Merry Holiday Drink Alternatives

Dear Jeff and Debra:

My family has been blessed with recovery from alcoholism three times over. My husband, my sister, and my aunt are all proud members of Alcoholics Anonymous.  Most other family members who drink do so very lightly, but we do have a couple of exceptions. These exceptions concern me since intoxication is all too common, and this year I will be hosting the extended family for our Christmas Eve gathering, culminating in celebration of Christmastide by attending Midnight Mass. I don’t want our over-drinkers to make a long evening uncomfortable, even embarrassing, for everyone else. So I am asking, is it a hostess’s duty to serve alcohol? The only family members who will miss imbibing are the ones who commonly exceed their limit.

-Holiday Hostess

Dear Holiday Hostess:

Alcoholic beverages are not required for any social gathering, the expectations of guests notwithstanding. In your question, you do not suppose that your over-drinkers are alcoholic nor do you rule it out. Guests who are not alcoholic will enjoy an evening with or without alcohol. Alcoholics, on the other hand, may experience varying degrees of discomfort. As the hostess, this is not your problem to solve. You are free to decide how to best maximize an enjoyable evening for your guests.

Whether you decide to forgo alcohol or not, we suggest serving interesting mocktails dressed up in pretty glassware with festive garnishes. Red and white striped drinking straws can add to the holiday spirit.  Here are a few suggestions.

Berry Berry Merry

• Frozen or fresh mixed berries (2 cups)
• Raspberry sorbet (1 pint)
• Lemonade (1 ½ cups)
• Mint leaves (to taste)
• Sugared lime slice for garnish
• Lime juice and sugar for dipping glass rim
• Mix the first 4 ingredients in a blender until smooth.
• Pour into a festive glass with rim dipped in lime juice and sugar.
•  Add sugared lime slice garnish.

Red-nosed Reindeer Cheers

• Ginger Beer (4 cups)
• Club Soda (1 cup)
• Fresh lime juice (2 tbs)
• Fresh lemon juice (1 tbs)
• Grenadine (¼ cup)
• Maraschino cherries for garnish
• In a pitcher, stir the first 5 ingredients. Pour into tall glasses filled with ice. Add a maraschino cherry garnish.

Snowy Holiday Cider

• Apple cider (10 oz)
• Pumpkin butter (1 tsp)
• Whipped cream for garnish
• Sparkling or Sanding Finishing Sugar
• Mix the first 2 ingredients and heat. Pour into a cup and saucer. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with finishing sugar.