Alcohol free drinking

The LCBO held a special drink tasting event Wednesday. Celebrity hosts whipped up signature cocktails to pair with particular meals.

But there is a twist and it’s not just a lime garnish. The cocktails were all alcohol free. More now on the liquor store campaign to get liquor-free options on your party table.

Patrick McMurray, Toronto restaurateur: “If you have some friends who want to get spicy, a little Worceshire, and because we’re using organic tomato juice, we’re going to put a little clam juice.”

It may look like hair of the dog that bit you, but it doesn’t have the bite.

McMurray: “This kind of Caesar is probably better for you than the regular style, for a hangover.”

And your tongue doesn’t even miss the vodka.

Joy McCarthy, Cookbook author: “Few ingredients, flavourful ingredients, and nobody misses the alcohol at all. And look how pretty it looks too, right?”

The LCBO has revamped its Deflate the Elephant website, adding zero per cent cocktail recipes and their food pairings. From the sparkling pomegranate to the old-fashioned without the bourbon, these party drinks are not just an afterthought.

McMurray: “It shows that you’re putting your love into it as well.”

Kevin Sato, Art Director: “If you have friends who are pregnant, bring kids, or if you know who’s driving home, having an option that doesn’t feel like a boring old water helps them fit in and feel part of the party.”

During the first two weeks of the holiday ride campaign this year, OPP charged 215 drivers with impaired related offenses. Last year during the same period, it was 172 drivers charged. That’s about a 20 per cent increase this year, and that has the OPP concerned.

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt: “That’s why we’re doing ride, keep the awareness up, keep people making the right decisions.”

Dawn Regan, MADD Canada: “It goes in trends. We see a decline and then an increase. All we can do is keep sending that message.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving says every day in Canada, four people are killed and 175 are injured as a result of impaired driving.