When the holidays approach, everyone gears up for holiday parties. For those undergoing cancer treatments, it is a good idea to limit alcohol consumption. Whether you are a survivor, in treatment, attending the party, or a friend or caregiver hosting the party, these holiday “mocktails” are sure to make great additions to the drink menu this holiday season.
Holiday Shirley Temple
Who can resist a Shirley Temple? This “mocktail” delivers the traditional Shirley Temple flavor with a stunning layered presentation. The key is pouring the grenadine in last, after you’ve combined the Sprite and orange juice in the glass. It sinks to the bottom due to the denser sugar content, and the result is a showstopper!
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3/4 cup Sprite or 7-Up
- 2 Tbsp. grenadine
- 1 maraschino cherry
In a tall glass, combine orange juice and Sprite. Pour grenadine in and let it sink to the bottom. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a straw for stirring.
Red, White, & Green Delight
This drink is all about the festive layers. It works because the beverage with the highest sugar content is at the bottom and the one with no sugar is at the top. Use plenty of ice and pour the last layer slowly to keep it from mixing. Note that there are two flavors of Gatorade that are green – go for the darker green, not the lime green.
- Ice
- 3 ounces green Gatorade (not sugar-free)
- 3 ounces grenadine
- 3 ounces diet 7-Up or Sprite (must be sugar-free, so diet only)
Fill glass 3/4 full with ice cubes. Add green Gatorade. Add grenadine and wait until it sinks to the bottom. Slowly pour diet Sprite to cover the remaining ice.
Apple Cider-Tini
Whether shaken or stirred, this “mock-tini” is perfect for a more formal holiday party. Chill the glasses prior to mixing for added sophistication.
- 1/2 cup chilled apple cider
- 1/4 cup chilled orange juice
- Splash of pomegranate juice
- Cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Pour the three ingredients into a martini glass, stir, and add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Recipe from student interns at PearlPoint Cancer Support.
