Perfect for class parties or as an alternative for discriminating guests, these cocktails will keep the party safe and hopping!

Party Punches

Red Cardinal Punch (Serves 24)

Cranberry juice provides the color; the secret ingredient is the lemon (providing the twist).

• 1 can frozen cranberry juice
• 3 cans water
• 1 ½ cups orange juice
• 2 oz lemon juice
• 4 liters ginger ale

Combine all ingredients except the ginger ale and pour over ice block in punch bowl. Add ginger ale.

Floating Hearts Punch (Serves 24)

Strawberries cut in half create 24 floating hearts in this punch.

• 1 can frozen fruit punch
• 2 liters Sprite
• 1 liter vanilla ice cream
• 12 strawberries cut in half

Let frozen punch thaw. Pour all ingredients into punch bowl and stir. Top with strawberries.

Creamsicle Punch (Serves 24)

Who can resist these flavors of childhood?

• 1 can frozen orange juice
• 2 liters ginger ale
• 1 liter vanilla ice cream

Let frozen orange juice thaw. Pour all ingredients into punch bowl and mix, enjoy!

Mock Champagne Punch (Serves 20)

Everyone will toast the hostess who creates this punch.

• 1 1/2 liters Apple juice
• 2 liters ginger ale
• Grenadine Syrup (substitute with raspberry or cherry syrup if needed)

Combine apple juice and ginger ale in punch bowl. Add grenadine until light pink color appears. Serve over ice.

Consider creating an ice mold prior to your party. Although ice molds appear intrically complex, they are shamefully simple to make and can add dramatic flare to the party atmosphere.

Hot Buttered Apple Juice (Serves 4)

• 2 sticks cinnamon
• 6 whole cloves
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 inch lemon rind (4 strips)
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 liter boiling apple juice
• 1 sprinkle ground nutmeg

Put 1/2 stick cinnamon, 2 cloves, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1 strip of lemon rind and 1/2 teaspoon butter in each mug. Add a little hot apple juice to each, stir and blend well. Let steep for 1 minute. Fill with remaining apple juice. Finish by sprinkling with nutmeg.

For more non-alcoholic hot cider recipes see: Hot Rums, Ciders and Nogs

Nonalcoholic Blender Drinks

Party Fuel (serves 2)

This punch fuels the party and the body!

• 1 cup strawberry yogurt
• ½ cup low fat milk
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 medium banana
• 1 tsp honey
• Crushed ice (1 cup or handful)

Blend until smooth, enjoy.

Green Alien

Pistachio pudding is the mystery ingredient here, keep it secret!

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup low fat milk
• 1/4 cup pistachio instant pudding mix
• 1 small banana
• Crushed ice (1 cup or handful)

Blend until smooth, enjoy.

Orange Delight (Serves 8 -10)

• 2 cups milk
• 1 can orange juice concentrate
• 2 teaspoon vanilla
• 10 ice cubes

Blend until well mixed.

TNT for 6

POW!

• 6 oz yogurt
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 2 cups orange juice
• 2 cups crushed ice
• Grenadine

Add all but grenadine to blender and blend well, pour 6 ounce into glasses. Top with a few drops of grenadine.

The Classic Shirley Temple (Serves 1)

Pure delight!

• 1 dash grenadine
• 1 cup ginger ale

Fill tall glass with ice. Add grenadine, fill with ginger ale. Top with a cherry and a slice of orange.

More Drink Recipes: St. Patrick's Day Drinks (alcoholic)