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Health & Fitness

Booze-Free Can Still Be Fun

A good party host makes sure that there's something fun for everyone, even the teetotaler set.

There’s an old rockabilly character named Ronnie Hawkins who once said, “I spent 90 percent of my money on wine, women, and song and just wasted the other 10 percent.”  Of course, not everyone shares Mr. Hawkins’ enthusiasm for the aforementioned pursuits.  Indeed, even as someone who does share Hawkins’ enthusiasm, I have a number of friends who prefer herbal tea, men, and a good book.  I still enjoy hanging out with these friends and always include them on the list when party invites are sent out.  But, the challenge for someone who enjoys booze, maintains a Website about booze, writes about booze, and spends a good deal of time “researching” booze is what to offer those who don’t like booze.  Now, there are always sodas, water, juices, and hot caffeinated beverages at a well stocked party, but I like to have something fun and special for my booze-free friends just as I do for my boozy friends.

One of my favorite alcohol-free party drinks is the blended Piña No-lada, also known as a Virgin Piña Colada.  It’s a fun, frosty drink that can provide a tropical treat for teetotalers.  The trick is that just about every ingredient in a potent Piña is alcoholic.  So, a good solution is to use one of the several mixes that are on the market.  I prefer frozen mixes, which you can pick up in the freezer section of your local grocery store, because it tastes good and it’s very easy.  And, when you’re hosting a party easier is better.  In fact, the mix is so easy that I like to bust out the blended Piña No-lada for kid-inclusive get-togethers and sleepovers.  Add some whipped cream and a Maraschino cherry on top and you’ve got the best slushy drink ever.  Another great thing about using frozen mix in a blender is that a single 8 oz. will blend up to make five 8 oz. drinks.

                                                   Piña No-lada

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                                                   Ingredients

* 3 cups of Crushed Ice  * 8 oz. Can of Frozen Piña Colada mix  * 4-6 oz. Lemon/Lime Soda  * Whipped Cream & Maraschino cherry for garnish

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Fill a blender carafe with 3 cups of crushed ice, or about half way if you don’t want to measure.  Add the mix and lemon lime soda.  The printed mixing directions for most frozen mixes say to use half a can (4 oz.) of water for making non-alcoholic drinks.  You definitely need to add liquid to thin things down so the finished drinks will flow through a straw, but water tends to… well, water down the taste.  I suggest using 4-6 oz. of lemon/lime soda (depending on how slushy you want your finished drinks).  It will do the same work as water, plus add some flavor and it bit of bubble.  Blend all the ingredients until they’re the desired level of slushiness and pour into a margarita glass or one of those really cool plastic cups that change color when they’re cold.  Add some whipped cream and a Maraschino on top and serve with a curly straw for best effect.

If you’re looking for some more fun cocktail-related videos, check out the 30-Second Bartender channel on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/30secondbartender.  And, don’t forget to give me a “like” on Facebook.  More recipes are available at www.30-SecondBartender.com!

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