AAA's 27th Edition of the Great Pretender's Party Guide Promotes Nonalcoholic Fun for Holiday Gatherings

Recipe Book Featuring AAA Diamond-Rated Restaurants and Hotels Part of Ongoing Campaign to Reduce Deaths and Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving

AURORA, Ill., Dec. 1 -- The latest vintage of nonalcoholic drink recipes from AAA offers big bouquets and rich flavors as AAA seeks to take the alcohol, but not the fun, out of upcoming holiday celebrations.

The Great Pretenders Party Guide, now in its 27th year of publication, is part of AAA's ongoing campaign to reduce deaths and injuries caused by drunk drivers. Having tasty, nonalcoholic beverages available can help hosts moderate alcohol consumption by guests as a party progresses.

The guide's introductory message notes that in 2004 almost 17,000 people died in the United States as a result of traffic crashes in which alcohol consumption was a factor -- more deaths than America has suffered in the Iraq War, the Afghanistan liberation operation, the 9/11 disaster and the recent Gulf hurricanes combined.

To emphasize the drunk driving problem, the guide has several charts showing how alcohol affects drivers. There also are tips for helping party hosts monitor alcohol consumption and deal with someone who drinks too much.

"The holiday season is a prime time for parties and gatherings where alcohol is a big part of the festivities," says Brad Roeber, AAA Chicago Regional President. "Drinking responsibly -- which means not mixing driving with alcohol -- is the best way to ensure a safe holiday season for all."

For a true taste of Christmas try Mango Sunrise, served at The Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. Or maybe something a little more on the sparkling side such as the Herrington Spatini, created by The Herrington Inn & Spa in Geneva, Ill.

These are just two of the alcohol-free recipes for party drinks included in the 2005-2006 edition of The Great Pretenders Party Guide, published by The Auto Club Group and available free to anyone who wants a copy.

The colorful, 17-page booklet includes 13 nonalcoholic recipes provided by hospitality managers at some of the AAA Diamond-rated hotels and restaurants in the eight states served by the six AAA clubs in The Auto Club Group (ACG): AAA Chicago, AAA Michigan, AAA Minnesota/Iowa, AAA Nebraska, AAA North Dakota and AAA Wisconsin.

In addition to nonalcoholic drink recipes, the guide has four recipes for party snacks, reprinted with the permission of Simon & Schuster Inc. from "All About Party Foods & Drink," one of the books in Scribner's "Joy of Cooking" series.

To obtain free copies of The Great Pretenders Party Guide, visit any AAA branch office in person, call toll-free (866) YOUR-AAA (968-7222), or download a copy at http://www.aaa.com/ .

AAA Chicago will celebrate 100 years of service in 2006. Formed in 1906, AAA Chicago represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as their leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues. For more information on high gas prices and money-saving tips, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-877-YOUR AAA (968-7222).

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 48 million members in the United States and Canada.