The Ultimate Fourth of July Menu

Start with a Fourth Fizz, a gin-based cocktail with clear orange and lime sodas. Let guests help themselves to festive ice cubes, straws, and napkins. Photo: Anna Monette Roberts

These buttery, bacon-y oysters are finger-licking good! After the first round of guests have arrived, throw the oysters on the grill (instead of the oven). They'll cook in no time and are best piping hot. Photo: Katie Sweeney

To make this amazing appetizer, grill the brie and make the cherry-thyme topping a day before the party. Assemble just as the cheese comes off the grill. Photo: Anna Monette Roberts

There needs to be something green at the table, so make it an ultrasimple green salad with avocado, onion, and red wine vinaigrette. Photo: Camilla Salem

For the main course, you can't go wrong with a cheeseburger (or should we say brieburger?). This brie-stuffed burger is served with a spicy mayo that's a must-make. Guests will be clamoring for the recipe. Photo: Anna Monette Roberts

These bacon-wrapped hot dogs scream Fourth of July. When it comes to flavor, there's nothing like wrapping pork in more pork! Photo: Nicole Perry

When it comes to celebratory dinners, like a blowout for the Fourth of July, serve two sides. A giant platter of tomatoes and cucumbers is a refreshing accompaniment to the burgers and hot dogs. Photo: Nicole Perry

Alongside the main, offer grilled corn slathered in butter with tons of fresh herbs. It's a simple but summery side dish. Photo: Sara Yoo

It's not the Fourth without breaking into a watermelon, well, slicing into one. Enliven the fruit by creating a cake. Simply dress a peeled watermelon in whipped cream, slivered almonds, and berries. Guests won't believe their eyes when you slice into it. Photo: Anna Monette Roberts

You didn't think there would be just one dessert, did you?! Key lime pie is classic and crowd-pleasing — a must make for your Fourth of July shindig. Photo: Nicole Perry