Toast the 4th with this Strawberry Lime Rickey from Tipsy Texan: Spirits and Cocktails from the Lone Star State (Andrews McMeel Publishing, June 2013) by David Alan of Tipsy Texan and Tipsy Tech fame.

A few words of clarification from the author first:

"A traditional Rickey is made with gin and lime juice—not to be confused with a Gimlet, which is made with preserved lime cordial. Here is a sweet Rickey variation that marries Texas gin with fresh strawberries." 

Strawberry Lime Rickey:

Ingredients:

2 ounces Waterloo Gin (or other gin)
3 large, ripe strawberries
½ lime, cut into quarters
¼ to ½ simple syrup
Lime wheel, for garnish
Strawberry Slice, for garnish

In the bottom of a mixing glass, muddle the strawberries, lime wedges and simple syrup.

Adjust the amount of syrup depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.

Add the gin and shake vigorously with ice to chill.

Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.

Garnish with the lime wheel and strawberry slice.

Happy 4th of July!

(* Recipe from Tipsy Texan: Spirits and Cocktails from the Lone Star State by David Alan- Andrews McMeel Publishing, June 2013- reproduced with permission of publisher)