Drink with alcoholic and NA versions for a ladies-night-in?

February 14, 2012 8:08 AM

In need of a party drink recipe.

On Saturday I'm having 12-15 ladies to my home for a get-together. We have decided we need a signature drink. It should have alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions (i'm willing to make the NA and let everyone spike their own, or make two different pitchers). It should be makable in advance, and can be kept in the fridge if necessary. Ideally, it should not required a lot of ice. Thoughts?

posted by dpx.mfx to food & drink (10 answers total)

Bellinis! Peach Nectar and Champagne/Prosecco. Can be made non-alcoholic with Ginger Ale or Tonic.
posted by grateful at 8:11 AM on February 14, 2012 [1 favorite]

Or Mimosas! (chilled orange juice + champagne = very elegant and tasty).
posted by leigh1 at 8:20 AM on February 14, 2012

And mimosa flowers are in season right now.
posted by leigh1 at 8:22 AM on February 14, 2012

We made these for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit.
posted by white_devil at 8:23 AM on February 14, 2012

Or punch / sangria.
posted by leigh1 at 8:31 AM on February 14, 2012

Elderflower syrup, lemon juice, rose syrup, soda water (+ vodka or gin)
posted by rmless at 8:46 AM on February 14, 2012

Mojitos! Seriously, one of the best drinks, and the non-rum version is a really refreshing drink!

If you want to add a little panache, get some freshly squeezed orange juice and add a splash to each one...especially for the non-alcoholic version, it's a great add.

Also: make a little simple syrup in lieu of the sugar...basically the same properties, but it mixes better.
posted by Rodrigo Lamaitre at 8:46 AM on February 14, 2012

Rum Punch.

Great recipes from a recent NPR show.

I made the "'Bombay Government Punch" from the recipe at the bottom there for New Year's. Cut the Rum back by 1/2 a bottle and added more black tea and lime since we were mixing a variety of cocktails that night, too.

To prepare, first stir 2 cups of Demerara or Turbinado sugar in 1 cup water over a low flame until the sugar has dissolved (about 5 minutes). Let this cool. Then squeeze 12 limes and combine the juice in a large bowl with 12 oz of the Demerara sugar syrup and stir. Add 2 750-ml bottles of fragrant, Navy-style rum or 1 bottle of rum and 1 750-ml bottle of VSOP-grade cognac and top off with 2 quarts water or, for a more stimulating concoction, cold black or green tea (use 2 1/2 tablespoons loose tea or 8 tea-bags). Stir again and refrigerate. Half an hour before serving, add a large block of ice (this can be made by freezing 2 quarts of water in a bowl overnight), taste and adjust for sweetness, if necessary, with the additional syrup. Grate nutmeg over the top. Serves 20, or 10 journalists.

Prior to NYE, I made a half batch at full strength using Pusser's Rum (classic Navy Rum), but at ~$20-25 a bottle, it's a little much for a bowl of punch. On NYE, we used Plantation Rum, which is a couple of bucks cheaper, and it was still a treat.

The tea+lime juice+simple syrup concoction is tasty on its own, but also could be punched up (heh) with some fizz or ginger ale.
posted by notyou at 5:17 PM on February 14, 2012

Hypnotique, vodka, mango or passionfruit juice, and Sprite. For the non alcoholic version just the juice, plus Sprite and maybe some mango sorbet.
posted by Rapunzel1111 at 6:06 PM on February 14, 2012

We make a modified mojito - muddled strawberries and mint, with rum and soda. Amazingly delicious.
posted by tatiana131 at 9:56 PM on February 14, 2012