This semester I’ve been taking a Food Service class and learning more of the ins and outs of working in an industrial kitchen. As one of our projects we had to design a nutritional intervention for an at-risk group and create an instructional video. Since we’re about to enter the holiday season, I thought a non-alcoholic cocktail option would be a useful option. The US Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that if you chose to drink you should do so in moderation, which means up to one drink a day for women and two or fewer drinks per day for men. 
Alcohol has 7 calories per gram, as opposed to the 4 calories per gram provided by protein and carbohydrates, and the 9 calories per gram provided by fat. But unlike macronutrients, alcohol doesn’t provide any nutritional value.
One way to cut down on unnecessary calories is by reducing your alcohol consumption. However, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a fun beverage just because you’re abstaining. So whether you’re cutting back on calories, or not drinking for personal, religious, health, or other reasons, you can still enjoy these fun mocktails.
Grapefruit Lime Spritzer
Serves 4
Adapted from How Sweet Eats
- 12 oz Fresca
- 3 oz lime juice
- 6 oz grapefruit juice
- 8 oz club soda
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
In a large pitcher combine, Fresca, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and club soda. Combine the sugar and salt on a plate, mixing well. Rub wedge of lime or grapefruit around the rim of each glass, then rim the glasses with sugar-salt mixture. Pour and serve immediately.
Pineapple Coconut Mocktail
Serves 4
Adapted from Smitten Kitchen
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 8 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz lime juice
- 6 oz coconut milk
- 2 Tbsp honey
- club soda
In a pitcher, muddle the mint, then add pineapple juice, lime juice, coconut milk and honey. Pour mixture over ice, then top with club soda. Serve immediately.
