The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and with it, hopefully a long summer full of sunny days and plenty of time outdoors-and many barbecues to come. Whether you're looking for Independence Day recipe ideas, a menu for your next big cookout with friends, or inspiration for what to serve (or bring along) to your next potluck picnic, we've got more than a menu's worth of food and drink recipes to keep this season full of good times andgood flavor.

MASTER YOUR GRILL

Charcoal Grilling 101: Start with pro tips for getting the best results from your charcoal grill. Our expert chef, Dan Wood, shares his five rules of thumb for the ultimate cookout-from knowing how to test for the right temperature to perfecting those sure signs of a master: beautiful grill marks.

BURGERS

Grilled Chicken Burger: Topped with caramelized onions, herbed mushrooms and roasted garlic aioli, the homemade chicken patty is packed with some flavorful surprises.

SIDE DISHES

Housemade Cheeseburger: We update a classic cheeseburger with home-ground meat for a superior flavor. A toasted sesame seed bun sandwiches peppercorn aioli and balsamic roasted red onions.

DESSERTS

Creamy Deviled-Egg Potato Salad: All the flavors of two summer picnic classics thrown into one easy and extra-delicious salad. This is a genius recipe that will become a go-to for get-togethers.

DRINKS

Italian Grilled Vegetables: This recipe is a great way to enhance the flavors of seasonal vegetables without masking them. With our Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette, this makes for a satisfying side dish-or even main course for vegetarians and vegans.

Lemon Ricotta Cookies: Closer in texture and tenderness to a cake than a cookie, these moist and almost cheesecake-y lemon ricotta cookies are perfect little winners. Best of all, these cookies require freezing, so they're ready whenever you are for a ridiculously good treat.

Dark Cherry Crisp: We're deep into cherry season, and this easy dessert is perfect to make ahead for a crowd, either warm out of the oven or at room temperature. Our recipe does a great job of retaining those sweet cherries' plump texture.

Red Velvet Cupcakes: Moist, fluffy and a deep cherry red, these little guys get topped with our lemony cream cheese frosting. All you need are some blue and red sprinkles to take these into festive territory for the Fourth.

Summer Berry Shortcakes: Our alternative to a classic. These tender, homemade shortcakes provide a delicious shelter for pillowy whipped cream, a mound of whatever berries look irresistible, tangy lemon curd and a blackberry sauce for good measure.

Sparkling Lemonades: Whether you opt for our hibiscus or pomegranate version, neither will disappoint. Our recipes make two gallons-enough to make any crowd happy. They're also kid-friendly, though you could always tip in a little good-quality vodka or prosecco.

Rent Check Cocktail: The combination of watermelon and jalapeño is as unexpected as it is refreshing. Tequila and St.-Germain come together with muddled watermelon and jalapeño simple syrup to create a delicious cocktail with a kick.

Basil Cucumber Cooler: Talk about refreshing. Basil and cucumber get muddled with lime juice, a glug of gin and a top-up of club soda. It's like a day at the spa, if the spa put gin in their fancy water.

EXPLORE: All our recipes