Pregnancy Pick-me-up: 3 Quick and Easy Mocktail Recipes

Mocktails for the mama-to-be

There are few things as satisfying as an icy cocktail on a warm, sticky day in Hong Kong. However, if you are currently pregnant you might think that you’re going to be missing out on cocktail hour for the next couple of months #nofair. Don’t stress mama, we have you covered. No alcohol? No problem. We’ve put on our research glasses to come up with three pregnancy friendly cocktails that even have the potential to be healthy during your pregnancy. Remember to clear anything you wouldn’t normally eat with your doctor then shake up some mocktails and you’re on your way to a better day! 

Read more: Healthy Snacks for Every Member of the Family

(makes 2 mocktails)

The science:
Ginger is proven to ward off nausea during pregnancy. Research published in The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists shows that ginger is as effective as vitamin B6 in preventing nausea, especially in early pregnancy when morning sickness often rears its ugly head. Not to mention it tastes delicious! A good reason to have a mocktail for breakfast #sorrynotsorry.

The recipe:
Ingredients
– 100 ml sugar syrup
– ½ root of ginger, cut into 5-6 cubes
– 300 ml ginger ale, chilled
– 100 ml sparkling water, chilled
– 1 lime

Method
1. Add the ginger cubes and the sugar syrup to a small pot and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes until it becomes slightly sticky.
2. Cool down and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.
3. In a chilled glass add 2-3 of the sugared ginger cubes with a teaspoon of the leftover syrup.
4. Per glass, add about 150 ml of ginger ale and top off with sparkling water.
5. Add the squeeze of lime over the top before serving.

(makes 2 mocktails)

The science:
Everyone knows the health benefits of vitamin C. It improves the immune system, helps to maintain connective tissue (bye, bye stretch marks) and protects against heart disease. Needless to say, it is definitely beneficial to have some vitamin C in your diet and what better source than oranges? Nevertheless, as delicious as it is you may want to limit this mocktail to one-to-two drinks a day as you don’t want a Vitamin C overload. A maximum of 85mg per day is recommended by babyMed. This cocktail also contains carrot juice which is high in fibre and contains lots of amazing nutrients which aid in regulating blood sugar levels, could reduce blood pressure and even makes your eyesight better for when babies become toddlers who need constant supervision.

The recipe:
Ingredients
– 20 ml sugar syrup
– 300 ml orange juice, fresh, chilled
– 100 ml carrot juice, chilled
– 30ml lemon juice
– 3-4 mint sprigs
– Ice
– Orange slices for decoration

Method
1. Add the sugar syrup, orange juice, carrot juice, lemon juice and mint leaves* in a shaker, over ice.
2. Shake until the outside of the shaker becomes cold and frosty.
3. Pour over ice and decorate with mint leaves and orange slices.

*Note: The mint flavour in this mocktail is very subtle. If you are craving a more minty flavour you can muddle the mint leaves with the sugar syrup before adding the ice to the shaker.

(makes 2 mocktails)

The science:
Carrying around your bundle of joy in the Hong Kong heat is nothing less than exhausting mama, so it is very important to stay hydrated. Coconut water is high in electrolytes and magnesium and has a moderate amount of sugar and protein. It’s also a good source of dietary fibre (no more constipation) and calcium which makes it an all-around super drink! Most importantly coconut water helps to replenish the salts you lose during those sweaty sessions wandering around in 90% humidity!

The recipe:
Ingredients
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– ½ cup raspberry
– ½ cup strawberries
– 1 tsp sugar
– 500 ml coconut water

Method
1.  Add the limes, sugar and coconut water in a shaker over ice.
2. Shake until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
3. In a chilled glass, add some ice cubes and a few wedges of lime.
3. Pour the cocktail over the ice and add the berries.

Disclaimer: The opinions included in this article and the ingredients used in these recipes are based on scientific research conducted by independent researchers, however they should not be viewed as or used in lieu of a professional medical opinion. Always consult your doctor before consuming anything during pregnancy.