New Summer "DDrinks" For The Designated Sober Driver

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just in time for the sweltering summer heat, the California Office of Traffic Safety announces its refreshing, summertime-inspired, non-alcoholic Designated Driver Drinks or "DDrinks." The Carrier, Prohibition, Innocent Passion, Basil Berry Fizz and the Jalapeño Lemon Drop are cool, non-alcoholic concoctions with ingredients such as seasonal fruits, fresh mint, and agave nectar. Each drink is a perfect option for those looking for a safe alternative to typical summer cocktail recipes.

The DDrink campaign features specially-crafted non-alcoholic recipes submitted by 12 food and drink establishments in cities throughout the state: Sacramento, Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles. Each recipe is a part of a public-private partnership with OTS and has been featured in participating establishments since August 2012.

"The designated driver role used to be the one who felt out of place, stuck with just water or a soda," said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. "DDrinks are all about changing that perception by offering designated drivers a refreshing and creative alternative, providing them with more incentive to stay sober while joining in the fun."

The featured summer drinks were created by talented "mixologists" from the partnering restaurants including Aiki Shirako of EOS Lounge in Santa Barbara, Ferris Wehbe of Next Door Lounge in Hollywood, Justin Robinson of Zen Sushi in Sacramento, Aaron Marnet of Cafeteria 15L in Sacramento, and Bobby Falcon of Infusion Lounge in San Francisco.

To extend the campaign's reach and the anti-drunk driving messaging, OTS has added an interactive Facebook tab that features all 12 DDrink recipes and provides easy access to patrons who may want to recreate one of the featured drinks at home. In addition to an enhanced presence via social media, the campaign is also heavily supported through by the bars and restaurants, including menu inserts, table tent cards, and window and mirror signage displayed in each participating establishment. These materials not only indicate the partnership with OTS, but also encourage patrons to try the establishment's signature DDrink or to take advantage of the OTS cab finder QR code.

For more information on the summer drink recipes, the DDrink campaign, or for a list of participating bars and restaurants, anyone can visit the OTS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS or follow OTS on Twitter @OTS_CA. For more information on all OTS efforts, visit www.ots.ca.gov.