Hosting a Holiday Party? Keep Your Guests Safe This Season

Here are some tips to keep your guests safe and prevent impaired driving:

Before the Party:

• Plan Ahead: Let your guests know you’re committed to their safety. Encourage them to designate a driver, plan for a taxi or rideshare, or arrange for overnight stays.
• Offer Alternatives: Provide plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and festive mocktails. Guests who aren’t driving might appreciate a delicious alternative.
• Serve Food: A hearty spread of food helps to slow down alcohol absorption and keeps guests satisfied.

During the Party:

• Monitor Consumption: Keep an eye on how much your guests are drinking. Offer water and snacks throughout the evening.
• Stop Serving: Cut off alcohol service an hour or two before the party ends. Switch to coffee, tea, and dessert.
• Be Observant: Watch for signs of intoxication. If someone seems impaired, discreetly offer to help them arrange a safe ride home.

If a Guest is Impaired:

• Take Action: Don’t let an impaired guest get behind the wheel. It’s your responsibility to intervene.
• Offer Options: Call a taxi or rideshare, arrange for a friend or family member to pick them up, or offer them a place to stay.
• Be Firm: If necessary, take their keys. It’s better to have an unhappy guest than to risk a tragedy.

Remember:

• It’s the Law: Allowing an impaired guest to drive is illegal and could have devastating consequences.
• Lead by Example: Be a responsible host. Don’t drink and drive, and encourage your guests to do the same.
• Have Fun: The holidays are a time for joy and celebration. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

Let’s work together to keep our roads safe this holiday season.

Festive and Alcohol-Free: Delicious Drinks for Your Holiday Gatherings

The holidays are a time for celebration, and while many enjoy festive cocktails, it’s important to offer a variety of delicious alcohol-free options for your guests. Whether they’re designated drivers, prefer to abstain, or simply want a break from alcohol, these festive mocktails will delight everyone at your gathering.

1. Cranberry Ginger Fizz

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/2 cup ginger ale
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish

• Instructions:

  1. Combine cranberry juice, ginger ale, and lime juice in a pitcher.
  2. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Serve in glasses filled with ice and garnish with cranberries and rosemary.

2. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • Pomegranate arils and orange slices for garnish

• Instructions:

  1. In a large punch bowl, combine pomegranate juice, sparkling water, orange juice, and lemon juice.
  2. Add ice and stir gently.
  3. Garnish with pomegranate arils and orange slices.

3. Winter Spiced Apple Cider

• Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves, and nutmeg.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Strain the cider and serve warm in mugs.

4. Rosemary Grapefruit Mocktail

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water
  • 2 tablespoons rosemary simple syrup (see instructions below)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs and grapefruit slices for garnish

• Instructions:

  1. Rosemary Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 4 sprigs of rosemary in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain and store in the refrigerator.
  2. Combine grapefruit juice, sparkling water, and rosemary simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
  3. Shake well and strain into glasses filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and grapefruit slices.

These festive and flavorful mocktails are perfect for holiday gatherings and offer delicious alternatives to alcoholic beverages. Your guests will appreciate the variety and the effort you’ve made to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.

Plan ahead, be responsible, and make sure everyone gets home safely.