Liquid Fireworks

Liquid fireworks: Fourth of July drink ideas for the real American

Adorable watermelon jello shots (yes, that's Jell-O! In a lime rind!)
A delicious salt-rimmed Michelada
Photo courtesy of Giant Noise
Pink Panty Droppers — who knew lemonade and beer could mesh so well

When my editor and I sat down to discuss topics for a Fourth of July cocktail piece, our minds immediately went to easy-to-make recipes sure to add "spark" to any party. I had to reach back to my college days for a few of these recipes, but they're tried and true — as tasty today as they were back then.

Only, maybe this year I will keep a bottle of Pepcid AC nearby.

Don't let the remnants of Hurricane Alex put a damper on your holiday plans. Instead, celebrate in proper fashion. Make our whiskey-swigging founding fathers proud by sipping these sultry summer libations in their honor.

Pink Panty Droppers — There are several variations of this recipe online, but my friend Chris’ version is a consistent hit. Be warned: as the name suggests, this punch is sure to loosen up your inhibitions.

- One case of Keystone Light Tall Boys
- Two handles of vodka
- 1/5 bottle of Everclear
- Three Country Time Pink Lemonade Flavor Drink Mixes
- Two Country Time Lemon-Lime Flavor Frozen Drink (concentrate)
- 20 limes, halved and squeezed

Mix in a cooler with ice. Serves about 20 to 30 people, depending on your friends.

Jell-O Shots — a personal favorite, I never seem to outgrow these.

- Six ounce package of Jell-O (I prefer red, green or purple)
- 16 ounces boiling water
- Six ounces cold water
- 10 ounces vodka

Combine Jell-O mix with boiling water until powder is dissolved. Add cold water and vodka. Pour into cups and freeze for two hours. (Makes 20 to 24 shots). For a fancier take, check out MyJelloAmericans. The What-A-Melon is the perfect festive treat for the Fourth.

Michelada — beer and the Fourth of July go together like peas and carrots.

- 12 oz beer, non-dark
- Six ounces Clamato Juice
- juice from two key limes
- Two dashes Worcestershire Sauce
- Two dashes Tabasco Sauce
- celery salt

Shake all but the beer. Pour into tall glass and add beer and ice. Rim glass with celery salt.

Cheers!

holidays

no more trips to Colorado

Bill to legalize marijuana in Texas filed by Dallas Democrat

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

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Texas Rep. Jessica González (D-Dallas) has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

politics marijuana