‘Mocktails’ ensure guests’ safe return home

Looking to enjoy a safe holiday season? Consider replacing the cocktails with “mocktails,” non-alcoholic beverages.

According to the Bayou Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and the Lafourche Prevention Partnership, the best way to avoid drunk driving this Christmas and New Year is to host non-alcoholic parties.

Jackie Myers, BCOA executive director, said removing alcohol from the scenario sends the message that it is possible to have a great time without “getting drunk.”

“Non-alcoholic parties prove that drinking alcohol doesn’t have to be the center of the gathering or the reason for the party,” she said. “As the host or hostess, it’s your social responsibility to the guests and the community to keep them safe.”

The simplest way to avoid worries is to forgo imbibing. Let guests know upfront that the party is non-alcoholic – include the news on your invitations.

“Explain your motives for the non-alcoholic event,” she explained. “Let (guests) know that you don’t need alcohol to have fun. And thank them for participating in the alcohol-free party.”

The BCOA suggests serving hot and cold beverages with holiday themes. Punches and eggnog – both alcohol-free – can spice up any holiday party.

“There are many books and Web sites that offer non-alcoholic drink recipes,” Myers said. And fancy stemware can add fun. “Drinks that don’t contain alcohol can still be served in wine glasses, martini glasses or fancy cups with tiny umbrellas, colored swizzle-sticks or other decorations,” she explained.

Sparkling Rainbow

Ingredients:

6 ounces of sparking cider

1 scoop of sherbet

1 fresh mint sprig

Directions:

Pour sparkling cider into a tall glass. Add sherbet and garnish with mint.

Sparking Smoothie

Ingredients:

6 ounces of sparkling cider

1/4 cup of fresh strawberries

1/2 ripe banana

2 ice cubes

Directions:

Blend all ingredients and serve in a tall glass.

Lemon Strawberry Punch

Ingredients:

3 – 6 ounce cans of frozen lemonade concentrated

1 – 10 ounce package of frozen strawberries (thawed)

1 quart of ginger ale (chilled)

Directions:

In a large punch bowl, prepare lemonade concentrate as directed on can. Stir in strawberries with syrup. Stir in ginger ale. Add scoops of strawberry ice cream if desired.

Winning Tea Punch

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cup instant tea

2 quarts of water

1 – 6 ounce can of frozen limeade

1 – 6 ounce can of frozen lemonade

1 – 6 ounce can of frozen pineapple juice concentrate

1 pint of cranberry cocktail juice

Directions:

In a large punch bowl, combine tea, water, limeade, lemonade and pineapple concentrates and add cranberry juice. Add ice before serving.

Hot Cran-Apple Cider

Ingredients:

2 quarts of apple cider

1 1/2 quarts of cranberry cocktail

1- 1/4 cup of brown sugar

3 inch cinnamon sticks

1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves

Directions:

Combine ingredients in large pot and heat to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain.

Sparking Apple-Peach Sunrise

Ingredients:

1 – 10 ounce can of non-alcoholic frozen Fuzzy Navel mix

2 – 20 ounce cans of sparkling cider

Ice cubes (as many as desired)

Directions:

Mix ingredients in a blender. Pour into a tall flute glass. Add ?-ounce of grenadine for the sunrise effect.