Friday, March 15, 2013

My Favorite Pregnancy 'Mocktails'

When I got pregnant, I knew one of the things that would be tough for me was the total giving up of my occasional cocktail. After a long day, while cooking dinner, or even while catching up with B after a trying week, I enjoyed a glass or three of wine or champagne. 

There is just something so satisfying about the carbonated goodness of a cold drink at the end of a long day. But, I knew I wouldn't be one of those girls that would be totally comfortable indulging in a glass of champagne while preggo, at least not until I was past the halfway point. And with my sisters wedding just three weeks away, we'll just have to wait and see what happens with that.

All judgements aside, I knew I wanted to find a few 'virgin' options that I could keep on hand around home. A girl can totally drink Ginger Ale out of her favorite wine glass while she cooks dinner, right?

So, over the last five months, I've come up with a few go-to 'mocktails' that make this preggo Momma feel special when she needs a pick-me-up. Nothing super fancy, and they can all be found in grocery stores and travel well if you're headed to a friend's house, a party, or just kicking your feet up at home.
  1. Martinelli's Sparkling Cider: I am sure I'm not the first girl to buy a bottle of this when a little celebrating is in order. It's light, refreshing and even comes in a champagne-like bottle.
  2. Ginger Ale: For me, it doesn't really matter what brand it is. I stocked up on some mini cans at the beginning of my pregnancy to help combat the nausea that I never really ended up having. Now I like to have one or two each week just for something different. My favorite thing to do is pop one into the cupholder in my car for a road trip refreshment!
  3. Safeway Organics Italian Soda: My SIL introduced me to this 'mocktail' at our family Christmas celebration this past year, and I have had at least one bottle in my fridge at all times ever since. My favorite is the Blood Orange, but I have also tried Passionfruit. This stuff is light, fruity and easy to sip on! I definitely recommend trying it if you can find it in your area.
  4. Hot Chocolate: This list would not be complete without my favorite evening/dessert beverage. Since I am trying to keep my caffeine intake down, I am limiting my coffee drinking to just the mornings, so in the evening, if I want something warm and satisfying, I don't hesitate to prepare a hot cup of cocoa and top it with a bit of whipped cream!

So, if you're craving something other than water these days, I recommend giving each of these a try. I'm also open to any and all suggestions, ladies! Happy FRIDAY!

4 comments:

Shannon Dew said...

I was OBSESSED with ginger ale at the beginning of this pregnancy! Also, I got the "mojito" crystal light packets and that satisfied the craving, somewhat!

Tara said...

Oooh! The Martinelli's Sparkling Cider really is good! I am still drinking it even though I'm no longer pregnant. I rang in 2011 pregnant with it in my fancy champagne glass... and I totally drank ginger ale in wine glasses throughout my pregnancy. It definitely helped with my morning sickness during the first trimester... but it had to be Canada Dry.

Unknown said...

My go-to mock cocktail has been - 7up, cranberry juice and a wedge of lime. It's so good & makes me feel like I'm having a mixed drink with everyone else!

Colleen Sullivan said...

Loved the blood orange Italian soda when I was pregnant!

I would drink it with a splash of sparkling water in a cocktail glass with a lime wedge and a fun straw.

I also liked (and still do!) Simply Mango Lemonade, sparkling soda, lots of ice and a lemon wedge...pretty good with a little tequila too!