7-Eleven’s Free Delivery Helps Get You through the Holidays

by Jennifer SwartvagherDecember 17, 2020

The elves at 7-Eleven have been working overtime. The convenience stores are stocked up on anything and everything you need to fill those stockings to the brim this holiday season. Plus, the 7NOW delivery app offers store-to-door free contactless delivery through Jan. 3, 2021 with the code FREE4U.

Customers can easily purchase all types of gifts and goodies from tasty holiday treats, toys, electronics, gift cards, wine and more.

Here are just a few ways 7-Eleven stores can save the day or at least help shoppers check off a few things on their to-do lists:

Toys: Customers can pick up stocking stuffers for all ages: Mandalorian Funko POP, Hot Wheels, SpongeBob SquarePants Fun Plush, Monster Jam trucks and more.
Face Coverings: Prints include Santa, reindeer, gingerbread men, candy canes, lights, trees, dinosaurs!
Gift Cards: A selection of some of the most-wanted – Vanilla Visa, Amazon, Netflix, Apple App Store, Google Play, iTunes, gaming cards such as Xbox and PlayStation… and of course, 7-Eleven gift cards.
‘Batteries Not Included’ and Gadget-y Gift Solutions: Premium quality electronic accessories, sold under the 24/7 LIFE by 7-Eleven™ brand like Bluetooth headphones, wireless earbuds, charging pads and more. For those “batteries not included” toys and gadgets, 24/7 LIFE by 7-Eleven batteries are available in a variety of sizes at great values compared to national brands.
Holiday treats and sweets: Spruce up your holiday party with a wide assortment of holiday-inspired goodies, including:
- Seasonal Sandwich Cookies with pomegranate crème, candy cane crème and pecan pie crème flavored varieties.
- Holiday-inspired Mini Donuts in chocolate covered cherry and gingerbread flavors.
- Yogurt covered pretzels in sweet sugar plum sprinkle and the classic red, white and green.
- Limited edition trail mixes with flavors like butter rum toffee and sugar cookie.
- Fiery cinnamon bear candy for spice-lovers and other gummy varieties
- Candy Cane Cocoa, a hot, rich cocoa blended with cool peppermint flavor which can be topped with chocolate sauce

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: 7-Eleven

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Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Jelly Belly

by Jennifer SwartvagherDecember 14, 2020

After the year we’ve had many families are looking forward to seeing what 2021 has in store. While New Year’s Eve celebrations might look a little different this year, we can still celebrate the end of 2020 and welcome a new year in a fun and delicious way. Jelly Belly Candy has several non-alcoholic treats to serve at your celebration.

Champagne Jelly Beans

Packaged in a mini plastic champagne bottles for a festive touch, the Champagne Jelly Beans are a great themed treat for everyone’s champagne holiday. They have an iridescent finish giving them the “bubbly” touch.

Rosé Jelly Beans

Inspired by the trendy, pink sparking wine, Jelly Belly created deliciously dry yet sweet Rosé Jelly Beans. They have an iridescent finish that suggests the effervescence of a real sparkling wine and come in mini bottles.

Cocktail Classics

Inspired by the most elegant of shaken, stirred and poured cocktails, Jelly Belly bean mixologists blended the finest ingredients to transport you to the golden age of the cocktail. The Cocktail Classics includes five flavors: Mojito, Peach Bellini, Piña Colada, Pomegranate Cosmo and Strawberry Daiquiri.

Draft Beer Beans

Jelly Belly's Draft Beer Beans took the authentic taste of a freshly poured draft beer (without the alcohol!) and turned it into a gourmet jelly bean.

These non-alcoholic products are also a perfect way for those who are participating in Dry January to indulge with a yummy treat.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Jelly Belly

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Yankee Candle Gives Us Peek into Santa’s Workshop This Year

by Jennifer SwartvagherDecember 8, 2020

This holiday season is going to look different from years past. Yankee Candle is spreading the holiday magic by giving families a sneak peek into Santa Claus’ workshop via The Official Santa Cam. They are also offering a series of backgrounds for those virtually celebrating the holidays with loved ones.

Yankee Candle sent a magical candle to Santa Claus. This candle has a special power to connect everyone around the world to Santa Claus’ private office. This one candle will make you believe in the magic of Santa.

Families will have the opportunity to check-in on Santa by logging into TheOfficialSantaCam.com. Access to Santa’s virtual office is available this holiday season, around the clock, now through Dec. 24, when Mr. Claus heads out for work. The virtual Santa Cam will feature Santa’s routine at the North Pole including:

Santa will start his morning with a cup of cocoa and read through the North Pole News. As the day continues, Santa will look through his schedule, write at his desk, build toys, read letters, eat cookies, take naps and watch as Mrs. Claus delivers sweets.
During the prime hours of 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Santa will partake in extra activities including learning a TikTok dance, sketching a picture of Rudolph, painting toys, taking a Zoom call, among others.

Yankee Candle is also launching a series of virtual backgrounds for those celebrating the holidays virtually this year! Families can access the holiday inspired backgrounds on yankeecandle.com/inspiration starting on Dec. 9.

Don’t forget to check out Yankee Candle’s Magical Christmas Morning Holiday Scents.

Santa’s Cookies: A treat worthy of Santa’s attention: Freshly baked vanilla sugar cookies with a dash of spice.
Christmas Morning Punch: A spectacular blend of ruby-red pomegranate, strawberry, cranberry — a celebratory drink the whole family will love.
Holiday Hearth: A cozy gathering by the fireplace, all decked out with festive décor…warm, spicy, and sweet, like the magic of holiday traditions.
Singing Carols: A harmonious combination of fruit, evergreen, and spice notes that create an inspiring Christmas melody.
Happy Morning: Awaken to the delight of Christmas morning with a cheerful fragrance bursting with bright berries, evergreens, and a touch of caramel.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Yankee Candle

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Get in the Holiday Spirit with Candy Cane Hot Cocoa from 7-Eleven

by Jennifer SwartvagherDecember 3, 2020

You had us at candy cane! This holiday season head over to 7-Eleven for a warm cup of Candy Cane Hot Cocoa. The rich cocoa is blended with cool peppermint flavor and can be topped with chocolate sauce and International Delight Peppermint Mocha flavored creamer.

Candy Cane Cocoa isn’t the only gift 7-Eleven is giving customers this winter. For a limited time, participating stores are offering any size hot beverages for just 79 cents every day from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. through the 7Rewards loyalty program found in the 7-Eleven app. For a contactless checkout experience, customers can pay using 7-Eleven Wallet. To use, load funds into a 7Rewards account with cash at the register, or in-app with a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or a prepaid 7-Eleven gift card, and simply scan the 7Rewards barcode upon checkout.

“People look forward to the holidays and the seasonal treats that go with them,” said 7-Eleven proprietary beverages senior product director Jacob Barnes. “Hot cocoa and candy canes, each on their own, are traditional holiday favorites that evoke special memories and feelings. Bringing these two classic flavors together in our Candy Cane flavored Cocoa allows people to enjoy a special treat—a cup of ‘comfort and joy’—during this very non-traditional holiday season.”

Stores are also stocking up on lots of other limited-edition, 7-Select private label holiday treats that can only be found at 7-Eleven stores including:

Seasonal Sandwich Cookies with pomegranate crème, candy cane crème and pecan pie crème flavored varieties.
Holiday-inspired Mini Donuts in chocolate covered cherry and gingerbread flavors.
Your choice of two festive yogurt covered pretzel flavors in sweet sugar plum sprinkle and the classic red, white and green.
Limited edition trail mixes with flavors like butter rum toffee and sugar cookie.
Fiery cinnamon bear candy for spice-lovers and holiday flurry and snowman gummies for everyone else.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: 7-Eleven

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Whole Foods & Ayesha Curry Partner for a New Line of Meal Kits

by Erica LoopJuly 11, 2019

She’s a New York Times Bestselling author, TV host, chef and now Ayesha Curry is a Whole Foods meal kit creator too!

Curry recently teamed up with Whole Foods Market to curate a line of meal kits. The kits, which fall under Curry’s lifestyle brand Homemade, will feature fresh, local-to-the-customer ingredients provided by Local Crate.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry)

According to Yahoo! Finance, Curry said, “As a devout Whole Foods Market shopper, I’m thrilled to be partnering with Whole Foods Market and Local Crate to launch my new line of premium meal kits.” She also added, “I’m passionate about helping families get back around the dinner table and developed my meal kits for cooks of all skill levels to execute a delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love.”

Homemade Meal Kit options include Honey-Lime Chicken Breasts with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Garlic Kale, Pomegranate Chimichurri Steak with Spiced-Rubbed Roasted Parsnips and Carrots, Cheesy Baked Penne Primavera with Ricotta, Parmesan & Mozzarella and Warm Vegetable & Chickpea Coconut Curry Bowls with Basmati Rice.

Sadly, for right now the kits are only available at two Whole Foods Market locations in California—Harrison (Oakland) and Stevens Creek (Cupertino). But here’s to hoping that Whole Foods rolls out Curry’s kits across the country!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Ayesha Curry via Instagram

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Playing It Cool: Atlanta’s Best Froyo

by Phebe WahlMay 18, 2015

Nothing says summer like ice cream. But if you are looking for a healthier way to beat the heat—cold kick it with these sweet spots that offer lots of flavor, fresh fruits and less fat. Read on for four, fam-friendly froyo places that serve up the soft stuff.

The Yogurt Tap
This all-natural joint serves up flavors using fresh, fruit-packed with good stuff that is hard to pronounce (including live and active cultures like S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus and L. acidophilus). All of their yogurt selections are made in-house daily, and we love that you pay by the ounce and their tasty assortment of toppings. With no artificial flavors or dyes, this is froyo you can feel good feeding them.

Details: 419 Church St. Decatur, 404-373-6090, theyogurttap.com

Jujubees Italian Frozen Yogurt
Jujubees is a wonderful little locally owned frozen yogurt shop. They normally offer 4 standby flavors and one yummy rotating flavor. Orange mango is amazing. After you order, choose from their many fresh fruit toppings. For a unique twist, they add toppings and then put more yogurt on top.

Details: 4279 Roswell Rd., 404-303-0024, facebook.com/Jujubees

Yogurberry
Touted as one of the creamiest froyo’s in Atlanta, Yogurberry makes their frozen yogurt with organic, grassfed milk. They partner with a local farmer to bring the healthiest organic ingredients, serving up innovative flavors (like taro and pomegranate) plus other clever concoctions like Bubble Tea. Sip on the green smoothie (spinach or kale, orange, lime, apple, ginger, yogurt and cilantro) while the littles dive into the frozen yogurt banana split.

Details: 3281 Piedmont Rd., 678-487-7752, yogurberryatl.com

Fruttela
A perfect pit stop after an adventure in the Old Fourth Ward or on the belt line, Fruttela offers 50 different toppings and 10 flavors touted as “a more fruitful yogurt.” Their yogurt is made fresh every day with organic ingredients, fiber-full fruit pulp and probiotics. Ask for a sample and remember to try the red velvet and pumpkin spice flavors before you leave.

Details: 701 Highland Ave., 404-588-0117, lafruttela.com

Where is your favorite spot to score froyo in Atlanta? Tell us in the comments section below!

—Jessica Obenschain

Photos courtesy of The Yogurt Tap, JujuBees via Facebook, Donnie H. and Daniel B. via Yelp

‘The Best Thing I Ever Ate,’ Seattle Kids Edition

by Allison SutcliffeMarch 5, 2015

Leave it to Seattle kids to be as “in the know” as their parents when it comes to local foodie finds. Want to know what the next generation of discerning palates is noshing on? Check out these nom-nom picks little Seattle gourmands just can’t seem to get enough of. Bon appetit!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

“Space Needle shaped Beecher’s Mac and Cheese from ART Restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle.” – Jack (8)

photo: Kristina Moy

“Bucatini with butter and cheese from Café Piccolo!” – Avery (6) & Grady (2)

photo: Angela B on Yelp

“Croissants from Bakery Nouveau… any croissant!” – Desmond (2)

photo: Tanya Izadora Photography

“Madrona Eatery makes good chicken and apples!” – December (4)

photo: Dawn McCann

“Zippy and the Yum Yum Burger Boy’s Wacky Meal at Zippy’s Giant Burgers.” – Cameron (6)

photo: Zippy’s Giant Burgers

“Ooh… the Sesame Chicken from Szechaun Chef.” – Liam (4)

photo: Gorman E on Yelp

“Pomegranate Bistro — lamb sliders with fries!” – Oren (7)

photo: Pomegranate Bistro Facebook page

“The chocolate and caramel sundae from ART Restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle.” – Blake (6)

photo: Kristina Moy

“Bambino pizza from Tutta Bella. Yummy! And lemon gelato.” – Elise (3)

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

“French Toast from Eats Market Cafe” – Bayje (7)

photo: Eats Market Cafe Facebook page

“I love, love, love the sardines from the Westcity Sardine Kitchen” – Shay (8)

photo: Kevin C. on Yelp

“Top Pot Doughnuts!” – Russell (7)

photo: Top Pot Doughnuts Facebook page

“Mickey Mouse pancakes!” from Luna Park Cafe – Delia (6)

photo: Luna Park Cafe Facebook page

What is your little foodie’s favorite Seattle meal? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Allison Sutcliffe

Try Now: 5 Foodie Finds in the 425

by Chelsea LinFebruary 12, 2015

Seattle may be well known as a gourmet paradise, but there’s no reason to stay within city limits when you’re in search of great food—even with kiddos in tow. Head to one of these restaurants east of the city to find family-friendly eats that will appeal to even the littlest foodies.

photo: Chelsea Lin

Pomegranate Bistro
High ceilings and colorful tabletops give this Redmond restaurant, owned by local catering legend Lisa Dupar, a modern appeal; pretty, composed plates add to the upscale feel. But the menu is accessible and the service friendly, and the huge window into the production kitchen keeps the Littles busy while they’re waiting. Kids’ dishes are set up like TV dinners on compartmental trays, with choices like wood-fired flatbreads or creamy mac ‘n’ cheese (no Kraft here), plus carrots, house-made fruit salad, and even a cookie for dessert.

Grown-ups should order… The fried chicken—ultra juicy, dredged in saltine cracker crumbs, and fried to golden perfection—is among the best around. You may end up having to share.

18005 N.E. 68th St.
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-556-5972
Online: duparandcompany.com/pomegranate-bistro or on Facebook
Hours: Mon., 7 a.m.-2p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

photo: Chelsea Lin

Dough Zone
Dumplings are made for tiny hands, so the menu at this Bellevue dim sum joint is particularly pleasing. And rather than the cart-style joints that offer too much temptation for tiny hands, Dough Zone makes your dumplings to order—you can even see them folding the tiny pockets in the open kitchen setup—and brings them still-steaming to the table. Hungry tummies will appreciate the assortment of pan-fried and steamed dumplings; the flaky, salty green onion pancake is always a big hit, too.

Grown-ups should order… The jian buns, a house specialty (and regional Chinese dish you can’t find just anywhere), are kind of like a cross between bao stuffed buns and soup dumplings: soft and pillowy on the outside with a molten core of broth and meat. Your little globe trotter will love these, too, just make sure to let them cool for awhile first.

15920 N.E. 8th St.
Bellevue, Wa 98008
425-641-8000
Online: yelp.com/biz/dough-zone-dumpling-house-bellevue-2
Hours: Mon., Wed.-Fri, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

photo: Jeanie C. via Yelp

Sushi Maru
Conveyor-belt (or kaiten) sushi is the perfect meal out for kids’ willing to dine on California rolls and edamame: You get to eat immediately upon sitting down, the food is fairly simple and generally inexpensive, and the round-and-round parade of a million tiny dishes acts like a hypnotizing dinner show for restless restaurant goers. Grab tiny plates of avocado roll, calamari tempura, and yakisoba—all three will only run you about $6.

Grown-ups should order… The raw-fish nigiri (don’t miss the toro, or fatty tuna) is a steal compared to fancier sushi joints. And dare we say you deserve a little sake at the end of a long day?

205 105th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-453-0100
Online: sushimarubellevue.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m.-9 p.m.

photo: Sue E. via Yelp

Tutta Bella
One of Seattle’s most popular pizzerias—particularly with the young family set—also has an outpost in Issaquah, perfectly situated for Eastsiders looking for a casual lunch or dinner out. The menu includes more than just pizzas, though little ones love the simple margherita dressed with tomato and fresh mozzarella or the eponymous Tutta Bella with Italian sausage and mushroom. Bonus: Happy hour prices daily from 3 p.m.-6 p.m.! Sneak in at 5 or 5:30 p.m. and grab an early dinner of 9” pizzettes for less dough, so to speak.

Grown-ups should order… The Gioia is a breakfast pizza of sorts, with prosciutto and arugula and fresh eggs cracked on top. The coffee is excellent as well—particularly the Nutella latte.

715 N.W. Gilman Blvd.
Issaquah, Wa 98027
425-391-6838
Online: tuttabella.com or on Facebook
Hours: Sun.-Thu., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

photo: Jane C. via Yelp

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
Downtown Woodinville has plenty of kid-friendly options for lunch after perusing the Hanna Andersson outlet, but Teddy’s Bigger Burgers takes the cake—er, patty. This Hawaii-based franchise offers a kids’ combo like any fast food joint, complete with burger (or corn dog, or chicken tenders), fries, and a drink, though here the quality is immeasurably better, and you won’t have some silly plastic toy to step on later.

Grown-ups should order… The volcano burger, with pepperjack cheese and jalapenos, may be a tad spicy for the average kiddo, but the heat makes for a fiery burger bomb that many adults will adore. Also try: tater tots. Lots and lots of tater tots! And a milkshake. You only live once, right?

17705 140th Ave. N.E.
Woodinville, Wa 98072
425-408-1604
Online: teddysbiggerburgers.com or on Facebook
Hours: Daily, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Where do you go for quality food with your tiniest gourmands on the Eastside? Tell us in the Comments.

— Chelsea Lin

The “Get Out of The House!” Guide for New Moms

by Erin FeherSeptember 19, 2014

Who knew endless naps and snacking would get old? If you and the babe are ready to get out (get dressed), and greet the world, we’ve rounded up the best activities for mom and her little bundle, from newborn-friendly yoga, to baby music workshops to storytimes for the smallest of the small.

Photo courtesy of Le Petit Baleen

Swim!
There’s a reason your little one loves the bath—he or she has probably spent more time in water (9 months?) than they have on dry land, so it’s never too young to get ‘em swimming and splashing. Le Petit Baleen and American Swim Academy offer classes for babies as young as 8 weeks, and with their extra warm indoor pools, friendly instructors and viewing benches (grandma and grandpa will want to see this), it makes for the perfect activity (and photo op) all year round.

American Swim Academy
6948 Sierra Ct.
Dublin, Ca
925-479-7946
Online: americanswimacademy

Le Petit Beleen San Francisco
933 Mason Street
San Francisco, Ca
866-896-3603

La Petite Baleen San Bruno
434 San Mateo Avenue
San Bruno, Ca
866-896-3603

La Petite Baleen Half Moon Bay
775 Main Street Half
Moon Bay, Ca
866-896-3603

LaPetite Baleen Atherton
60 Fifth Avenue
Redwood City, Ca
866-896-3603
Online: swimlpb.com

Photo courtesy of Pretend City

Read!
Your nearest public library undoubtably offers a weekly baby-and-me class aimed to introduce little droolers to the joys of reading though music, movement and lots of cuddles. The (free!) classes also offer new parents and opportunity to relearn all those sweet kiddie songs that they probably haven’t heard in a few decades, and to bring home a few new books to keep that bedtime routine interesting.

Baby Rhyme Time and Playtime
San Francisco Public Libraries
Mission: Mon., 1:15 p.m.
Ocean View: Mon., 2 p.m.
Sunset: Mon., 2 p.m.
West Portal: Tues., 10:30 a.m.
Ortega: Wed., 3 p.m.
Presidio: Thurs., 10:15 a.m.
Mission Bay: Thurs., 10:15 a.m.
Bayview: Thurs., 11 a.m.
Main: Thurs., 3: 30 p.m.
Online: sfpl.org

Babies and Books
Larkspur Public Library
Wed., 9:30 a.m.
400 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, Ca
415-927-5005
Online: ci.larkspur.ca.us

Baby Bounce
Oakland Public Libraries
Main: Tues., 10:15 a.m.
Golden Gate: Tues., 11:15 a.m.
Diamond: Wed., 10:15 a.m.
Lakeview: Wed., 11 a.m.
Montclair: Thurs., 11: 30 a.m.
Online: www.oaklandlibrary.org

Just Baby and Me
Burlingame Public Library
Fri., 10:30 a.m.
480 Primrose Rd.
Burlingame, Ca
650-558-7400
Online: burlingame.org

Baby Lapsit
San Jose’s Martin Luther King Library
Thurs., 11:30 a.m.
150 E. San Fernando St.
San Jose, Ca
408-808-2183
Online: sjlibrary.org

Photo courtesy of Pomegranate

Stretch!
Those first few months with baby are a serious workout, and you’re likely to be feeling sore in places you didn’t even know existed. And your babe is probably still unfolding from his or her time curled up in your belly. Take some time to stretch it out at one of these relaxing mom and baby yoga sessions. Crying little ones are par for the course, so don’t stress about your babe being on their best behavior!

Post Natal Yoga with Jane Austin
Yoga Tree
1234 Valencia St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-647-9707
Online: yogatreesf.com

Mom and Baby Yoga
Pomegranate
25 Tamalpais Ave.
San Anselmo, Ca
415-785-3173
Online: pomcenter.com

It’s Yoga, Baby + Massage
It’s Yoga Kids
569 Ruger St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-750-9990
Online: itsyogakids.com

Postnatal Yoga (with childcare!)
Yogalayam
1723 Alcatraz Ave.
Berkeley, Ca
510-655-3664
Online: yogalayam.org

Mom & Baby Yoga
Blossom
299 S. California Ave., Ste. 120
Palo Alto, Ca
650-321-2326
Online: blossombirth.org

Mom and Baby Yoga
Yoga at Change
400 Ben Franklin Ct.
San Mateo, Ca
650-340-9642
Online: yogaatchange.com

Photo courtesy of Music Together

Sing!
Whether or not you can carry a tune, your voice is still the sweetest sound your baby hears. Learn some songs, explore different instruments and give your baby the gift of music during his or her first months.

Music Together
Hundreds of classes in Bay Area locations everywhere.
Find a class here: musictogether.com

Mini Music Time
Inner Rhythms
518D Tamalpais Dr.
Corte Madera, Ca
415.895.6144
Online: minimusictime.com

Baby Move & Groove
Ark Row Kids
122 Main St.
Tiburon, Ca
415-435-2200
Online: arkrowcenter.com

Kindermusik Sing and Play
Piedmont Center for the Arts
801 Magnoila Ave.
Piedmont, Ca
510-531-3190
Online: nanmusik.com
Music at Gymboree
925 Blossom Hill Rd.
San Jose, Ca
408-629-5813
Online: gymboreeclasses.com

Do you have a favorite activity to do with your new babe?

—Erin Feher

Holiday Mocktails

by writerredtriDecember 16, 2011

Non-Alcoholic Drinks that Feel Like a Party

The holiday parties are upon us, with their never ending onslaught of food and drinks. For those who can’t or choose not to drink alcohol, the beverage options tend to be an afterthought. But teetotalers want to have fun, too. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, consider serving a mocktail so non-drinking adults don’t feel left out and the more adventurous kids have something other than a juice box to enjoy.

Mocktails have come a long way. Bartenders worth their salt are specifically creating non-alcoholic cocktails versus just excluding the alcohol from regular cocktails. (The reason “virgin” cocktails don’t necessarily work is that the alcohol tends to be the star and if you subtract it, the remaining ingredients are just accent flavors—or the drink is too cloying when not cut by alcohol). Below several quick mocktail tips and recipes from local chef Kathy Casey and the head barman at Canlis Restaurant, James MacWilliams.

Tips:

For an easy drink: Defrost frozen berries and puree with simple syrup (you can buy bottled simple syrup at the store) to taste. Add puree to glass, top with soda water and ice.
You can multiply mocktail recipes to create a pitcher drink, if needed.
Don’t be afraid to use fresh herbs. Sage and grapefruit juice, for example, go well together.

PINEAPPLE MOJITO SPLASH

Makes 1 drink

2 ounces Dish D’Lish Classic Mojito Cocktailor

2 tablespoons chopped fresh pineapple

4 ounces club soda

Lime wedge

Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add Mojito Cocktailor and pineapple. Cap shaker and shake well. Pour into a tall glass and top with soda. Stir and garnish with lime. Recipe from Kathy Casey, www.kathycasey.com

RUBY CRUSTA

Makes 1 drink

½ ounce pomegranate juice

½ ounce ginger syrup

½ ounce fresh lime juice

2 ounces Rhubarb DRY Soda

Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add all ingredients and shake lightly. Strain into sugar-rimmed glass and garnish with a twist of lime. Adapted from barman James MacWilliams, of Canlis

—Hsiao-Ching Chou

ML Interest Tag: pomegranate

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Jelly Belly

Champagne Jelly Beans

Rosé Jelly Beans

Cocktail Classics

Draft Beer Beans

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