Fireworks won’t be the only thing adding sparkle and charge to this Independence Day in downtown Birmingham.

Ampersand Cocktails and Desserts will open July 4 at 103 20th St. S., offering a distinctive blend of drinks and sweet treats.

The bar begins serving at 4 p.m.

The concept blends high-end crafted cocktails with alcohol-infused (and non-alcoholic) desserts.

Beverly Anthony, general manager, said the upscale bar is aiming for something innovative to add to Birmingham’s night scene.

While Ampersand may someday offer cuisine, right now the idea is to begin by doing something simple and different.

“We wanted a beautiful aesthetic, with something new, something fresh for the city,” she said. “Right now, we’re starting with just seven or eight items, with the idea of more to come.”

For example, there’s the Grand Ampersand, a cocktail featuring Grand Marnier, lemon juice and prosecco with raspberries, rosemary and blackberries.

There’s also a 24-karat gold cheesecake.

The bar can accommodate about 65 people.