Designated drivers are the unsung heroes of a night out. While everyone else is indulging in their favorite drinks, the DD is left to sip on water or soda – but it doesn’t have to be that way. In recent years, more and more bars and restaurants have been offering creative and delicious non-alcoholic options. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best non-alcoholic drinks to order when you’re the DD.
As a designated driver, it’s important to avoid alcoholic drinks while still enjoying a night out. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose a satisfying non-alcoholic beverage. In this article, we’ll explore some great choices for non-alcoholic drinks that you can order when you’re the designated driver. These options are not only delicious but also provide a refreshing alternative to alcoholic beverages.
What Makes a Great Non-Alcoholic Drink?
Before we dive into specific drink recommendations, let’s first discuss what makes a great non-alcoholic drink. The key is to find a drink that’s complex, interesting, and satisfying, without relying on alcohol. Some important factors to consider include:
Flavor Profile
A good non-alcoholic drink should have a well-rounded flavor profile. It should be sweet, sour, or bitter enough to be interesting, but not so much that it overwhelms the palate.
Complexity
The best non-alcoholic drinks have multiple layers of flavor that work together. Some use fruit juices or syrups, while others incorporate herbs, spices, or bitters.
Presentation
Presentation matters, even when it comes to non-alcoholic drinks. A well-crafted mocktail can be just as visually appealing as a cocktail, with intricate garnishes, colorful ingredients, and unique glassware.
With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best non-alcoholic drinks to order when you’re the DD.
Mocktail Recommendations
A great non-alcoholic drink should have a well-rounded flavor profile, multiple layers of flavor that work together, and attractive presentation. Some delicious mocktails to try include the classic Shirley Temple, the refreshing Virgin Mojito, the tropical Pineapple Coconut Mocktail, the savory Cucumber Collins, and the sour and salty Virgin Margarita. Tips for confidently ordering non-alcoholic drinks include being specific about the flavors and ingredients, asking for recommendations, customizing to your liking, and considering the glassware. If you want to make mocktails at home, try recipes like Sparkling Lemonade, Cucumber Mint Cooler, and Strawberry Basil Lemonade.
1. Shirley Temple
The Shirley Temple is a classic non-alcoholic drink that’s been around since the 1930s. It’s made with ginger ale, grenadine, and a splash of orange juice, and is typically garnished with a maraschino cherry. It’s sweet, refreshing, and has a beautiful pink hue.
2. Virgin Mojito
If you’re a fan of minty drinks, the virgin mojito is an excellent choice. It’s made with muddled fresh mint, lime juice, simple syrup, and soda water, and is garnished with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge. It’s tart, refreshing, and perfect for a hot summer day.
3. Pineapple Coconut Mocktail
For a tropical twist, try a pineapple coconut mocktail. It’s made with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and a splash of soda water, and is garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfect for sipping by the pool.
4. Cucumber Collins
If you’re looking for something more savory, the cucumber Collins is a great choice. It’s made with muddled cucumber, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, and is garnished with a cucumber slice and a sprig of rosemary. It’s refreshing, complex, and perfect for those who prefer savory over sweet.
5. Virgin Margarita
If you love the sour and salty flavors of a margarita, the virgin version is an excellent choice. It’s made with lime juice, simple syrup, and a salt rim, and can be served frozen or on the rocks. It’s tart, sweet, and perfect for pairing with Mexican food.
Tips for Ordering Non-Alcoholic Drinks
If you’re the designated driver or just trying to cut back on your alcohol intake, ordering a non-alcoholic drink can be a bit intimidating. Here are some tips to help you confidently order a mocktail:
A great non-alcoholic drink should have a well-rounded flavor profile, multiple layers of flavor, and a visually appealing presentation. Some great non-alcoholic drinks to order when you’re the DD include the classic Shirley Temple, refreshing Virgin Mojito, creamy Pineapple Coconut Mocktail, savory Cucumber Collins, and tart Virgin Margarita. When ordering non-alcoholic drinks, be specific, ask for recommendations, don’t be afraid to customize, and consider the glassware. You can also try making Sparkling Lemonade, Cucumber Mint Cooler, and Strawberry Basil Lemonade at home.
Be Specific
When ordering a non-alcoholic drink, don’t just ask for “something without alcohol.” Be specific about the flavors and ingredients you’re looking for. For example, “I’m in the mood for something sweet and fruity, maybe with pineapple or strawberry.”
Ask for Recommendations
Don’t be afraid to ask your server or bartender for recommendations. They’re often well-versed in their establishment’s non-alcoholic offerings and can recommend a drink that suits your tastes.
Don’t Be Afraid to Customize
Many mocktails can be customized to your liking. If a drink is too sweet, ask for less syrup. If you prefer a little more tartness, ask for an extra squeeze of lemon or lime.
Consider the Glassware
The glassware can make a big difference in how a non-alcoholic drink is presented and enjoyed. Ask for a unique or fancy glass, or even a straw with a fun design.
Mocktail Recipes to Make at Home
If you’re looking to experiment with non-alcoholic drinks at home, here are some simple mocktail recipes to try:
Sparkling Lemonade
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– Sparkling water
– Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
3. To serve, fill a glass with ice, add 1/4 cup of the lemon syrup, and top off with sparkling water.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy!
Cucumber Mint Cooler
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- Soda water
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Cucumber slices and mint sprigs for garnish
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In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber and mint leaves until well crushed.
- Add the lime juice and honey, and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top off with soda water.
- Garnish with cucumber slices and mint sprigs.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
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Lemon slices and basil leaves for garnish
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In a blender, combine the strawberries, basil leaves, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.
- To serve, fill a glass with ice, add 1/4 cup of the strawberry mixture, and top off with soda water.
- Garnish with lemon slices and basil leaves.
FAQs for Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Order When You’re the DD
What are some recommended non-alcoholic drinks to order when you’re the designated driver?
There are many delicious and satisfying non-alcoholic drinks that you can order when you’re the designated driver. Some popular options include virgin cocktails, such as a Margarita or a Cosmopolitan, that are made without alcohol. You can also try ordering some refreshing mocktails, which are specially designed non-alcoholic drinks that are often more flavorful and creative than simple sodas or juices. Another great option is to order a flavored sparkling water, which can provide the fizzy sensation of alcohol without the actual alcohol content.
How can I order non-alcoholic drinks discreetly?
If you’re worried about drawing attention to the fact that you’re the designated driver, there are a few tricks you can use to order non-alcoholic drinks discreetly. You can simply order the drink without mentioning that it’s non-alcoholic, or you can ask the bartender to make you a mocktail that looks like a regular cocktail. Another option is to ask for your drink to be served in a special glass, such as a wine glass or a cocktail glass, which can help you blend in with the other drinkers at the bar.
Are there any health considerations to keep in mind when it comes to non-alcoholic drinks?
While non-alcoholic drinks are generally healthier than alcoholic beverages, there are still some health considerations to keep in mind. Some mocktails and virgin cocktails may be high in sugar, so you should be mindful of your overall sugar intake if you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, some sparkling waters and soft drinks may be high in sodium, which can contribute to health problems if consumed in excess. As always, it’s important to consume alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages in moderation.
How can I make sure that my non-alcoholic drink is safe?
If you’re concerned about the safety of your non-alcoholic drink, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself. First, make sure that you’re ordering from a reputable establishment and that the bartender or server appears to be knowledgeable and attentive. You can also ask to watch your drink being made, or request that it be served with a twist of lemon or lime to indicate that it hasn’t been tampered with. Finally, if you notice any unusual tastes or smells in your drink, don’t hesitate to ask for a replacement or to simply avoid drinking it altogether.