A pregnant woman’s guide to the best non-alcoholic beverages

Belly aside, after you read this you won’t even miss the alcohol. For those short nine months, give or take a few if you are breastfeeding, every woman knows alcohol is off limits. It’s best for the baby and for mama, so make sure to follow the doctor’s orders. But rest assured mama, that pina colada you love so much CAN be a virgin pina colada and you’ll never notice the difference. So, while you’re counting down the days until you CAN taste the forbidden fruit once again, try the non-alcoholic twist on any of these classic favorites to pass the time:

 

1. Blueberry Maple Mojito

This mocktail is equally as delicious as it is helpful; the mint and extra fluids might just ward off that morning sickness.

• 8-10 mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ⅓ cup organic, no sugar added blueberry juice
• ½ cup club soda
• Frozen blueberries

Muddle mint leaves in glass until they release their smell. Add lime juice, maple syrup, blueberry juice, and club soda. Stir to combine. Toss in frozen blueberries and a handful of ice. Enjoy!

 

2. (Not so) Bloody Mary

We know you’ve been missing this morning cocktail, so make it a mocktail and miss no more!

• 6 cups tomato juice
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (NOT horseradish sauce or dressing–if it has eggs or mayonnaise in it, that’s not what you’re looking for)
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons celery salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly coarse ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup dill pickle juice

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and chill at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve over ice in a salt-rimmed glass with celery, asparagus, lime, or whatever garnish you’re craving. 

 

3. Sangria

Don’t go 9 months without this delicious Sangria recipe.

• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 black tea bags
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2cup sugar
• 3 cups pomegranate juice
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 medium orange, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 medium lemon, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 medium lime, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 medium apple, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 3 cups carbonated water

Pour boiling water over tea bags and cinnamon and steep for 5 minutes. Combine all ingredients except carbondated water in a pitcher and chill for a few hours or overnight. Just before serving, stir in carbonated water and pour over ice.

 

 

4. Tropical Mama

Even if you’ve never had the alcoholic version of this drink, you’ll be glad you saved the mocktail!

• 1 banana
• 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
• 200ml whole milk
• 200ml pineapple juice
• A handful of ice cubes
• Whipped cream

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Top with whipped cream and kiwis. Yum!

 

 

5. Lavender Lemonade

Once again, another concoction that tastes even better as a mocktail.

• 6 cups water divided
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 Tbsp dried lavender
• 2 cups lemon juice
• Lemon slices and lavender petals for garnish
• Blue or purple food coloring *optional

Combine water and sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil until sugar is dissolved, then stir in lavender and honey. Steep for 2 hours, then strain. Combine fresh lemon juice, lavender mixture, and water in a pitcher. Add food coloring if needed and serve over ice.