I think we can all agree that no Independence Day is complete without mouthwatering food! The 4^th of July is all about eating outdoors, grilling, drinking refreshing beverages, and enjoying the company of family and friends!

Everyone loves the savory tastes of grilled foods on the 4^th but while the classic cookout selection of burgers, hot dogs, and fresh salad are always a hit, why not try some new flavors on your grill like a juicy steak covered with a chocolate rub or a batch of chai glazed chicken wings? And while you are manning the grill, offer your guests some refreshing beverages like a strawberry pomegranate sparkling cocktail or a blackberry mint margarita.

Even if you are not celebrating the 4th, don’t fret. These recipes are ones that you can enjoy all season long, no matter where you are from!

Celebrate America’s birthday or simply celebrate summer with these recipes provided by Torani®, Monin®, David Rio™, and Sipp Beverage Co®.

Delicious Bites –

Steak with a Monbana Chocolate-Coffee Rub

Monbana Steak Rub. Photo courtesy of Sam Ortega

Ingredients:

• Steak of your choice
• 1 packet (2Tbsp) of Monbana® Tresor Chocolate Powder (can also use Monbana Organic Chocolate Powder)
• 2 Tbsp. Ethiopian coffee, finely ground
• 1 Tsp. paprika
• Salt to taste

Rub Preparation: 

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, and mix thoroughly. Set aside.

Photo courtesy of Sam Ortega

Cooking Directions: 

1. Apply the dry rub to the steaks a few hours before grill time, coating thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the rub while coating! (Tip: It helps to have all ingredients at room temperature).
2. Sear the steaks on both sides.
3. Move the steaks to the cooler zone on the grill, and begin turning and sprinkling  more rub onto the steak. These layers begin to caramelize and build up, sealing the juices within the meat.
4. Continue to cook the steaks to desired temperature.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Note: Recipe courtesy of Doug Przybyszewski, Houston’s Regional Manager

4^th of July Pops

4th of July Pops. Photo courtesy of Torani

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. Torani Blue Raspberry Syrup
• 1 Tbsp. Torani Coconut Syrup
• 1 Tbsp. Torani Cherry Lime Syrup
• ¾ cups of water divided in three

Preparation:

1. Combine Torani Blue Raspberry Syrup with ¼ cup of water and freeze as one layer in a ice pop mold.
2. Freeze for one hour or until liquid has frozen completely.
3. Repeat this step for each layer, using Torani Coconut Syrup and Cherry Lime Syrup.

Note: To scale up to make several pops, keep ratio of 1 part Torani to 1 part water. Mix and match different flavors!

Chai Glazed Wings

Photo courtesy of David Rio

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Cub Chai Original
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp. sugar or honey
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger
• 2 pounds chicken wings

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a re-sealable plastic bag and mix well. Place in refrigerator to marinate overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
3. Remove wings from marinade and place onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also grill over a low flame until cooked thoroughly.

Refreshing Beverages –

4^th of July Refresher

Photo courtesy of Monin

Ingredients:

• 1 wedge(s) watermelon
• 5 oz. green tea
• 1 oz. Monin Watermelon Syrup
• 2 oz. lemon-lime soda
• Mint

Preparation:

1. Place one long watermelon wedge in glass then fill glass with ice.
2. Add green tea then slowly pour Monin Watermelon syrup into glass.
3. Top with Sprite.
4. Garnish with mint.

Note: Stir prior to drinking.

Strawberry Pomegranate Sparkling Cocktail

Photo courtesy of Torani

Ingredients:

• 8 Tbsp. (4 oz) Torani Pomegranate Syrup
• 1 pint strawberry sorbet
• 4 Tbsp. pomegranate seeds
• 1 bottle prosecco

Preparation:

1. This drink is best served when everything is cold- even the glass it’s served in. Put 4 Tom Collins glasses in the freezer until they’re frosty.
2. Add 2 Tbsp. Torani Pomegranate Syrup to each glass.
3. Add a small scoop of strawberry sorbet and 1 Tbsp. of pomegranate seeds.
4. Fill the glasses the rest of the way with prosecco.
5. Enjoy right away before the sorbet melts! Serves 4.

Blackberry Mint Margarita

Photo courtesy of Sipp

Ingredients:

• 5 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 4 oz. Sipp Mojo Berry

Preparation:

1. Add the ingredients in a highball or margarita glass filled with ice cubes.
2. Garnish with lime wedge or round.
3. Enjoy!

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