"mocktail" news and stories

It's only July 3rd and my foodie forefathers have already dished out plenty of Independence Day eats in such posts as American Flag Cakes and Delicious Foods for July 4th. But let's be honest: There is no food or cake that can rival the great American tradition of getting rip-roaring drunk. Even Uncle Sam's cheeks wear a warm flush!

But tradition aside, I do not condone drinking to excess, so I have devised a list of patriotic cocktails that are too lovely to chug. In the words of the great George Washington as he crossed the Delaware: Take it slow, kids, take it slow.

1. Starfruit and Stripes Daiquiri - The fine folks at MaisonBisson came up with this capital idea: Take a traditional strawberry daiquiri, top it with whipped cream and blueberries, then garnish with a slice of starfruit. Ta da! Liquid flag!
2. Red, White and Blue Sangria - Punctuate some white sangria with blueberries and raspberries for that good ol' U.S. of A. color scheme.
3. Boston Pops Martini - This Massachusetts-made martini celebrates the famed Boston Pops' national independence day broadcast. The true fireworks begin with the rim that's dipped in - what else? - Pop Rocks!
4. Red, White and Blue Shot - Although there are a number of variations on this popular Fourth of July shooter, the key is a careful pour to ensure those colors don't run.
5. Patriotic Margarita - The arbiters of blue vodka put their hued booze to good use with this layered margarita: HPNOTIQ 'rita, topped with strawberry 'rita, dressed up with a coconut rim.
6. Red, White and Blue beers - According to the results of this poll, beer is the bev of choice for cookouts. So if you want to keep with the patriotic theme, stock up on PBR (in the unmistakable red, white, and blue can) or for something a bit classier, invest in an assortment of Chimay Red, Chimay White, and Chimay Blue.

If you are declaring an independence from alcohol, whip up one of these constitutions:

1. Patriotic Tea Punch - Try out this tart punch that boasts an iced tea base, pomegranate juice, and gobs of fresh fruit.
2. Bomb Pop Mocktail - This red, white, and blue pousse-cafe layers cranberry juice, blue Gatorade, and diet 7-up to mimic everyone's favorite patriotic popsicle.

Have a festive Fourth, everyone!

Mint juleps (and anything else with whisky) are Kentucky Derby staples, but if you're not a big drinker, or are acting as designated driver, you might feel like you're missing out when it comes to celebrating the "run for the roses." There are plenty of non-alcoholic "mocktails" that you can mix up so you won't be left out of the party. These two recipes are both from the LCBO Mocktails recipe section. The first is a non-alcoholic Mint Julep variation, which is both appropriate and refreshing. The second drink is known as the "Derby Mocktail" and is a fruitier, more colorful Derby choice.

Mint Mocktail

5 oz lemonade
6 mint leaves, torn 
1 oz ginger juice
1 tbsp fresh blueberries (garnish)

To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add lemonade, mint and ginger juice. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Garnish with blueberries and a mint sprig.

Derby Mocktail

3 oz. pineapple juice
3 oz. tangerine juice
1 tsp grenadine
1 maraschino cherry (garnish)

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all ingredients, shake and strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

[Recipes and Image LCBO]

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