Cool Cocktails That Leave You Fresh

Spring is the season of parties...and you know what comes with parties. Drinks with adorable little parasols and names that take you right back to college.

But if you're a non-drinker, by choice or circumstance (bun in the oven, anyone?) those events can leave you feeling like a social misfit. Here are my personal faves for getting through a party with panache.

1. Tonic with lime- a classic  choice, refreshing, but doesn't signal to all a sundry, "HEY, I'm a non-drinker!" Sometimes, you just don't feel like explaining one more time why you don't drink, or that you're in your first trimester. Also a great choice for business events- after midnight, when everyone else is falling apart at the seams, you're fresh as a daisy. My fave tonic: Q, without any high fructose corn syrup.

2. Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada- I recently enjoyed sharing one of these poolside with my seven year old, and it took me right back to childhood and the best slurpees ever. The refreshing blend of pineapple and coconut is unrivalled- throw in a lime for a different twist. To make it at home, try this:

• 2 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice

• 1 ounce cream of coconut

• 1/2 cup ice

Throw it in a blender, garnish with a maraschino cherry and you're golden!

3. Red Bull in a Can- This drink speaks volumes. It says, "I AM the party! And I will go the distance." Leave it in the can as a statement piece, or if you're looking to blend in as a drinker, throw it on some ice and drink it on the rocks.