Picture this: you’ve been tasked to organize the most epic holiday party on the block. You envision your guests sipping on their favorite drink and belting out their favorite carols with friends. The laughter is contagious and the holiday spirit is flowing. But what if you were told you can host a laughter-filled extravaganza without the need for alcohol? That’s right, merry party planners! In this blog post we will share our brand new 2023 mocktail recipe book that will have your guests saying, “I can’t believe it doesn’t have alcohol.” So read on and check out our safe-driving tips and our holiday mocktail recipe book.

With all the fun and laughter this holiday season, it is also important to prioritize safety, especially when it comes to alcohol consumption and driving. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for people age 1-54 in the United States. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there have been 700 vehicle crashes so far in 2023 right here in Medina County. Nine of those crashes were fatal with two being OVI-related. Additionally, our county has reported 131 enforcement stops for operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) so far this year.

So as you’re planning to host a holiday party or attending one yourself, we encourage you to remember these tips:

  • Plan ahead. Before heading out, plan your transportation in advance.
  • Use a rideshare service. It is nice to be driven! If this is in your plan, don’t forget to charge your phone battery before you go out.
  • Call a friend or family member if you need a ride.
  • Talk with your kids about impaired driving. Looking for tips on how to so this? Here is a good resource.
  • Offer non-alcoholic drink options at your holiday parties and gatherings. This is a great way to be a responsible host and to prioritize safety during the holidays.

Check out our 2022-2023 Mocktail Recipe Book. All of the recipes in this book come from our Medina County Mocktail Mix-off event that we have hosted for the past two years. This event brings together local businesses, community partners, and the general public to face off for the best mocktail recipe. We encourage you to follow us on Facebook or X if you’d like to attend next year’s event. We thank all of our contestants who have provided us with their festive recipes. We encourage you to use this recipe book and to make it part of your holiday gatherings.

Happy Holidays from the Medina County Health Department.