Cooking with Kids :: Mocktails with Mom

As the phantom sound of school bells ring in my head, I am more aware than ever that school is right around the corner. Packing lunches, missing assignments and busy mornings and nights are near. Now presents a short window of time to do something fun with the kids before pandemonium (for some) or relief (for others) begins.

As the mother of a tween and all that implies, I have delved into crafting specialty “drinks” that are both healthy and aesthetically pleasing. Say goodbye to plain orange juice and hello to orange juice with a twist of freshly cut fruit on skewers. Even V8 juice becomes a treat when the added garnishment of celery or carrots are incorporated (hello “Healthy” Mary)!

Not only do these drinks create a moment to have fun and be creative, they also serve as a time to spend in the kitchen catching up on the day. What better way to enjoy the company of kids than hanging out together creating something they are sure to love?

Below are two very easy to create drinks that I’ve incorporated for kids as well as adults who are still young at heart. The kids don’t have to know the name but I’ve tagged them my “Un” Rum Punch and “Healthy” Mary. As always, please modify to fit your dietary needs and always look to incorporate freshly squeezed juice or local fruits and veggies if possible.

“Un” Rum Punch

Ingredients:

Low Calorie/Low Sugar Orange Juice (think Trop 50)
Low Calorie/Low Sugar Cranberry Juice (think Trop 50)
Strawberries (sliced)
Pineapple (sliced or chunked)
Cherries with Stem
Cocktail Sticks or Skewers

Directions:

Combine 3 ounces of orange juice and 3 ounces of cranberry juice in a cup or glass. Skewer a couple of strawberries and pineapples to place in the drink. Add cherries as a topping for extra garnishment.

“Healthy” Mary

Ingredients:

Low Calorie/Low Sodium V8 Juice (or freshly squeezed tomato juice)
Celery Stalks
Carrots (sliced)
Olives

Directions:

Pour 6 to 8 ounces of V8 juice or freshly squeezed tomato juice in a cup or glass. Add sliced celery stalks and carrots to drink (another option would be asparagus). Add olives as a topping for extra garnishment.

Moms can add a dash of tobacco and the juice of a lemon if you are feeling really adventurous.

P.S. Moms, you can always tell your kid “mommy is full and will save it for later” and add a shot of Rum or Vodka to the above Mocktails creating an adult friendly Cocktail … you can thank me later.

About Mia

Mia Young is a professional, wife and mother to an almost 13 year old. In her spare time (what spare time!), she enjoys reading, creating fun drinks and shopping (her one vice). On weekends, you can find her running errands with her family around the city. She enjoys living in New Orleans and experiencing all that it has to offer. With deep roots here, she is one of its most proud ambassadors.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. How fun this article is! The recipes are quick and easy to remember which allows parents, who are short on time, and tweens, who don’t want to spend too much time with their parents, to create special moments. I even loved the names of the recipes – very creative. Kudos to Mia for an article that I found relatable to both parents and tweens alike. Hope to see another one soon!

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