Five popular sober drinks for Spring Break

By Heather Kittle 

Spring Break is just around the corner for many college students, and with Covid restrictions nearly non-existent, many are going to be hitting the bars for the first time in a long-time, or even for the first time. But what about those wishing to be sober while on vacation or the designated driver who still want to join in on the fun? We’ve come up with a list of delicious yet fun drinks you can order while out! 

  1. Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple, Feb. 17, 2022; photo credit culinaryhill.com

Ingredients:

Ice

1 ounce (2tbsp) grenadine

8 ounces lemon-lime soda

Maraschino cherry garnish (if desired)

A classic drink named after child star Shirley Temple, this frizzy and refreshing beverage is a staple in nearly all bars and restaurants. Although the quality and ingredients (such as ginger ale instead of lemon-lime soda) vary, you’ll have a hard time not enjoying it. And if you want something a bit darker, order a Roy Rodgers, named after the cowboy actor of the 1940s. Same as a Shirley Temple except with Coca-Cola instead of white soda, such as 7-UP or Sprite.

  • Virgin Mojito
Virgin Mojito, Feb. 17, 2022; photo credit Chris Goldberg / Flickr: chrisgold

Ingredients:

10 large mint leaves

2 tbsp lime juice

2 tbsp honey simple syrup

Sparling water

Ice

Lime slices 

This refreshing and chilling refreshment will hit the spot, and with the cooling sensation of mint and tarty sweetness from the lime, it’s sure to have you dreaming of hot summer days up ahead. The ability to add ingredients like blackberries or even jalapeños (yes, jalapeños) to this drink without compromising its flavor but instead elevating it makes it a must-try.

  • Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer beverage, Feb. 17, 2022; photo credit thespruceeats.com

Ingredients:

3 parts unsweetened iced tea

1 part lemonade

Lemon slice for garnish

The Arnold Palmer is more than just a .99 cent Arizona Iced Tea. A drink named after another famous person, this time a golfer, the Arnold Palmer is a simple combination of two delicious summertime drinks. This drink will indeed have you thinking of a leisurely summer afternoon laying by the pool, soaking in those sun rays. (Wear sunscreen!)

  • Club Soda with Cranberry Juice
Cranberry and club soda, Feb. 23, 2022; photo source: foodfornet.com

Ingredients:

4oz Club Soda

4oz of 100% cranberry juice

Cranberries for garnish (fresh or frozen)

The ever-versatile club soda. Used in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks alike, it would be hard not to find it within any establishment. Add a splash of cranberry juice for some sweetness, and your tastebuds will be satisfied. Want something a little more sour and tart? Ask for a club soda with lime instead!

  • Non-Alcoholic Beer
Clausthaler’s lager, and Athletic’s Free Wave IPA, Feb. 23, 2022; photo source: npr.org

Ingredients:

Varies by product

Although this might be a bit more difficult to locate, ask your bartender if they offer any non-alcoholic beer. Many companies have come out with some great-tasting mock beers. But keep an eye out on the alcohol content if you truly need to be alcohol-free. Anything less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) can be labeled non-alcoholic in the U.S.

Whatever your reasoning behind sustaining from alcohol, the variety in choices surpasses just the usual pop or water choice many go with. Although, water is always a good choice no matter the occasion. Stay hydrated and stay safe out there this spring break season and beyond! Cheers!