Mock Champagne?

Food and Drink

Posted by peachypear, December 30, 2008 at 6:08 PM

We'll be hosting a New Years Eve party with several pregnant women attending. I'd like to have a non-alcoholic toast available that doesn't make them feel like they're sitting at the kiddie table. I'm wondering if anyone has any good, mock Champagne ideas. Naturally, there's sparkling cider, ginger ale, and Sprite... but none of are convincing alternatives because they are so sweet (and taste nothing like Champagne). I'm thinking of mixing one part tonic water to two parts sparkling cider for use in cocktails. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

8 Comments Favorite this! (0)

8 Comments:

Whatever you do don't use tonic water as it contains quinine. Use club soda or seltzer instead. I have seen non alcaholic champagne, but cannot recommend any as I have never tried it. Good luck and happy new year!

finsbigfan at 6:18PM on 12/30/08

What about doing a lovely "mocktail" in a champagne glass instead? Combine a little pomegranate juice with club soda or sparkling water and garnish with a twist? Other juices could work as well.

Or flavored simple syrup (mint, ginger, meyer lemon....) again with some club soda or sparkling water and the appropriate garnish in champagne glass. You could tailor the flavor to the theme of your menu, or just choose something elegant you think your crowd would enjoy. Part of the fun of champagne for me is the glass and the celebration.

StripeyChef at 6:19PM on 12/30/08

I make a punch with limeade, cranberry juice and club soda that is so good. It is sparkly it can be served like a cosmo and it is alcohol free.
I use the Wegman's Limeade and Ocean Spray Cranberry juice. Any club soda will do. Pellegrino would work too.
Decorate with a lime slice. So nice in a pretty glass.
Also Peach puree (made from frozen peaches) splash of orange juice and some club soda makes a great mocktail too.

JerzeeTomato at 6:33PM on 12/30/08

Depending on how these moms are feeling, they might be very happy with some ginger ale in a pretty glass with a nice garnish.

dbcurrie at 10:05PM on 12/30/08

^I like Jerzee's idea of a punch--that gets everyone communally sipping from the same 'bowl,' and feels really traditional, if you serve it with a ladle.

HeartofGlass at 9:19AM on 12/31/08

Don't be surprised if some of the preggers in your group will still opt for a glass of the real stuff...everything in moderation, I say...one glass won't hurt the baby any.
But it's very nice of you to offer an alternative...I like the sparkling grape juices and sparkling ciders that you can buy at most grocery stores.

juliebugsmama at 10:53AM on 12/31/08

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! They sound delicious. I'm leaning towards the communal punch.