Food & Drinks

Non-Alcoholic Party Drinks

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Hotel Intercontinental barman Festus Wambugu showcasing his mocktail trio. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA

There are tons of great mocktail recipes for any occasion and Festus Wambugu, bartender at the Intercontinental Hotel recommends virgin cocktails that are crowd pleasers and easy to make.

Wambugu’s select three will spice up your holidays so that you can still enjoy your favourite Christmas drinks sans the booze.

Citrus and Mint mocktail

This sweet drink is exactly what the doctor would order after a long day when you can finally put your feet up.

"Mint is refreshing and soothing so after a busy day of shopping or looking for gifts for family and friends this is something you can indulge in," he says.

All you require for this is fresh lime, mint and an orange or lemon depending on what your taste buds desire at the time.

" Get some fresh mint and ground a little, add a tot of freshly squeezed lemon juice, with some sugar syrup and add the mint. Throw your pieces of orange or lemon and top it with soda water and viola," he says.

Melon Mint smash

You will need watermelon juice, mint leaves, crushed ice and sparkling water of this sweet delight.

"Clean the mint leaves well and squeeze a little to let the flavour and smell burst. Then add your mint leaves followed by the sparkling water. The melon juice goes in last but it changes the taste of the drink entirely," says Wambugu.

This drink is recommended during a hot day in the sun when your taste buds yearn for that sweet delight to quench your thirst and increase the sugar levels says Wambugu.

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Mr Basil, Melon Mint smash, Citrus mint mocktails by Hotel Intercontinental barman Festus Wambugu. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA

Mr Basil

After a long night partying or boozing resulting in a pounding headache, Wambugu says that the Mr Basil will add a kick to your step.

This refreshing non-alcoholic mojito is easy to make and the ingredients easy to come by says Wambugu.

All you need is Cranberry Juice, fresh basil, Sprite or water lemon and crushed ice.
“Wash the leaves and squeeze them gently so that you have that lovely basil fragrance explode and then add the crushed ice followed by your water or sprite. Top it off with the cranberry juice and garnish with mint,” he says.

All these drinks are guaranteed to make a party in your mouth this festive season, so while your friends sip away you should not be left out.