#virgin drinks

Mango Delight (Non-Alcoholic)

It's unusual to have a mango around just to make a smoothie with--and a non-alcoholic one at that. But I made an exception for this drink. And I was really pleased how nice it was, even with no added sugar or coloring. This is basically a slushie made with lime juice, mango and strawberries. All-natural goodness that's perfect for a high-vitamin snack.

Apple Frazzle (Non-Alcoholic)

This is a pretty sweet apple mocktail that finds balance with lemon juice. You hardly notice the lemon, though. It's a bit like an apple soda when you get down to it. For mocktail newbies, this one is easy to make with readily available ingredients. You can even order it at most bars.

4 oz. apple juice

1 tsp. sugar syrup

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

sparkling water

Iced Tea (Non-Alcoholic)

Aah! What a lovely sight. This isn't an alcoholic cocktail, but it is still craveworthy. Consider a finely crafted Iced Tea as a luxury. If you haven't tried it, you really should--it will make a convert out of you.

What most people overlook with iced tea is that quality tea makes a difference. The assumption that poor quality tea should be used for icing is as misinformed as making iced instant coffee. With all the cold brew coffee going on out there in coffee houses and farmer's markets, you can bet that teas of this nature are soon to arise.

The trick is to use a loose leaf GTFOP (like brandy, the more letters denotes higher quality in tea). I'm partial to golden Yunan variety because of the maltiness and herbal notes. It doesn't get bitter when it is chilled, so I don't add sugar. Smack that mint garnish and you'll be sniffing it while you sip.

2 tsp. GTFOP loose leaf tea

6. oz. water

sugar to taste

mint sprig

lemon slice

Salty Puppy (Non-Alcoholic)

This is the virgin version of the Salty Dog with grapefruit, salt and vodka. Just leave out the vodka and add a little sugar to that salt rim and you have a refreshing grapefruit cocktail that looks like the real deal when you are drinking it at a bar. And that is the whole point of mocktails, isn't it? Getting something that looks and feels like an alcoholic beverage when you can't have alcohol, whether you are the designated driver, underage, or just trying to be healthy.

grapefruit juice (fresh squeezed is a real treat)

salt

sugar

grapefruit slice (lime wedge if you don't have fresh grapefruit)

Sangrita Seca (Non-Alcoholic)

Sangrita is a Mexican juice mix that is supposed to be tart and spicy. It is typically taken with tequila, but the juice mix itself is great for sipping. This recipe makes a whole pitcher.

16 oz. tomato juice

8 oz. orange juice

3 oz. lime juice

1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped fine

1/2 oz. Tabasco sauce

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. white pepper

celery salt to taste