At some point you’ll probably want to go out with, out for a meal, or at a party, and be the only one not drinking. But staying sober in pregnancy doesn’t have to be boring.  Try these thirst-quenchers that swap alcohol for sparkling water, soda water, syrups or fruit juices.

How can I enjoy myself without the alcohol?

Yes, you can be teetotal and still feel part of the fun. It just takes a bit of imagination:

  • When everyone around you is drinking champagne as a toast, drink sparkling apple or grapefruit juice from a champagne glass.
  • Instead of going for orange juice on its own every time, add something to liven it up. Splash in some cranberry, grapefruit or pineapple juice.
  • Mix half cranberry juice and half sparkling water, serve with ice, and add a twist of lime. It’s a colourful and refreshing combination. If you find cranberry juice a bit sour, add a dash of orange juice for natural sweetness.
  • For a twist on a bloody Mary without the vodka, try a virgin Mary. Mix tomato juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a dash of tabasco sauce and a squeeze of lemon.

Soft drinks also come with a few extra benefits:

  • Fresh fruit juice and milk-based drinks will help you to get some of the nutrients you and your baby need.
  • You’ll save money, as non-alcoholic drinks cost less.
  • There won’t be any quarrels about who’s going to drive home.
  • You won’t be nursing a hangover the next day.

What non-alcoholic cocktails can I try?

Bars and pubs often list non-alcoholic cocktails on their menus. Or ask for a cocktail without the vodka or gin.

Try these tasty non-alcoholic tipples:

Spiced fruit punch

Ingredients:

  • 600ml orange juice
  • 600ml apple juice
  • 150ml water
  • half tsp ground ginger
  • half tsp ground mixed spices

Method:

Place the ingredients in a saucepan and warm gently over a low heat for about five minutes. Pour the punch into warmed glasses and add some slices of orange or lemon.

Coconut dream

Ingredients:

  • 200g creamed coconut
  • 285ml water
  • 4 ripe bananas
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • lemonade to taste

Method:

Dissolve the creamed coconut in water. Puree the bananas with the lemon juice and add to the coconut mixture. Top up your glass with lemonade to taste. Great for cocktail lovers with a sweet tooth.

Ray of sunshine

Ingredients:

  • 50ml apple juice
  • 50ml pineapple juice
  • sparkling water or lemonade, to top up

Method:

Fill a two-litre jug with ice and add apple juice and pineapple juice. Top up the jug with water or lemonade.

Bloody driver

Ingredients:

  • 200ml tomato juice
  • juice of 4 limes
  • 200ml orange juice
  • 400ml sparkling water

Method:

Half-fill a jug with ice, pour the juices over the ice and mix together. Top up with water and serve in a tumbler with a slice of lime. Packs enough punch for you to forget that it’s alcohol-free.

Shirley Temple

Ingredients:

  • 150ml ginger ale
  • 1 tbsp grenadine syrup
  • twist of lemon peel
  • thin slice of orange

Method:

Mix everything in a cocktail shaker, pour over crushed ice into a cocktail glass, and feel like a film star.

Original article: https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a541892/non-alcoholic-drinks-for-pregnancy



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