Just because you prefer not to imbibe, or you are graciously stepping in as designated driver this evening, you can still enjoy a festive beverage that is as pretty to look at as it is tasty to sip. The ladies of The Broadcast gave me a challenge to come up with a few innovative, non-alcoholic drinks for this New Year’s, which I shared with them today. Of course, you can always add your favorite spirit, but as is they are impressive and quite delicious.
Hibiscus “Champagne” cocktail
1/2 ounce hibiscus syrup
1 ounce ruby red grapefruit juice
5 ounces sparkling grape juice
Hibiscus flowers or fresh basil for garnish
Preparation: Stir the grapefruit juice and hibiscus syrup together in a tall flute. Top with chilled sparkling grape juice.
Gingered Mango
3 ounces mango juice
6 ounces ginger ale
Splash lime juice
Fresh mint or basil for garnish
Preparation: Combine ingredients in a tall, ice filled glass and garnish with fresh basil.
Rosemary Lemonade
2 sprigs fresh rosemary + more for garnish
1 cup fresh lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Sparkling water
Preparation: Combine rosemary, lemon juice, zest, sugar and water together in a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir to combine and bring to a low boil until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let stand for 15 minutes to full infuse the syrup. Strain and set aside. Fill six tall Collins glasses with ice and divide the syrup equally among the 6 glasses, about 1/4 cup of syrup each. Top with sparkling water or club soda and garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary. (Would also be delicious with grapefruit juice.)
Kicked Up Tomato Cocktail
8 ounces prepared Bloody Mary mix (like Mr. & Mrs. T’s)
2 dashes hot sauce
4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 ounce dill pickle juice
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
Garnish with an olive, pickled green bean or slice of crisp bacon
Preparation: Shake ingredients together over ice in a cocktail shaker. Pour into a tall glass over ice and garnish.
RED WINE WITH BREAKFAST 