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Hey, Reader!

I recently heard from a reader who reached out with a great question. She doesn't drink, but her friends and family do. When she hosts, she wants to have something that works as both a mocktail and a cocktail.

Honestly, that's a great approach for entertaining. There are plenty of recipes that can transform with one or two easy additions, and it saves you so much prep time only having to make one big batch.

If you're hosting anytime soon, here are a few recipes that need to be on your radar:

virgin sangria

This one is a little more work up-front because you're making two sangrias, one with wine and one with juice — and a lot of cut fruit. Once you've made your batches, simply set them out and enjoy. Use the same fruits (cut them up all at once), then make a non-alcoholic batch and a traditional sangria and label them accordingly.

arnold palmer

The Arnold Palmer is maybe one of my favorite drinks to serve at a party and it doesn't get the attention it deserves! Setting it up bar-style, with different flavors of lemonade and iced tea, alongside vodka or other booze, is a fun way to let guests build their perfect drink.

pear cider

I love the coziness that cider brings to cooler fall days! Keeping a batch warm on the stove or slow cooker makes it easy to serve whenever someone wants a cup — have a bottle of whiskey or spiced rum on-hand for those that prefer it in cocktail form. It works with hot apple cider too, but I love this pear cider because it's a little unexpected.

homemade margarita mix

Homemade margarita mix is simple, tart and delicious! You can enjoy it with a splash of zero-proof tequila or make it into a traditional margarita with tequila. A margarita bar lets everyone craft their perfect drink.

homemade bloody mary mix

Bold and savory, the Bloody Mary is a brunch staple with vodka. Since it is packed with so many flavors, you won't even miss the alcohol if you sip the mix as-is! You can also throw in a little olive or pickle brine or even a zero-proof spirit for extra flavor layers.

When in doubt, you can't go wrong with a drink station. You set it up once, then everyone can craft a drink and decide how they want to take it.

Cheers!
​Susannah