It's time to celebrate Independence Day with some food and drink ideas from Tim Laird - America's CEO Chief Entertaining Officer and author of " That's Entertaining! "

Spice Rub Recipe

4 tablespoons paprika

3 tablespoons garlic powder

3 tablespoons Kosher salt

2 tablespoons black pepper

2 tablespoons onion powder

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

**Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and pour into a spice shaker. Mixture will keep for 6 months.

Blue Mango Cooler Recipe

In a glass with ice, add:

1½ ounces Finlandia Mango vodka

4 ounces lemonade

1 ounce blue raspberry mix (alcohol-free)

Stir and garnish with a lemon wedge.

**Note: for an alcohol-free version, simply leave out the vodka.

Grilling Tips:

• I recommend marinating your grilling items for four hours minimum in a sealable plastic bag. For pork, chicken and meat, a simple Italian dressing with a splash of soy sauce is perfect.
• Take out your meat to be grilled one hour ahead of time and let it come to room temperature, this will help the searing process. If you skip this step, the meat will be too cold when it hits the grill and you won't get good crust.
• Pat the meat dry and add seasoning or a good spice rub. I have a great recipe that works on everything from beef to chicken to pork. Just go to the "World News Now" Facebook page and you will find the recipe.
• Put the meat on the grill and don't be in a hurry to turn.
• Keep a lid on it if you are grilling outside.
• Remember to keep your grill clean.
• Be sure to let your meat rest before serving or slicing.

Cool tools for the home grill Meister:

• Long tongs: To prevent burning your arms when reaching for food.
• Big spatula: To prevent dropping those burgers because the spatula is not big enough .
• Monster cleaning brush: Keep your grill clean at all times.
• Wireless thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of when your food is done.
• Silicon basting brushes: To prevent the "hairs" from getting in your food.

Follow ABC's World News Now on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & Instagram!