Mocktail Recipes for Pregnancy

By Published On: August 5th, 2021

Pregnant women (or breastfeeding moms) eschewing alcohol are no longer confined to grapefruit juice and sparkling water during social hangouts. Non-alcoholic spirits and drinks have come a long way and are as exciting, flavorful and often complex as their boozy counterparts.

If you’re craving something more than good ol’ H2O to sip this season, make like a mixologist and shake things up a bit.

Stock the bar with these alcohol-free essentials.

The sober-curious movement sparked a surge in what’s now trending zero-proof beverages and social drinking experiences. (There are even bars that serve craft non-alcoholic drinks until the wee hours of the morning. Though, we’re thinking you may be more interested in this concept for brunch or your baby shower versus hitting the nightclub.)

This heightened interest has prompted distilleries to produce a range of quality zero-proof spirits that replace the nuances traditional booze provide. These lively substitutions pack an impressive punch that hopefully won’t have you missing your Taco Tuesday margarita or evening aperitivo too much.

Whether you’re interested in trying different things or had a drink of choice you typically stuck to prepregnancy, these booze-less bases and accompaniments are great to have on hand.

Flavorings

  • Simple syrup: This is super easy to DIY and add whatever flavor profile is needed, from botanicals to spices to citrus.

  • Bitters: Aeromatic, orange, lemon, tonic, etc.

Garnishes

  • Herbs (fresh mint/basil/rosemary sprigs)

  • Lime wedges
  • Lemon slices

  • Rim salt and seasoning

Mixers

  • Juices (lime/lemon/pineapple/
    pomegranate/cranberry/etc.)

  • Ginger beer/ginger ale
  • Tonic water

  • Club soda

Taste test these must-try mocktails.

We love these drink recipes because they’re close to what you’d get in a real cocktail and offer tasting notes that are easily recognizable and enjoyable. (Because sometimes mama wants more than a blend of juices poorly disguised as sangria.)

Make this if you’re craving something spicy: Jalapeño Margarita

The spiciness from the jalapeño adds a needed kick that keeps you sipping and savoring. For added heat, soak jalapeño slices in the mock tequila for 15 to 30 minutes before using.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Ritual Tequila
  • 1 oz. fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz. agave nectar
  • ½ jalapeño pepper, sliced
  • Basil leaf
  • Tajin seasoning (for rim)

Fill a shaker with ice cubes and add all ingredients. Shake well until mixed. Pour into rimmed glass and garnish with a jalapeño slice and lime wedge.

Get additional recipes and tasting notes on Ritual Tequila Alternative. (Just omit the triple sec in the site’s version!)

Make this if you’re craving something bubbly and refreshing: Ginger Highball

This carbonated ginger-lemon spritzer could be a good option for moms suffering from morning sickness to partake in without causing more of an upset stomach or triggering a gag reflex.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz. Monday Whiskey
  • Ginger ale
  • Fresh lemon juice

Best served in a Collins style glass over ice, pour majority Monday Whiskey and top with ginger ale and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently and add a lemon slice.

Make this if you’re craving something a bit bitter: Negroni

Yep. Even a boozy negroni (traditionally made of gin, campari and sweet vermouth) can be made non-alcoholic for the expectant set. While it requires a few additional ingredients, it’s worth the investment if you’re looking for a true cocktail experience.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Lyre’s Dry London Spirit
  • 1 oz. Lyre’s Italian Spritz
  • 1 oz. Lyre’s Apéritif Dry
  • 2 drops tonic bitters (optional)

In an old-fashioned style glass, stir together gently over fresh ice and top with a lemon slice.

Make this if you’re craving something rich: Espresso Martini

Coined the “Espresso MartiNO” by the founders, Seedlip’s Spice 94 creates a warm blend of allspice, cardamom and citrus to go with that caffeine kick. (Not keen on coffee while pregnant? No problem! Opt for a decaffeinated cold brew instead.)

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Seedlip Spice 94
  • 2 oz. cold brew
  • 1.5 oz. simple syrup

Combine all ingredients and ice into a shaker. Shake well. Double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a few coffee beans if feeling fancy.

Check out Seedlip’s full list of beautifully created faux cocktails.

Make this if you’re craving something tropical and beachy: Classic Piña Colada

Oh-so creamy, sweet and satisfying, this crowd pleaser is a summer favorite for all. Note that coconut cream and cream of coconut are NOT interchangeable and will fail to produce the same results.

You can also use heavy cream as an alternative if desired.

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 oz. Fluère Spiced Cane Dark Roast
  • ¾ cup frozen pineapple
  • 2 oz. coconut cream
  • 2 oz. pineapple juice
  • ½ oz. lime juice
  • ¾ cup ice

Blend ice and pineapple until chunky. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Top with a pineapple slice and a straw.

By Lauren Lisle