HOLIDAY MERRY-MAKING AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION just seem to go hand-in-hand. Some might even go so far as to suggest that a holiday party that doesn’t feature alcohol isn’t really a party at all. (How else can you be expected to enjoy yourself around all those irksome relatives or coworkers?)
On the other hand, alcohol has a funny way of turning a pleasant, congenial holiday get-together into an awkward, contentious, or even tragic event—especially when it’s consumed to excess. So, why not shift the focus of your holiday party away from alcohol? Better yet, why not leave alcohol out of the party equation altogether?
Here are five good reasons to consider banning the booze this year:
1) You want everyone to get home in one piece
As host, the last thing you want to happen is for a family member, friend, or coworker to become a DUI statistic on the way home from your party. Nor would you want anyone else on the road to be harmed by a guest who became intoxicated on the alcohol you provided. Winter driving conditions are hazardous enough in Northwest Ohio without the additional risk factor of alcohol consumption.
2) You’re entertaining a diverse group
If people with diverse backgrounds, value systems, or religious beliefs will be attending your party, the presence of alcohol could make for some awkward situations. There’s even the potential that serving alcohol could throw a guest who is recovering from alcohol addiction off his or her stride. If you aren’t confident that all your guests will be comfortable in a setting where alcohol is present, it might be best to avoid serving it.
3) You want to set a good example
As every parent knows, kids tend to do as we do, not as we say. If they perceive that adults view alcohol as a party necessity, they’ll be more likely to adopt that same philosophy. Of course, not every child who observes adults consuming alcohol at a holiday party is destined for alcohol abuse, but it’s healthy for kids to learn by example that it’s okay to party without drinking.
4) Alcohol brings out the worst in some people
Everyone has that friend, family member, or coworker who is difficult to deal with under ordinary circumstances but becomes downright boorish after tipping back a few too many. Remember, there’s a good reason that alcohol is sometimes referred to as “loudmouth soup.” Alcohol has the tendency to lower inhibitions, potentially leading to more vociferous opinion sharing, heated disagreement, and generally inappropriate behavior.
5) You want to be sharp the next day
The holiday season is more akin to a marathon than a sprint, and making it through all those gatherings and obligations takes stamina. Remember, if you celebrate Christmas and have young children, you’ll likely be up late into the night on Christmas Eve putting Santa’s gifts under the tree and then have to drag yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn to watch the kids open them. The last thing you want to do is face that situation with a hangover. However, just because you’re banishing booze from your party doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some festive beverages.
DELICIOUS NON-ALCOHOLIC HOLIDAY DRINKS
Holly jolly holiday punch
1 can frozen orange juice
1 can frozen pink lemonade
1 can frozen limeade
1 can pineapple slices in juice
2 2-liter bottles of ginger ale
Completely thaw frozen juices and mix in a punch bowl. Add pineapple slices and juice from can and mix lightly. Add ginger ale.
Mulled cider
2 quarts apple cider
6 cups cranberry juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp. cloves
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat to a simmer. Allow ingredients to simmer for 15 minutes, but not more than 20 minutes. Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.
Grog-free eggnog
6 large eggs, plus 2 yolks
1/2 cup, plus 2 Tbs. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
4 cups whole milk
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. grated nutmeg
1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
Additional grated nutmeg for garnish
Combine eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a heavy 4-quart pan, whisking until well-combined. Continue whisking while pouring milk in a slow, steady stream until completely incorporated. Place pan on burner adjusted to lowest temperature setting. Stir mixture continuously until it reaches a temperature of 160 degrees F and the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This process may take 45 minutes to an hour.
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl to remove any small pieces of cooked egg. Add vanilla extract and nutmeg, stirring to combine. Pour mixture into a glass pitcher or other glass container and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate egg/custard mixture for at least 4 hours before serving.
When ready to serve, pour heavy cream into a bowl and whip until it forms soft peaks. Fold whipped cream into custard mixture until combined.
Serve in chilled cups, and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Makes 12 to 16 servings.
