By Laura Garcia, program specialist with Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)

 

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Back in the States, mocktail bars are growing in popularity for good reason. Patrons can have a great time with friends — drinking refreshing, healthy beverages — while avoiding some of the perils of drinking alcohol. Trading in a cocktail for a mocktail allows people to sip and relax, and not worry about a DUI, an accident or a hangover. While mocktail bars are less popular in Bavaria, there is nothing stopping you from making them at home. Here are a few recipes for you to try:

 

SPICY AND BLOODY DILL-ICIOUS

Ingredients

• 2 small (or one medium) tomatoes, seeded 
• 5 ½ ounces vegetable juice, no salt added 
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice
• Dash of hot sauce
• 2 dill pickle spears, optional for garnish

1. Strain the tomatoes of their seeds, and reserve the juice.
2. In a blender combine all ingredients, except the pickle spears.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Serve over ice, if desired.
5. Garnish with pickle spears.

 

MANGO MARGARITAS

Ingredients

• 20 ounces frozen mango chunks
• One 12-ounce can frozen limeade
• 2-3 cups water, depending on consistency
• Lime slices
• Sugar or salt for rim

1. Blend mango chunks, limeade and water until smooth.
2. Rub lime wedge along rim of glass.
3. Dip rim in either sugar, or salt.

 

MOJITO MOCKTAIL

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 lime wedges
• 1 cup sparkling water
• Ice

1. In a large glass, combine the mint with sugar and lime wedges.  
2. Using a large spoon, crush the lime and mint. 
3. Mix together until sugar dissolves.
4. Add sparkling water and ice.  

 

Remember that if the idea is to enjoy time with your friends and family, then you can do so without alcohol. Next week, this campaign will provide ideas to help moderate your drinking, while still having a safe and sober summer. In the meantime, try your hand at some of the non-alcoholic beverage ideas here. Or better yet, try to create your own.

 

The 2020 Summer Sense Campaign runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. So every Wednesday, listen for ASAP’s broadcast segment on AFN Bavaria. Then return to this article for the discussed recipes, quizzes and more.

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