{Non-Alcoholic} Holiday Drinks
I can't believe that Christmas Eve is in ONE WEEK! IS anyone ever ready in time?? Unfortunately, this year I have to work on Christmas Eve. I shouldn't be too sad though - at least I'll be out of the office in plenty of time to party with the fam all night!
This is the first year that I won't spend Christmas with my family. My husband and I will travel to his hometown here in Northern California to spend the weekend with his parents, 3 brothers, 3 sister-in-laws, 4 nieces, 3 1/2 nephews, and 1 dog. That just sounds like a party. I'm excited for all the new traditions I'll be a part of, and for the memories I'll make with them.
Luckily, Christmas isn't all about the presents or the decorations, the food or the music. It doesn't matter where you celebrate, or even if you celebrate on the 25th at all. They sum it up pretty well in A Charlie Brown Christmas:
Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about...Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights, please.
And then Linus goes on to quote the story from the Bible about the shepherds, the angels, and the beautiful star that led the way to baby Jesus.
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ, and it is a time to spend with those you love.
But of course, celebrating with your loved ones means lots and lots of parties. And parties equal food, and lots of it. Don't get me wrong - I love desserts and treats of any kind, but I'm a big sucker for the drinks. I thought I'd share some of my favorite holiday drinks (non-alcoholic of course) for you to try this holiday season.
A big thanks to my husband Cameron who helped me name these drinks. For some reason, drinking a sparkly liquid is more fun when it has a fun name.
Ok. On to my favorites:
"The Caesar Shuffle"
{Cranberry Raspberry Vanilla}3 cups 100% cranberry-raspberry juice
3 cups sparkling cranberry-flavored beverage (I just used ginger ale)
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 pt. raspberry sherbet
Garnish: whole cranberries
Stir together first 3 ingredients in a large punch bowl. Scoop sherbet into drink mixture. Serve immediately (before the sherbet melts!).
{Lemon-Lime Rosemary}
3 cups limeade
3 cups lemon-lime soft drink
1/2 pt. lime sherbet (or sorbet)
2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs
Garnishes: lemon and/or lime slices
Stir together first 2 ingredients in a large bowl. Add fresh rosemary sprigs. Scoop sherbet into punch and garnish with lemon and lime slices. Serve immediately.
{Blackberry Lime Mint}
3 cups blueberry-blackberry juice blend
1 (1-liter) bottle club soda, chilled
3 limes
1 (12-oz.) package frozen blackberries
Garnish: fresh mint leaves
Stir together blueberry-blackberry juice blend, club soda, sliced limes, and frozen blackberries. Serve over ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
**Note: This drink isn't as sweet as the others. Some people (like my brother-in-law) are really in to that. I, on the other hand, added a little bit of ginger ale to my drink and I liked it much better :)
{Cranberry}
3 cups cranberry juice
3 cups ginger ale
Garnish: whole cranberries
It's as easy as it sounds. Mix the first two ingredients together. Add whole cranberries and serve!
And there you have it. Which one will you try??
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