The Galley Club

Cooler ideas - Forth of July recipes

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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

Best drinks to bring on boat. pack ahead spritz

Galley Club Recipe - The Star Spangled Spritz

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

pack-ahead cocktail recipes - fourth of july recipe ideas

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...

The Grinder Slaw Sandwich - Sandwiches that pack well in coolers

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 2 min
Cook Time: 5 min
How to make the best coleslaw sandwichWe made our sandwich with mini ciabatta rolls and layer on the following ingredients, but just add the slaw to your favorite sandwich and feel yourself taking the elevator:
  • Pepper turkey
  • Genoa salami
  • Pepperoni
  • Provolone
  • A slather of mayo
  • Fresh basil
  • And the real star: Grinder-style slaw
Vinaigrette Ingredients:
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Whisk until emulsified, then add: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLmvqu3xT5t/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

  • 1 bag coleslaw mix (about 14 oz / 400 g)
  • ¾ cup chopped pepperoncinis
  • ½ cup chopped roasted red peppers (from a jar)

Mix well until everything is coated and juicy.

Add a big spoonful of this slaw to your sandwich. It’s tangy, crunchy, and brings serious deli energy.

Wrap sandwiches tightly in foil, and stack in your cooler. They taste even better after a chill.

Enjoy!


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.

Happy fourth of july from the galley club

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.

Meet Max and Theresa Robbins

Cheers,
Max & Theresa