Published on Saturday, December 10, 2005
in the Tampa Bay Newspapers

FHP advises to designate a driver

The Florida Highway Patrol's holiday Web page, www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/misc/Christmas/, offers tips to help make the holiday season safe.

"The holidays are a great time for family and friends to create many memories together. As Director of the Florida Highway Patrol, I hope that you and your family have a safe and joyous time over the weeks leading to the New Year. We are committed to protecting you on our roadways, assisting you in any way possible, and providing you with the information you need to enjoy the holidays. Please take some time to review the tips we have put together to further this goal," said FHP Director Col. Christopher Knight.

Among the tips is to designate a driver.

"The 'Designated Driver' is NOT the person who has had the least amount to drink, it is the person who has had NOTHING to drink," the Web site said. "Responsible planning means identifying the person who will do the driving before your holiday celebrating begins. The designated driver is the one who is responsible to get you home safely."

Several recipes for non-alcoholic beverages are posted on the Web site, including the following.

Noon on the Equator (1 serving)
1/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 teaspoon grenadine syrup
1/4 cup tomato juice
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Juice of 1/4 lemon
Dash of Tabasco sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker and add ice cubes. Shake well and strain into glasses

Russian Tea (1 serving)
1 cup dry, unsweetened instant tea
1 small package lemonade mix
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 large jar Tang (2 cups)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Mix thoroughly and store in airtight container. (Will keep indefinitely) Use 2 teaspoons Russian tea to 1 cup boiling water. May be served hot or chilled.

Mexican Sunset (1 serving)
1 cup chilled orange juice
1/2 jigger grenadine
Pour orange juice into tall glasses. Add grenadine and allow to settle on bottom. May be served over ice. Pina Colada Perfecto (1 serving)
1 jigger creme of coconut
2 jiggers pineapple juice
1 1/2 jiggers club soda
Mix over ice

For more recipes, visit www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/misc/Christmas/.