Even though most children are not awake to ring in the New Year, they still want to feel apart of the festivities that evening. Make them a fun “mocktail” and watch their eyes light up. All you really need is some sparkling cider or ginger ale, a couple berries and a fun glass. Buy some colorful and swirly straws. They love the fizz.
Here are some simple drinks to serve on special occasions. These mocktails are also great for baby showers and adults wanting to be a little healthier in the New Year.
Pomegranate Shirley Temple
Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: None
- 1 splash of Pomegranate Juice or Simple Syrup
- 1 bottle ginger ale, chilled
- Dark cherries and pineapple for garnish
Add a splash of Pomegranate Simple Syrup (here is how to make your own) or Juice and fill the rest of the glass with real Ginger Ale (avoid the caramel color ones). Garnish with some dark cherries and pineapple. Yields: 1 or 2 glasses.
Pineapple Rita
Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: None
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen pineapple
- 1 half of lemon or lime, peeled
- 2-3 tablespoons of honey, to taste
- 1 (1/2 inch) piece of ginger, peeled
- 1 12 fl oz. bottle ginger ale
- 1/2 cup of cherries, optional
Process all the ingredients in the blender until smoothie. Garnish the glass with a slice of pineapple or fresh mint. Yields: 1 or 2 glasses. Note: The reason I add the ginger piece is to boost my immune system and reduce inflammation. You can make this without the ginger if your ginger ale has a lot of real ginger. Avoid the ginger ales with caramel color; look for ones with honey and cane sugar as the sweetener.
Raspberry Spritzers
Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: None
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen raspberries, thawed
- 1 (12-ounce) can frozen cranberry juice drink concentrate, thawed
- 1 (12-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 2 (2-liter) bottles ginger ale, chilled
Process raspberries in a blender until smooth. If desired, strain pureed raspberries, discarding seeds. Combine raspberry puree and concentrates in a 1 ½- gallon container. Stir in ginger ale just before serving. Yield: 5 quarts.
Emily Custer
West Valley City, Utah
Hot Cider Nog
Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup bourbon (add later for the adults)
- 1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped
- Garnish: additional ground cinnamon
Whisk together half-and-half and next 7 ingredients in a heavy saucepan; cook over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally, until mixture thickens and coats a spoon (about 15 minutes). Top each serving with whipped cream. Garnish, if desired. Yield: 5½ cups.
Note: Stir in the Bourbon for the adults before the whipped cream.
