Red-nose Reindeer and Hula Hoop Hummers?

• Students

Students from four different teams blended, mixed and served non-alcoholic drinks in the hope of winning the first-ever "Hangover Free Happy Hour" competition. Photo by Stacie Kimball.
• Tasting

Visitors enjoyed tasting the beverages that were served in ATCC's FreshStop Cafe. Photo by Stacie Kimball.

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• Photo Gallery: Hangover Free Happy Hour

Wondering what tasty concoction might be a hit at your holiday party? Students at Alexandria Technical and Community College (ATCC) hosted an event that searched for the perfect non-alcoholic drink to help out with that.

The DECA organization at ATCC held its first-ever “Hangover Free Happy Hour” event on Wednesday, December 7.

Stephanie Carrlson, collegiate DECA club president, explained to ATCC students that DECA is a student-led organization that promotes competence, integrity, teamwork and leadership.

The idea for the event was to acknowledge how crucial those points are, not only to DECA, but also to any career-orientated person. More importantly, it was to serve as a reminder to students that there are more enjoyable ways to spend your holiday break than being under the influence of alcohol.

Four teams from the college whipped up non-alcoholic drinks to tempt the taste buds of judges and student voters. The teams represented DECA, Skills USA, Business Professionals of America (BPA) and Student Ambassadors organizations.

Judges from the college and the Echo Press scored the nine beverages on appearance, taste, aroma, and overall impression. Students were also asked to choose their favorite as well. A total of 86 votes were cast.

Red-nose Reindeer, made by the DECA team, beat the competition by a…nose. The organization received $50 and the individual drink creators shared a $150 cash prize.

Second place was the BPA team’s Hula Hoop Hummer, which was also awarded a traveling trophy as the students’ choice.

Third place was given to the Skills USA team for its drink, Sunshine.

Other student leaders that assisted with the event were Adam Gadbaw, Jared Goerges, Robby Bruzik and Heather Huwe.

THE WINNING CONCOCTIONS

FIRST PLACE-Red-nose Reindeer

4 scoops of vanilla ice cream

1 cup ice

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons almond extract

4 tablespoons grenadine

Blend and shake until consistency of a malt

Serves four

SECOND PLACE-Hula Hoop Hummer

10 ounces piña colada mix

8 ounces strawberry daiquiri/margarita mix

8 ounces chunk pineapple with juice

1 banana

2 cups ice

In a blender, blend ingredients until smooth

Serves four

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