652746 Wed Sep 16 07:47:13 -0700 2009 9 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 5033781 Looking to host several dinner parties with interesting/exciting/rare non-alcoholic drink options that can work well with food, or on their own. For example, in the past I've found that elderflower water can make a fine substitute for something like a Riesling. Looking for suggestions on juices (sparkling or not), or even teas (hot or cold) or bottled waters that are actually worth their high price. And, where might i purchase these delightful beverages? Thanks. Wed Sep 16 07:47:13 -0700 2009 208412 foodismyhobby 1 5033791 Having just had a baby and come off of nine dry months, I have a few suggestions. My husband would make me drinks with ginger ale or sparkling water, a juice like pomegranate, and tons of fresh lime or lemon. When we went to Sidecar for dinner, the bartender made me a virgin mojito that was to die for (I enjoyed it almost as much as my all-time fave mojito at the Delano in Miami) -- they might share the recipe with you if you asked nicely. Hope that helps. Wed Sep 16 07:53:41 -0700 2009 5033781 254962 Arcadiaseeker 2 5033985 I know virgin mojitos aren't very exciting, but I make a pineapple one that's pretty killer. Pineapple and mint work really well together. Wed Sep 16 08:58:56 -0700 2009 5033791 92744 invinotheresverde 2 5034065 My personal favorite is ginger ale mixed w/ frozen limeade, a slice of lime and a mint leaf. Wed Sep 16 09:19:09 -0700 2009 5033791 56183 soypower 1 5034035 Not sure if mine is exactly exciting but I love Northland Cranberry juice (I water it down a bit for less calories, but club soda might make it more exciting)...good sized fresh lime wedge sqeezed in there over ice and I'm so happy and feeling damned virtuous while I'm at it! Cranberry mixed with orange juice too, very nice! Wed Sep 16 09:11:27 -0700 2009 5033781 11983 Val 1 5034055 I've been having fun with selzer and various bitters lately. Regan's #6 orange bitters is my current fave. Wed Sep 16 09:16:41 -0700 2009 5033781 10400 Aromatherapy 2 5034265 where do you get your bitters? Wed Sep 16 10:19:05 -0700 2009 5034055 208412 foodismyhobby 3 5034627 Grand in Somerville. Wed Sep 16 12:00:50 -0700 2009 5034265 10400 Aromatherapy 1 5034380 If I'm driving I drink Pellegrino and pomegranate juice (appx 4 to 1 water to juice ratio). A little pomegranate juice also mixes well with grapefruit or orange juice, jazz it up with sparkling/club soda and fresh fruit. Don't forget to serve in fancy glasses with swizzle sticks, umbrellas... make it LOOK like a cocktail. That's half the fun :) Wed Sep 16 10:48:00 -0700 2009 5033781 149592 iluvcookies 2 5035539 Pomegranates are actually out now (first of the season) I would muddle the seeds for an even better flavor. I think any decent fruit muddled with Pellegrino would be good - add ginger, mint, and/or other herbs to accentuate the flavor. Wed Sep 16 18:08:56 -0700 2009 5034380 73756 enbell