sorry for the blurry photo… obviously I should have had a few of these instead. 🙂
When you host a party, you want to make sure there are plenty of enticing options for the non-drinkers and the drivers. The worst thing you can do is over-serve your friends and put them at risk. So, to encourage an occasional break, make the non-alcoholic options just as fun as the potent ones. My recent go-to is to make a vat of fresh virgin mojitos. They are a nice palate cleanser any time of year, and especially refreshing in warmer months.
Virgin Mojito Recipe for one (10-ounce glass):
2 bar spoons of brown sugar
1/2 of one lime, cut to 1″ pieces
6-10 sprigs of mint
2 oz of apple juice
4 oz of lime LaCroix water (or any carbonated lime water you like)
Makes one serving.
Directions (same for both):
Muddle together sugar, lime and mint. Be sure to tear the mint leaves, then roll them between your hands as you drop it into the glass. This helps release the oils. When the lime pieces are all (or mostly) squished and the sugar is dissolved into the fresh lime juice, add the apple juice and water and stir. You can garnish with another sprig of mint or piece of lime if you like, then serve.
Bulk Virgin Mojito or Mojito Mocktail Recipe (for 20 people):
1 cup brown sugar
10 small – medium limes, cut into 1″ pieces
1 medium bunch of mint (about 100 sprigs, less if they have lots of big leaves, more if the leaves are small or sparse)
5 cups apple juice
10 cans lime LaCroix water
Directions are the same as above. Makes 20 servings.
And, if you wanted to try the full-strength version, just sub half of the apple juice for rum.
Do you have a favorite mocktail you like to serve? Share it with us in the comments below!
