To Serve Sangria Or Not?

Leonard · #1 10-22-2009, 04:19 PM

I am hosting a Baby Shower for a friend/coworker in a few weeks. There will be 17 of us. I have the menu pretty much planned but am looking for opinions as far as beverages. My friend will come early and help me set up. She is making a punch and I will have several varieties of sodas to choose from and bottled water. Now here comes your opinions! I've had several people ask will I be serving my delicious Sangria that they've heard so much about. It is delicious! It does contain alcohol. I can see both sides of opinions here.

I am serving appetizers and a good menu, plus desserts. So will have plenty of food to eat so part of me says a small glass or 2 won't hurt. Then the other side of me thinks, "Is it okay to serve this at a baby shower"? Who cares about tradtiional showers, right? After all, we are all responsible women?? I know this is a matter of opinion. SO please give me yours! Thanks!

swedish cook · #2 10-22-2009, 04:36 PM

Can you concoct a non-alcoholic version for the mother-to-be? Chances are her doctor told her not to drink any alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.

aggie94 · #3 10-22-2009, 04:43 PM

I would definitely ask the guest-of-honor how she feels about it. Since she can't (or likely won't) indulge, she may not want alcohol served at her shower, but I can say that I would have no problem with alcohol being served at my baby shower, realizing that most guests who will be coming are not pregnant and would like the option.

funniegrrl · #4 10-22-2009, 05:07 PM

yes I'd ask the guest of honor just to be sure, but unless she objects I don't see any problem with having it as a beverage option.

PattiA · #5 10-22-2009, 05:37 PM

I'd skip the sangria this time. I'd just tell folks that since the guest of honor isn't drinking, you're doing non-alcoholic drinks. To me it's not about what's right tradition-wise but rather about honoring the guest of honor. Even though she'll probably say it's OK to serve it, it can be a bummer to be the one who is different and can't enjoy what everyone else is enjoying.

Kiwismommy · #6 10-22-2009, 05:48 PM

I am of the opinion that you do the Sangria (I'd love your recipe) and do a non-alcoholic. We've always done it this way and everyone is quite comfortable.

I'd love to see your menu...I will be cohosting another shower (baby) soon and need to look at some fresh ideas.

Danita

dreamer101 · #7 10-22-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leonard

My friend will come early and help me set up. She is making a punch and I will have several varieties of sodas to choose from and bottled water.

Will your friend's punch be non-alcoholic? If so I don't see any harm in having another one with alcohol. Clearly marked so any pregnant mother won't take some by mistake.

charley · #8 10-22-2009, 06:12 PM

I've been to a few baby showers ... none served alcohol. Would have made the experience much more enjoyable!

SallyT · #9 10-22-2009, 07:18 PM

I just hosted a baby shower, and we had bellinis and mimosas, and "mocktails" for the honoree - it was lovely and everyone appreciated a tasty drink. Go for it!

Canice · #10 10-22-2009, 07:31 PM

I'm kind of surprised it would be a sensitive issue; I've always seen champagne cocktails or white wine or such at baby showers. As at any social event, some people drink alcohol and some don't.

JackieO · #11 10-22-2009, 07:41 PM

This wouldn't even be an issue in Wisconsin!

Granted, my "baby" is 20 years old, but most of my girlfriends and I had a glass of wine or a beer a couple times a week while we were pregnant, with no ill effects on any of our children. We were probably a little less stressed as a result!

In today's time, it's probably a good idea to check with the honoree, however.

Have fun!

swedish cook · #12 10-22-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackie O

This wouldn't even be an issue in Wisconsin!

Granted, my "baby" is 20 years old, but most of my girlfriends and I had a glass of wine or a beer a couple times a week while we were pregnant, with no ill effects on any of our children. We were probably a little less stressed as a result!

In today's time, it's probably a good idea to check with the honoree, however.

Have fun!

Times have changed. I had no problem with consuming alcohol while pregnant in the 70's and our girls have always been very healthy. However, both have during their own pregnancies been advised to stay off alcoholic beverages of any kind.
P.S. I love Sangria

Wendi · #13 10-22-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charley

I've been to a few baby showers ... none served alcohol. Would have made the experience much more enjoyable!

I've been to many baby showers...alcohol was always served...and it definitely made the experience enjoyable!!!

Leonard · #14 10-23-2009, 04:41 AM

Thanks to all of your for your replies. I now feel better offering that as an option. I will talk to the Mom To Be today and make sure she is comfortable with the idea. Here is the recipe BTW!

Sangria

Combine:

1 bottle of chilled red wine
1 1/2 cups Orange Juice
1 1/2 cups 7 UP
1/2 cup EACH triple sec & brandy
1/4 cup sugar
Slices from 2 lemons, 2 limes and 1 orange

Pull out your prettiest pitcher and pour in the wine. Add pulp free orange juice, 7 UP, triple sec & brandy. Stir in sugar. Slice the lemons, limes and orange into rounds and toss them in. Pour into long stemmed glases filled with ice. Enjoy! TIP: If you like a tarter sangria, squeeze the juice of an additional lemon and 2 limes and add to the mix.

Gumbeaux · #15 10-23-2009, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PattiA

I'd skip the sangria this time. I'd just tell folks that since the guest of honor isn't drinking, you're doing non-alcoholic drinks. To me it's not about what's right tradition-wise but rather about honoring the guest of honor. Even though she'll probably say it's OK to serve it, it can be a bummer to be the one who is different and can't enjoy what everyone else is enjoying.

I totally agree with this.

LaraW · #16 10-23-2009, 08:46 AM

I have a recipe for a mock sangria that does not have any alcohol. I would be happy to post it for you. That way you can still do a sangria, but it will be non-alcoholic.

Kiwismommy · #17 10-23-2009, 10:45 AM

[QUOTE=Leonard;1523683] Here is the recipe BTW!

Thanks so much for the recipe!

Danita

swedish cook · #18 10-24-2009, 02:05 PM

Thanks for posting the recipe Leonard. Yum!

Leonard · #19 10-24-2009, 02:19 PM

I have decided to go ahead and make the sangria for those who want it. BUT I would really appreciate someone posting their non alcoholic recipe. It would be nice to offer both. I spoke to the Mom To Be and she is fine with it. Thanks!

funniegrrl · #20 10-24-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PattiA

I'd skip the sangria this time. I'd just tell folks that since the guest of honor isn't drinking, you're doing non-alcoholic drinks. To me it's not about what's right tradition-wise but rather about honoring the guest of honor. Even though she'll probably say it's OK to serve it, it can be a bummer to be the one who is different and can't enjoy what everyone else is enjoying.

I guess it depends on your social circle. In mine, some people drink and some don't, and none of the drinkers would pout if other people were drinking and they couldn't for some reason. If I served alcohol at a baby shower (with the honoree's permission of course) there would be some people who drank it and some who wouldn't, but it wouldn't be a topic of conversation or a bone of contention, just like no one would care who ate dessert and who didn't.

dneilson · #21 10-24-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funniegrrl

I guess it depends on your social circle. In mine, some people drink and some don't, and none of the drinkers would pout if other people were drinking and they couldn't for some reason. If I served alcohol at a baby shower (with the honoree's permission of course) there would be some people who drank it and some who wouldn't, but it wouldn't be a topic of conversation or a bone of contention, just like no one would care who ate dessert and who didn't.

I respect all the responses but will agree with funniegrrl.

To my mind, having alcohol does NOT dishonor the guest.

When one considers the financial investment, time and energy that goes into celebrating the new Mom-to-be and anticipation of God's precious gift, this overshadows all else. The honoree will be forever touched by the countless details that require tending for this selfless event, liquor on premises or not.

If I was being honored, I would see only the bigger picture.

Dolores

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