MOCKTAILS ANYONE?

With modern health consciousness improving and laws being brought in that affect even off-watch crew, (it is now illegal in many countries to consume alcohol even when not in charge of a vessel if you may be needed in an emergency, quite sensibly) many of us are discovering the joys of a new kind of drink that is festive and fun without the deadly sting that used to go hand-in-hand with party beverages. 

The popular name for such drinks is 'mocktails', as in mock cocktails, and they are gaining in popularity fast. We bring you a couple of great recipes and links to more...

DOWN EAST DELIGHT

Mix pineapple juice, cranberry juice and orange juice with a dash of plain syrup (made by melting sugar in hot water) or honey. Shake it up and pour the mixture over ice - the round balls you can make by using the pre-formed polythene bags created for the purpose are rather fun - and garnish with a crystallized cherry.

SUNSET COOLER

Mix four ounces of cranberry juice with two and a half ounces of orange juice and a splash of lemon juice. Blend with ice until it has a  smooth consistency and top with a dash of ginger ale. Pop a little paper umbrella or flag on top and enjoy!

Perhaps you've got an original mocktail recipe to share? We'd love to hear about it! Meanwhile, check out these links:

The first two are great lists of substitutes you can use when a recipe calls for an alcoholic ingredient and you want to replace it:

Hormel Substitution List

Family Favourites

The others offer recipes and information:

Mmarvelous Mocktails

Mocktails.org.uk

LCBO Social Responsibility - Mocktails

Know any others we should hear about? E-mail us and share your knowledge!