Northern Nights: Virgin drinks

By Sabreena Saleem

Virgin Piña Colada

Piña Coladas are the perfect treat for a hot summer day or after-dinner dessert.

Swapping out rum or alcohol for vanilla ice cream turns this summer cocktail into a creamy, tropical smoothie.

• Ingredients:

• Ice

• Splash of milk

• 10 ounces crushed pineapple

• 12 ounces cream of coconut

• Three to four scoops vanilla ice cream

Fill a blender with ice and add a splash of milk. Add crushed pineapple, cream of coconut and ice cream, and blend until smoothie consistency.

Garnish with drink umbrella, fresh pineapple and a maraschino cherry.

Virgin Margarita

Whether blended or on the rocks, margaritas are tart and refreshing.

Triple sec and tequila can easily be replaced by syrup and orange juice for sweetness and full flavor. Feel free to go crazy with salt. We’re not judging.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces simple syrup

• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice

• Ice

• Lime slice for garnish

Pour ingredients into a shaker with ice. Serve in a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with lime slice or wedge.

Non-Alcoholic Fizz

Mixing juices is highly underrated. Get creative and mix two or three of your favorite fruit juices for a customized flavor.

Top it off with some club soda and your favorite fruit for some fizz and extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces cranberry juice

• 3 ounces orange juice

• 3 ounces club soda

• Orange zest for garnish

Pour ingredients into a shaker with ice. Serve in a highball glass and garnish with orange zest for decoration.