh Mint

One of the most popular summer fruits, watermelon is especially hydrating (it’s 92 percent water!) and packed with lycopene and vitamins A and C. Pick up a watermelon, which is widely available and affordable this time of year, and combine it with just two other simple ingredients for a hydrating beverage that’s perfect for backyard barbecues. Ingredients: 1 lb. watermelon chunks, 1/2 cup water, 3-4 fresh mint leaves, sliced. Extract the seeds of the watermelon. Blend the watermelon with ice using a hand blender. Add the fresh mint leaves. Serve cold. Garnish with sliced watermelon, if desired.

Honeydew-Cucumber Juice

Melon fans will love this vitamin C-rich green juice that has a clean and invigorating taste. Both honeydew and cucumbers are a good source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps boost heart health. Stick with English cucumbers to avoid having to scoop out the seeds before blending. Ingredients: 2 ½ cups honeydew melon chunks, 1/2 cup English cucumber chunks, agave nectar (optional). Add the melon and cucumber to a blender. Cover and blend until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds. Taste for sweetness, adding agave nectar if desired. (Makes 2 juices).

Dig Inn’s Strawberry Shrub

A combination of sweet and tart flavors, this simple recipe from the popular New York City eatery Dig Inn is perfect for adventurous palates and pairs well with a variety of mix-ins from club soda to white wine. The leading ingredient, juicy sweet strawberries, is rich in vitamin C and folate. Drink up! Ingredients: 1 lb. overripe strawberries, 1/4 cup agave nectar, 1 large basil sprig, 1 tbsp black peppercorns, 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar. To make the shrub syrup: Place the strawberries, agave, basil, and peppercorns in a large non-reactive bowl or container. Stir well and leave on the counter overnight to extract the fruit juices. The next morning, strain off the fruit juices, and stir in the cup of vinegar. Store in a clean bottle or Mason jar until ready to use. For a classic shrub, combine 1 part shrub syrup with 2 parts distilled or sparkling water. Serve on ice and enjoy. If you prefer a shandy, combine 1/2 cup of shrub syrup with your favorite light ale. Other alcoholic options include: 1/2 cup of shrub syrup with 1/2 cup white rum and 1/2 cup seltzer finished with a twist of lemon, or 1 part shrub syrup with 3 parts white wine and a splash of club soda. (Makes 12 ounces).

Let’s get the party started with independence and safety by getting Life Alert. Do America proud and enhance your independent living with Life Alert’s medical alert system. By wearing their emergency pendant you can live alone without ever truly being alone. In the event of a life threatening emergency simply push the button on your pendant and summon an emergency medical response fast! Plus, their dispatch team is available 24/7 to send you the help you need fast.


Celebrate this Independence Day by gaining your very own independence thanks to Life Alert Protection! For a free brochure on all of their life saving services, call 1-800-513-2934.

Works Cited:

1.       “5 Healthy Summer Drinks for Your 4th of July BBQ”.Everyday Health. 28 June 2016. <http://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/recipe-of-the-day/healthy-summer-drinks-july-4th-bbq/ >.

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