The Long Beach Post is here to help, and this week we are publishing a series of videos ahead of New Year’s Eve on how to make our favorite drinks.

Today, Managing Editor Melissa Evans brings us her Virgin Mojito “mocktail:”

You want to ring in the New Year without shame and regret? Try a delicious mocktail—one of my favorites is the Virgin Mojito. It’s simple to make: muddle some fresh mint on the bottom of a glass, fill with crushed ice, then add sparkling water, juice from two-three lime wedges and a splash of simple syrup.

Give it a stir, garnish with fresh lime and mint, then sip or slam—and have another.

Next, wake up early Jan. 1 clear-eyed, then grind coffee beans, put some forks in the garbage disposal, vacuum the living room—or any number of noisy activities to smugly annoy your hungover friends—then take yourself outdoors and enjoy one of these local hikes.