MAKING “MOCKTAILS” AT CHILDRENS PARTIES

Mentioning cocktails and childrens parties in the same sentence may seem a little strange. we are in no way suggesting that children should be introduced to alcohol. What parents hosting a party

"Mocktails" For Childrens Parties

for older children may find useful is an activity that the kids will love and keeps them occupied for quite some time. Making colourful and interesting non alcoholic drinks will certainly do that. Trying out new ingredients and  flavours is a great way to teach children about food.

So What will you need for a successful “Mocktail” making activity.

1. Start with glasses. To make the drinks as fun and interesting as possible get some glasses
that look like the real thing. The everyday plastic option just won’t do justice to the effort you make.

2. Every cocktail party needs a good “shaker” and not just on the dance floor !. To make cocktails you will need something to mix the ingredients. If you are getting the guests to make there own then you may need a few of them. The party will lose momentum if the guests have to wait a long time to “get a go”.

3. Fun Straws. Presentation of the actual drink is nearly as important as the cocktail itself. If it
looks good , it must taste good, right. There is no shortage of colorful and funny shaped straws. When used with fruit to decorate a glass they look great.

4. Kitchen Space. Depending on the number of guests that have been invited you will need to clear some work space. Getting the children to make the cocktails at the same time can be a bit chaotic but it means everyone will feel included and the party will not lose momentum as people wait their turn. If space is not available the other option is to set up a work space outdoors, but with our unpredictable weather that may not be a great idea.

5 Plastic Containers. Every cocktail needs fruit and that fruit needs to be cut and sliced. For reasons of safety we suggest you cut the fruit yourself and have in separate containers that the guests can dip into. Sharpe knives and younger party guests do not mix, be warned ?

6. Kitchen equipment. We mentioned above clearing adequate workspace but make sure you also have enough equipment. Depending on the number of guests one blender may not be enough. They can be expensive so borrowing another 1 or 2 is probably the best option.

7. Ice. Last but not least don’t forget plenty of ice.

After clearing space and assembling all the ingredients what should you make. Here are some recipe ideas. We have try to avoid anything that needs too much work

SUNDOWNER
Fill a glass with orange juice (About 3/4) and slowly pour in cranberry juice. The cranberry juice will slowly “filter” through the orange juice giving a lovely sunset effect.

RED ALERT
Another simple drink that looks great. Simply fill a glass with layered fruit and then cover with 7 up / lemonade. Start with a strawberry in the bottom of the glass, then an orange followed by green grapes. When the glass is 3/4 full  add the lemonade. Of course don’t forget to add a curly straw and cocktail umbrella.

LAYERED WONDER
This can be a good one for halloween parties. Get a long glass and pour in 1/2 a tablespoon of grenadine. Blend six tablespoons of orange juice with 1/2 tablespoon of lime juice. Slowly pour the orange and lime juice into the glass for a wonderful layered effect.

There are plenty more recipes and ideas which I will elaborate on in future posts.