Springfield's most patriotic drinks

Old Glory? Meet Old Grandad

In the spirit of hastily purchased explosives, marshmallows cooked over open sparklers, and lighting 1000-plus degree fireworks in 100-plus degree Missouri heat, we at Metromix have rounded up Springfield's most patriotic drinks. Why? Because it is what our Founding Fathers would have wanted. Well, that and freedom from England's tyranny.

In addition, we wanted to give you an inside look into the best summery drinks that you can cool off with after all the ashy smoke clears. So use this photo gallery as your guide, and have a happy Independence Day. And unlike the let-down of fizzled fireworks, we promise lingering "Ooohs" and "Aahs" long after the last sip of these drinks has been slurped. -- Thomas Hardwicke, Special to Metromix