"mocktails" news and stories

Several years ago I was asked to add some fun drinks to a girl's slumber party -- the parents weren't quite sure whether cocktail shakers and muddlers were appropriate for a party for minors. Loaded with everything from kiwis to kumquats, I proved that kids can create some pretty tasty libations with no alcohol involved.

The Shirley Temple is still a favorite. The original recipe of two parts ginger ale, one part orange juice and a teaspoon of grenadine has been simplified to just dashing some grenadine into ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Any bartender working in an establishment that allows families inevitably gets asked to make a drink for a youngster. If not a Shirley Temple, the other culprits are virgin frozen daiquiris or piña coladas. However, serving alcohol free drinks can involve more thought than simply leaving out the alcohol from your frozen daiquiri mix. Once the booze component is gone, often what's left behind is out of balance and overly sweet. It takes a bit more thought to balance out flavors.

I had the pleasure of working with Dutch bartender Timo Janse in Amsterdam last year when I discovered he had written a cocktail book for kids called "Shake It!" (You won't find it in English, but if you read Dutch it's a must have.) Timo prefers his Dark Invader saying the blackberries remind him of happy treats his mom made from their garden when he was a child.

Recipes after the jump...

• For those of you with New Year's resolutions to eat more healthfully, find out what "unsung superfoods you should be eating," from grapefruit and beets to seaweed and chia seeds.
• It was a meaty year in the Chicago Tribune's food section. Check out their favorite -- and more than a little carnivorous -- recipes of 2009, from homemade piri-piri sauce to whiskey-braised pork.
• Appreciate the luxury of "snowy days, warming dinners" with this winning concoction of butternut squash lasagna, with sweet sausage and Parmesan. Combat the cold with something "meaty, cheesy and warm."
• A truly good drink doesn't need alcohol to up its popularity -- mocktails like this Ginger Fizz work are just as spirited without the addition of booze.
• From pig for prosperity to the Southern tradition of eating poor to ensure a prosperous New Year, muse upon the international New Year's food traditions.
• In the persistent pursuit of eating local, some animal rights groups claim that backyard chicken farmers have gone too far.

Eric Asimov discusses the new breed of lighter, subtler Napa Valley Cabernets.

Applebee's moves beyond the riblet in an effort to save itself from Bennigan's fate.

The Hamptons get real Mexican-style tacos. Yay?

The Minimalist makes tomato jam.

Recipes for icy summer mocktails. And not just virgin daiquiris - think homemade tonic with lavender, chamomile, fresh herbs and lime juice.

Meet the raspberry fig.

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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!