How To: Make firecracker shots for the 4th of July

What's the best way to celebrate your independence? Alcohol. There's no a soul out there that can't enjoy a few drinks during a nice celebration. So, why not go a step further with some crazy shots? Shots are the quickest and easiest way to get drunk fast. Do it for your country — but don't overdo it. Mix up a batch of patriotic cocktails for your Independence Day party.

You Will Need
* 1/2 oz. tequila
* 1/2 oz. Rumple Minze
* 1/2 oz. Goldschlager
* Ice
* 1 oz. Midori melon liqueur
* 1 oz. apple schnapps
* 2 oz. cranberry juice
* 1 oz. cinnamon schnapps
* 2-3 dashes hot sauce
* Splash grenadine
* Splash club soda
* Equipment:
* Cocktail shaker
* Cocktail strainer
* Shot glass
* Bar spoon
* Rocks glass (optional)

Step 1: Make a traditional Firecracker shot
Make a traditional Firecracker shot. Pour the tequila, Rumple Minze — a strong peppermint schnapps — and Goldschlager — a cinnamon schnapps with gold flakes in it — over ice into the cocktail shaker.

Step 2: Shake and drink
Cover the shaker and shake the cocktail. Hard. Then strain the cocktail into a shot glass, pledge allegiance to the flag, and slam your shot.

Step 3: Make a Midori Firecracker shot
Have a Midori Firecracker shot. Pour the Midori — a melon liqueur — into the shot glass. Then, pouring slowly over the bar spoon to layer the liquids, and the apple schnapps and then the cranberry juice. Then show what they mean by home of the brave — slam your shot.

You can dial down the bravery and pour this drink over ice in a rocks glass.

Step 4: Make a Fizzing Firecracker shot
Try a Fizzing Firecracker shot. In order, pour the cinnamon schnapps, hot sauce, grenadine, and club soda into the shot glass. Put your hand over the mouth of the glass, slam the glass onto the bar, shout "God bless America," and suck down your shot.

FACT: Independence Day was first celebrated on July 8, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was read to the public.