​Top five tips for a happy and safe summer; plus the best mocktail recipes

July 12, 2019

Hot weather has arrived, summer’s in full swing and it’s no secret many summer activities involve a few drinks.

Unfortunately, even just a few drinks can sometimes lead to tragic consequences. But that doesn’t have to be you!

Here are our top five tips to help you have a safe and happy summer.

1. Always be prepared

Before leaving the house for some summer fun, think about how you’ll get home. You could ask a friend to be the designated driver, put money aside to call a taxi or take public transit.

There’s lots of options to get home safe – so plan ahead so you’re not trying to make decisions later with a foggy brain.

2. Take advantage of designated driver services

It’s not nice to take advantage of others, but in this case, using a designated driver is an exception.

Many communities now have designated driver services, where volunteers help make sure you, your passengers and vehicle get home safely. Check with your restaurant or pub server for details or look into it online. There’s people out there just waiting for you to call.

3. Be the DD

Yeah, we get it – no one wants to be the designated driver. While being serenaded by your friends can be entertaining, it’s also annoying.

But if everyone takes a turn being the DD, you can all have fun this summer. Remember, the designated driver isn’t the person who is least drunk, it’s someone who hasn’t had anything to drink.

As the designated driver, you also set the ground rules with your passengers before you start driving – no drinking in the car, no hanging out the window and always make sure everyone is buckled up.

4. Host with the most

You’re the master griller, backyard pool cannon-ball champ, and DJ extraordinaire. And of course your fridge is always full of cold bevvies. You even include non-alcoholic options for those friends who aren’t drinking.
Want to take your hosting skills to the next level? Organize transportation so all your friends get home safe or better yet, blow up the air mattress and let them spend the night.

5. Save your cash

Police across the province are out in full force targeting impaired drivers this summer, but it’s important to remember road safety begins before we even get behind the wheel.

If you’re caught driving impaired you could have your vehicle impounded, lose your license and face hefty fines. Talk about a real buzz kill.

So be smart – enjoy your summer but leave your car at home if you plan on having a few drinks.

Mocktails to the rescue

Just because a mocktail is non-alcoholic doesn’t mean it has to be boring! With mocktails growing in popularity as more and more people shift their attention to better health and wellness, here are some great drinks to try the next time you’re out or hosting your own party:

Orange Refresher

It’s a bright drink that lifts your tastebuds! And a hint of mint helps to detox after a big meal.

• 1 part orange juice
• 1 part club soda
• 1 part coconut water
• Lightly muddled mint leaves
• Slice of pineapple

Mountain Mojito

• 1 part lime juice
• 1 part agave
• 1 part blood orange purée
• 4 fresh mint leaves
• Splash of soda water

Muddle the mint along with the lime juice and agave, add ice and the rest of the ingredients, top with soda water. Garnish with fresh mint.

Watermelon Slush

• 1 small watermelon, cubed
• 2 ½ cups of unsweetened almond milk
• Mint sprigs

Freeze the watermelon chunks overnight. When the watermelon has frozen fully, blend with almond milk until it is smooth in consistency. Pour in a glass and garnish with mint sprigs.