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Star Spangled Snacks & Sips:
A Galley Club Guide to Packing the Perfect Cooler for the Fourth

It’s America’s birthday, and we’re showing up with more than just a flag koozie. Whether you’re headed to the docks, the sandbar, or a big raft up, the Galley Club is here to help you pack a cooler that doesn’t mess around. Because the only thing worse than warm beer is a boring sandwich.

We’re bringing:

• A crowd-pleasing pitcher cocktail that gets topped off with bubbles
• A pressed sandwich that puts deli meat and cheese to shame
• Cold-friendly sides and smart galley hacks for all-day boat vibes

Meet our signature Fourth of July cocktail: the Star Spangled Spritz. It’s bright, boozy, and built for batching.

Ingredients for the Base (for 1 quart mason jar / 6–8 servings):

• 360 ml (1.5 cups) bourbon
• 180 ml (¾ cup) vanilla apricot syrup*
• 180 ml (¾ cup) fresh lemon juice
• Optional: 180 ml (¾ cup) cold water to pre-dilute
• 5-6 poached apricot halves, muddled into the mix

To serve: Pour over ice and top each glass with 60–90 ml (2–3 oz) chilled sparkling wine (like cava or prosecco).

*We used syrup from homemade poached apricots, but apricot jam with the same ratio works just as well.

How to Pack It:

• Mix and muddle your base in a quart mason jar and chill it in the cooler
• Bring mini bottles of sparkling wine, then each cocktail you make has fresh bubbles
• Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon twist if you’re feeling it
• Serve with the Grinder Slaw Sandwich...

Cooler Game: Strong

Here are our top Galley Club tips for packing a cooler that goes the distance:

• Freeze your water bottles the night before—they’ll double as ice packs and keep everything colder, longer.
• Layer your cooler by order of use: drinks on top, sandwiches in the middle, heavy ice packs at the bottom.
• Wrap delicate stuff (like herbs or chips) in dry towels or stash in hard containers to avoid sog.
• Keep a dry bar towel inside—for wiping hands, wet cans, and accidental sloshes.
• Use squeeze bottles for things like hummus, mustard, or sauces to keep things clean and dunk-friendly.
• Label your foil sandwiches if you're packing multiples—no one wants to guess what's inside mid-sunset.

Whether you’re rafted up with friends or floating solo with a good playlist, this is your sign to level up your cooler game. Bold flavors, smart prep, and a cocktail that actually tastes like summer?

Freedom never tasted so good.

Cheers,
Max & Theresa