If you are throwing a party but want to be sure that all your guests feel included, you might want to consider hosting a party that includes non-alcoholic options in addition to alcohol. Believe it or not, everyone doesn’t drink alcohol and people have different reasons for saying no to alcohol. Perhaps they are early in a pregnancy, a designated driver, dieting, have an early morning, or simply don’t feel like having some of those nasty side effects the next day, whatever their reason for not drinking alcohol it’s important to make sure they feel included at your event, and that they have plenty of drink options. Luckily, having non-alcoholic options available is easier than you think! You can serve your guests drinks that are not made with alcohol, and you can also provide non-alcoholic versions of drinks that normally contain alcohol. Just make sure your drinks are tasty, and don’t worry too much about the alcohol content. Some of the best non-alcoholic drinks are cocktail mixes, which are often healthier than alcohol. Your guests will still have a great time without getting drunk, and everyone will feel included. Here are some tips to make sure that your next event is inclusive and fun for everyone, regardless of what's in their glass!
Tip 1: Offer an equal number and quality of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options. This makes sure that anyone who isn't drinking alcohol also has plenty of delicious options. A lot of times the non-alcoholic options are limited to sodas and waters. Well for an adult those options aren’t much fun and if you’re offering something fun, everyone will want one! You’re in luck though, now there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available and you can find fun cocktail recipes of some of your favorite alcoholic drinks in non-alcoholic versions. Check out our blog for some fun recipes or if you want to keep it simple offer non-alcoholic beers and ready to drink options, guests can just pour, sip, and enjoy!
Tip 2: Present both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options together and prominently. It eases the stress for someone who isn’t drinking alcohol to be able to see what’s available at the bar or drink area instead of having to go in search for the non-alcoholic options. It also doesn’t call anyone out for not drinking alcohol by sending them off to a different area.
Tip 3: Make guests aware that you will have non-alcoholic drinks available. It’s important for your guests to know that you have made an effort to make them feel included to ensure everyone at your event has a good time. It also makes guests who don’t want to drink alcohol feel less stress about attending, they know they will have delicious options but also less pressure to drink alcohol.
Tip 4: Don’t push and don’t make it a big deal. If someone turns down an alcoholic drink don’t insist on asking why they are not drinking. Chances are if someone is not drinking, they have a good reason and frankly it’s none of anyone’s business. Let them know you have non-alcoholic options and cheers to that!
Tip 5: Focus your party on having a good time with or without the alcohol. Have some good music, games, or conversation starters to get things going so guests aren’t focused on the alcohol. Set an ambience that allows people to be present and enjoy the moment.
If you have plenty of options available for those who want to indulge in alcohol and those who don’t, then all you have to do is respect their decision and let them enjoy the party. There are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks you can offer and tasty non-alcoholic cocktails you can make. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out some of these recipes below perfect for any gathering!
Check out these yummy and fun recipes to try!
Livener Guava Margarita
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Ingredients:
2oz Livener
.75oz fresh lime juice
3oz guava juice
Habanero Tajin
Fresh guava slice
Recipe:
Pour Three Spirit Livener, lime juice, and guava juice into a cocktail shaker or jam jar. Add lots of cubed ice and shake hard. Double strain into a chilled classic coupe glass that has been pre-rimmed with Habanero Tajin, and garnish with a fresh slice of guava.
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Lyre's Jungle Bird
Ingredients:
1oz Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit
1.5oz Lyre’s Italian Orange
.5oz lime juice
.25oz white sugar syrup (1:1)
1.5oz pineapple juice
Recipe:
Rapid shake with ice. Strain, fill glass with fresh cubed ice. Old fashioned. Garnish with lemon wedge, cherry, plump mint sprig.
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Wilde Optimist
Ingredients:
2 oz Optimist Smokey
½ oz Muddle & Wilde Habanero-Grapefruit-Salt Syrup
1 oz grapefruit juice
½ oz lime juice
Recipe:
Rim a glass with salt and fill with ice. Shake ingredients with ice and strain into glass. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig.
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Watermelon Rum Smash
Ingredients:
1 oz. Ritual Rum Alternative
2 oz. fresh watermelon juice (to make fresh, blend diced fresh watermelon)
1/2 oz. lime juice
3-4 mint leaves
Sparkling water (to top)
Recipe:
Muddle mint, watermelon and lime juice in a shaker. Strain into a glass with ice. Add Rum Alternative. Top with sparkling water.