‘Recipes for the Road’ Delivers Safe New Year's Celebrations

Want to ring in the New Year toasting with a big glass of something fun to drink without risking a DUI in the process?

The Florida Department of Transportation has some recipes that are likely to please while helping keep flashing lights out of your rearview mirror.

The department’s Community Traffic Safety Team released its “Recipes for the Road 2013” cookbook in time for the holidays. The online volume is filled with unique concoctions that are designed to tickle the fancy without raising blood alcohol levels.

With recipes like Santa’s Little Helper, Rudolph’s Passion and Bah, Humbug, officials at the department think grownups will have a great time whipping up these non-alcoholic mixes.

The cocktails included in the recipe guide are all specialties found in restaurants throughout Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, according to Kris Carson, department spokeswoman.

“The main goal of ‘Recipes for the Road’ is to reduce crashes and fatalities on the roadways during the holidays and all year long,” Carson wrote in a media release. “The theme is always oriented towards the importance of serving non-alcoholic beverages to those who are designated drivers.  With New Year’s Eve approaching, it is a good time to think about celebrating safely with family members and friends.”

The guide’s release coincides with increased holiday traffic enforcement in counties throughout the Tampa Bay area. The Florida Highway Patrol has announced it will be out in force through the long weekend and other agencies plan to do the same.

The recipe guide is available online courtesy of FDOT.

Hey Lutz residents: Do you have a favorite non-alcoholic drink? Share the recipe by commenting below.