Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Drinks for the Labor Day Holiday

Well, it is time for that exclusive holiday that signifies the traditional end to the lazy days of summer. Labor Day is a great time to relax and have some final enjoyment before the seasonal changes of autumn arrive. In the good old spirit of Labor Day, alcohol is often a part of our holiday and celebrations. However, many people do not consume alcoholic beverages and sometimes our circumstances do not permit us to drink alcoholic beverages. So for those of us who are gracious enough to be the designated driver and those of us who don't like the taste or influences of alcohol, here are a few of my favorite non-alcoholic combinations to sip on during Labor Day. I don't really have official names for these combinations but if you consult your friends, family, or your local bartender, maybe you can provide an official name for these non-alcoholic thirst quenching delights for Labor Day.

The Orange Juice Creamer- Use about six or seven ounces of frozen orange juice. Personally, I prefer to freeze pulp-free premium orange juice in an ice tray overnight instead of buying frozen orange juice at the grocer. Use one cup of whole milk or cream. Obtain a half cup of sugar, three fresh orange slices, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine all these ingredients in a blender with twelve ice cubes and set the blender on high. Whirl until all ingredients become slushy. Serve in sugar rimmed chilled glasses and garnish with an orange slice. This drink is especially refreshing on a hot and humid Labor Day.

Pinky- Take one small can of pineapple juice, six or eight fresh strawberries, and one twelve ounce can of lemon-lime soda. Mash the strawberries and strain the juice. Combine the three liquid ingredients and mix well. Pour the finished potion over crushed ice in a plastic cup. Serve with a straw.

Fresh Tomato Juice Cocktail- This is an awesome Labor Day drink if you have vine ripe tomatoes from a nearby garden. Use about 10 small to medium tomatoes, three cups of thinly chopped celery, one cup of chopped bell pepper with seeds removed, one bay leaf, two tablespoons of finely chopped onions, three teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, one tablespoon of salt, and one teaspoon of Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce. Cook the tomatoes, celery, bell pepper, bay leaf, and onions for 20 to 25 minutes over medium heat. Strain the liquid and add the remaining ingredients. Chill the cocktail for two hours and serve in a chilled glass garnished with a celery stick.

The Virgin Peach or Strawberry Daiquiri- Fresh fruit is a big hit during the summer and comes in handy for this Labor Day drink. Combine four quartered peaches or 12 strawberries with one tablespoon of lemon juice, one half cup of cream, five ice cubes, and one half cup of peach juice. Blend until slushy. Serve in a chilled glass rimmed with sugar and be sure to provide a straw.

The Old Standby- At my place, it is not always about a complex cocktail during the Labor Day festivities. This simple thirst-quencher does it each time. Mix two parts of pomegranate juice to one part club soda in a cup. Pour over ice and sip away during Labor Day.