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How To Have A Safe & Successful Summer

Summer season is here! There are lots of summertime events going on, from parties, to cookouts, to vacations with family and friends. There’s an increased focus on drinking, even during the daytime. We want to equip you with some tips and tricks for having a fun and safe summer season, wherever you are.


  1. Have a support system. We know people are going to want to go drinking, so our first tip is make sure you are not using alone. Make sure to have a friend or friends with you. Having a supportive friend by your side, can be a great way to feel more relaxed and prepared to enjoy yourself. Another great way to be prepared is to make sure you're bringing a Naloxone or Narcan kit with you.
  2. Mocktails, mocktails, mocktails! You don’t need alcohol to make a great drink. A great alternative to alcohol are mocktails. Mocktails can be just as exciting and creative as cocktails. We've gathered below some recipes and ideas for fun summer drinks! Check them out for some inspiration.
  3. Don't drink on an empty stomach. Eat & drink water before going into a drinking environment. Drink 16 oz. of water for every 12 oz. beer, or for every 4-6 oz. of liquor.
  4. Shift the focus away from drinking. A great way to take the focus off of drinking is to make the celebration more about activities than alcohol. We've gathered some suggestions below:
  • Volunteer – Find something you’re passionate about and give back! Something great to do by yourself, or with a friend or family member.
  • Create/Join a Book Club
  • Get Creative and Learn a New Skill – It’s never too late to learn a new skill! Get creative and find something in your area.
  • Host a BBQ/party - Include alcohol-free drink options - like a fun mocktail or a non-alcoholic beer
  • Check out your local parks and trails – Take advantage of the wonderful summer weather to go out and explore nature.
  • Go on a road trip – If hiking isn’t your thing, you can always head out on a road trip and explore nature by car.
  • Join a Recreational League – Exercise is a great summertime outdoor activity. Getting your body moving offers a natural mood and energy boost that everyone can benefit from.
  • Plant a Garden - Head over to your local plant nursery and let them help you plan out a vegetable/fruit garden.

Mocktail Ideas & Recipes

Virgin Margarita

Virgin Margarita

Ingredients:

  • Lime juice – Because it isn’t a margarita without lime juice!
  • Orange juice – A splash of orange juice helps tone down the tart lime and lemon juice, giving the drink a nice balance.
  • Lemon juice – Just a smidge.
  • Agave nectar – A little agave nectar or syrup, honey, or simple syrup to help round out all of the tart and zesty citrus flavors.
  • Sparkling water (or club soda)
  • Flaky salt and lime – For a salted rim.


HOW TO MAKE A NON-ALCOHOLIC MARGARITA:

  1. Salt the rim: Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it in a plate of salt. Fill it with ice.
  2. Shake it up: Add the citrus juices and agave nectar to a cocktail shaker. Shake or stir to combine.
  3. Pour and serve: Pour the virgin margarita into your salted glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with a lime wedge.


Virgin Margarita

Virgin Mojito

Ingredients:

  • 10-12 fresh small spearmint leaves
  • 1/2 lime, juice
  • 7 oz sprite zero or club soda
  • 1 tbsp sugar (or sugar substitute)
  • crushed ice


HOW TO MAKE A NON-ALCOHOLIC MOJITO:

  1. In a cool tall glass, muddle the mint, sugar and lime juice.
  2. Add crushed ice and soda and stir well.
  3. Garnish with a lime wedge and a few mint leaves.
  4. Serve with a straw.


Virgin Margarita

Virgin Bloody Mary

Ingredients:

  • Tomato juice
  • Lemon juice
  • Pickle juice or olive juice
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Horseradish
  • Hot sauce
  • Celery seed
  • Cayenne


HOW TO MAKE A NON-ALCOHOLIC BLOODY MARY:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a big pitcher.
  2. Add garnishes like celery stalks, olives, lemon or lime wedge.
  3. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.


Virgin Margarita

Virgin Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

  • 1 lime (1-2 tablespoons juice, fresh is best)
  • 1 tbsp simple syrup
  • 1/4 cup club soda
  • 3-4 mint leaves (torn, optional)
  • 3/4 cup Ginger Beer (non alcoholic)
  • crushed ice


HOW TO MAKE A NON-ALCOHOLIC MOSCOW MULE:

  • Pour juice from lime, simple syrup and club soda into your cup
  • Add mint leaves if desired.
  • Fill the cup about halfway with ice.
  • Pour about 3/4 of ginger beer over the ice. 
  • Garnish with mint leaves and a lime wedge.
Virgin Margarita

Virgin Sangria

Ingredients:

  • Fresh lemon slices
  • Fresh lime slices
  • Fresh orange slices
  • Cranberries
  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • 2 cups grape juice
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 4 cups sparkling water OR lemon-lime soda


HOW TO MAKE A NON-ALCOHOLIC SANGRIA:

  1. In a large pitcher, add the lemon slices, lime slices, orange slices, and cranberries. Add cranberry juice, grape juice, orange juice and lemon juice. Stir well.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Just before serving, add the sparkling mineral water or lemon-lime soda. Mix well.
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