Fun mocktails for a safe holiday season
By Brenda Campbell
As we start the festive season with parties and gatherings, it’s important to remember not to drive impaired.
Daily, in Canada, an average of four people die and 175 are injured in impaired related accidents. Annually in Canada, it is estimated that as many as 1,500 people die and 63,000 people become injured due to impaired related accidents.
Is it me or does it seem almost unrealistic how many lives are so needlessly and tragically affected when there is such a simple solution.
Did you know that on average a driver will drive 80 times under the influence before their first arrest?
Did you know that impairment is not deterred by a cold shower, coffee or exercise? Time, and only time decreases the effects of alcohol.
Did you know that drivers under the age of 21 must have a blood alcohol level of 0.00?
The holidays are a joyous time of celebration and togetherness. During this time it’s important to ensure you have a safe travel plan for you and your family as you attend gatherings and functions. As an event organizer or party planner you may want to consider that by ensuring there is a safe travel plan for your guests as they attend your home or function it will protect them from tragedy through the holidays. One great way to encourage designated driving is to offer some tasty non -alcoholic beverages, such as mocktails. For your convenience here are a few great recipes to try!
Mocktail Recipes:
Berry Refresher Prep time – 10 mins
1 cup of Apple Juice
1 cup of Orange juice
1/3 cup Milk
1 tbsp Honey
2 frozen strawberries
1/3 cup frozen raspberries
2/3 cup frozen blueberries
3 ice cubes
– Add ingredients into a blender, Blend until slushy. Serve Cold
Tornado Twist Prep Time – 1 min
12 oz cranberry-raspberry juice
1 12 oz can or bottle of lemon lime flavored carbonated beverage
– Mix both ingredients into a pitcher and serve over ice
Mint Julep (Alcohol free) Prep time – 15 min Cooktime – 10 min
¼ cup water Ready in – 1 hr 25 min
¼ cup white sugar
1 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
2 cups crushed ice
½ cup prepared lemonade
Fresh mint sprigs to Garnish
In a small sauce pan:
– Combine water, sugar, and chopped mint leaves
– Stir and bring to boil – Cook till sugar is dissolved
– Remove from heat allow to cool (approx. 1 hr)
– Fill 2 glasses with crushed ice
– Pour ½ the lemonade in each glass
– Top with a splash of the sugar syrup
– Garnish with Mint Sprig and straw
Virgin Pina Colada Prep Time – 2 mins
1 cup ice
1 ¼ cups pineapple juice
½ cup Milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp white sugar
– In a blender, blend until Smooth
Shirley Temple Prep Time – 1 min
½ cup Orange juice
½ cup Lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 tbsp Grenadine syrup
1 Maraschino cherry
– In a tall glass combine orange juice with the carbonated soda
– Pour in Grenadine Syrup – let it sink to the bottom
– Garnish with Cherry and straw for stirring
Abstinence on the beach Prep Time – 10mins
1 12oz can frozen concentrated grapefruit juice ready in 2 hr 10 mins
1 12oz can frozen cranberry juice concentrate
¼ cup coconut milk
9 cups cold water
– In a 6 qt container combine frozen juices
– Take 1 cup of the combined juice and add it to the coconut milk in a blender
– Blend until smooth
– Add Blended Coconut milk to the frozen juices
– Stir and Chill at least 2 hrs
Watermelon Fizz Prep time – 5 mins
1 cup Coconut water
½ cup Watermelon puree
1 tsp Sugar
½ cup ice cubes
– Blend Coconut water, water melon and sugar in a blender until smooth
– Fill Cocktail Shaker with ice
– Add watermelon mixture
– Cover shaker and shake until chilled