Alcohol and Pregnancy
But first, a word on alcohol and pregnancy - the two don’t mix. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is never safe to drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. Maternal alcohol use can result in low birthweight babies, central nervous system problems, or behavioral issues as the child ages. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that babies of mothers who drink in moderate amounts during pregnancy have an increased risk for coordination, attention, and learning problems. Children of heavy drinkers may have a smaller-than-normal head size, abnormal facial features, or lower height/weight.
Non-Alcoholic Mocktails to Make During Pregnancy
If you’re not ready to share your baby news with the world, then suddenly switching your favorite cocktails and liqueur picks for plain ol’ water may raise some eyebrows. Or maybe you’re already showing—and don’t want to sit empty-handed at every summer soiree. Here’s where mocktails come in. Booze-free beverages, non-alcoholic beer, non-alcoholic spirits, and creative concoctions are switched-up options the mama-to-be can explore. If this is your first experience whipping up non-alcoholic cocktails, check out our fave make-your-own elixir mocktails!
1. Fruity Cranberry Ginger Ale
The cranberry is more than just a tasty fruit. According to the Cleveland Clinic, cranberries have antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. The berries can also help to balance your digestive system and may also improve cholesterol levels. What you need:
Cranberry juice - Choose a sugar-free, 100 percent juice option. Ginger ale or ginger beer (non-alcoholic) An orange Orange juice
Directions:
2. Herbal Iced Tea Spritz
Maternal caffeine intake may lead to smaller sized babies at birth, according to the National Institutes of Health. If you want to minimize the risks and eliminate caffeine from your daily routine, this herbal iced tea mocktail is an easy and tasty option. What you need:
Your favorite herbal tea or caffeine-free green tea Plenty of ice Sparkling water Fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, oranges, or anything juicy!
Directions:
3. Lemon Lime Shirley Temple
Instead of ginger ale, switch things up with this lemon-lime flavored play on the classic non-alcoholic option. What you need:
Grenadine Lime juice or lemon juice Lemon lime soda Maraschino cherries
Directions:
4. Mojito Mocktails
This concoction is one of the best non-alcoholic drinks of the summer! The real deal version of the mojito includes rum, mint, lime, club soda, and sugar. Instead of rum, this booze-free beverage uses club soda. What you need:
Club soda Mint leaves- 1 bunch Lime juice or limes to juice Simple syrup
Directions:
5. Citrus Fruit-Filled Non-Alcoholic Sipper
This tasty summer treat is filled with vitamin-rich citrus fruits and plenty of fizz! The lemony fresh scent of this drink may actually help with morning sickness too. According to a 2014 study, the smell of lemons can decrease nausea and vomiting symptoms in pregnancy. What you need:
Lemons Limes Grapefruit Orange juice White grape juice Sparkling water Elderflower syrup Blueberries
Directions:
Other Non-Alcoholic Elixir Options
Even if you’re primarily a home mocktail mixologist, sometimes you may want to go out for a non-alcoholic drink or two with your partner, family, or friends. Gone are the days when tequila, rosé, pina colada, or other favorites were your top picks! But this doesn’t mean you have to go for a plain booze-free option. Instead of the soda or water route, try a classic virgin margarita, a Shirley Temple, or order a non-alcoholic beer. These common concoctions and beverage menu picks are standards at many bars. This means you won’t need to spend half your night out writing cocktail recipes and double-checking mixers and ingredients. Do you want to learn more about what to eat and what to avoid during pregnancy? Check out our Healthy Pregnancy Diet section!
