Cheers: Crafty alcohol-free ideas for your NYE celebration
For many folks in recovery, feeling out of place at a social function with drinkers is commonplace. Sprinkle in the dynamic total abstinence from alcohol and add a few dashes of "why don't you drink?" queries, and you have the recipe for an awkward function.
Recovery is a gift to so many of us, and we don't miss drinking one bit. That said, some of us do miss a great-tasting beverage. I know I do, especially with a great cigar.
So, I have included below some beverage ideas for NYE. These are neither mocktails nor drinks to make you look like you're imbibing. They're a departure from the standard water or Sprite or Coke. Be safe and be well!
Peach Ginger Beer
Add to a shaker filled with ice
1/2 oz Peach Simple Syrup (Recipe)
1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
2 oz Peach Nectar
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds
Strain into 12 oz glass filled halfway with ice
Top with your favorite spicy ginger beer (nonalcoholic of course!)
Lime and Mint Soda
Muddle
3 mint leaves and 1/4 lime cut into small cubes
Add 1 oz simple syrup (mint or regular)
Top with soda water
Stir vigorously to incorporate ingredients
Grapefruit Refresher (my favorite)
Rim glass with coarse salt
Fill halfway with ice
Add to a shaker filled with ice:
4 oz – Fresh Grapefruit Juice
½ oz – Lime Juice
¼ oz – Simple Syrup
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds
Strain into glass
Top with your favorite sparkling water or grapefruit soda
