Life
Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't kick your feet up with a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail — or "mocktail" — on Thanksgiving. These drinks can be just as tasty as their spirit-infused counterparts, if you have a great recipe to start. Sometimes it's as simple as adding carbonation to lift the flavors, or incorporating spices, fresh fruits, and simple syrups to find a flavor that mirrors the taste of the real, alcoholic deal. Creating lavish, satisfying Thanksgiving mocktails for pregnant women doesn't have to be difficult, time-consuming, or stressful. All you really need is a plan.
The holidays, for the most part, can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially if you're pregnant and tasked with entertaining. If you're missing the days when you could enjoy a drink or two between roasting the yams and cheering for your favorite football team, there are plenty of non-alcoholic versions of your favorite adult beverages. Some take mere minutes to whip up, most use a fizzy ingredient — which can be great for an upset stomach — and nearly of of them incorporate guilt-free fresh fruit.
Thanksgiving doesn't have to be lacking in celebration just because you're pregnant. In fact, why not start a new holiday tradition with a few of the drinks below? With a little creativity, you'll have your favorite drink in hand by the time the rolls are ready and the turkey needs to be carved. Here's some tried-and-true drink recipes for the pregnant women in your life:
Cran-Rasberry Mocktini
There's little more refreshing, or festive, than Sober Julie's cool cranberry/rasberry mocktini mixture with a splash of fresh juices and peppermint candy canes to add a little kick. Dress them in actual martini glasses and you'll hardly notice it's alcohol-free.
Non-Alcoholic ButterBeer
For all the Hogwart's enthusiasts, this warm butterbeeer concoction from Sandra Lee via Food Network screams holiday comfort. Is there anything more decadent or comforting than condensed milk, butterscotch, and vanilla cream soda? No. The answer, my Thanksgiving-loving friends, is no.
Ginger-Rosemary Lemonade
If you're feeling particularly nauseated Thanksgiving morning, try this stomach-soothing combo of ginger, lime, and fresh rosemary from iSi. If you don't have one of their amazing soda makers, you can substitute with sparkling water. The fizz creates the carbonation that'll calm your belly woes, while tasting better than any store-bought version in the process. Plus, by adding any Rosemary you probably already have on-hand for the turkey, you get double the Thanksgiving feels.
3-Ingredient Cherry Bomb
For a simple and delicious mocktail that delivers, the Queen of entertaining herself, Martha Stewart, has your go-to standby using only three ingredients. It couldn't be easier to prep a drink while juggling every other Thanksgiving task, including (but not limited to) cooking, cleaning, and answering the same pregnancy questions over and over. Throw in a cinnamon stick and feel instantly warm and cozy, no matter what's going on around you.
Mango Bellini
What's Cooking, Love offers up an elegant, yet incredibly easy "bellini" infusing all the mango you could ever want in a mocktail. Minus the alcohol, this drink is reminiscent of being at a wedding reception on the beach, at sunset. It couldn't get any more relaxing (even when kids are running through the house while waiting on dinner to be served).
Mock Sangria
If you're in the mood for something more traditional, wellness expert, Dr. Taz Bhatia has you covered with this healthy, fruity sangria. Or, you can go with Melissa d'Arabian's version via Food Network, with only a couple minor differences. It's like a farmer's market in a glass that pairs well with all the mashed potatoes and green bean casseroles you'll be eating, but without the post-meal guilt.
Rosemary Citrus Spritzer
If you're looking for something light to accommodate that sweet-smelling pie in the oven, The Kitchn has something for you. Not only is this refreshing, it's yet another way you can use one of those fresh herbs you have laying around the countertop. Rosemary and citrus might not scream "Thanksgiving," but sometimes a holiday is really just a state of mind. Throw some sprigs of rosemary at your place setting (to set the tone), and it's as close as you can get to the Thanksgiving "feeling."
Ombré Grapefruit Mocktail
Your Thanksgiving feast isn't complete without this work-of-art! Thanks to Handmade Mood, grapefruit has never been more beautiful (or tasty). Be sure to serve in the most festive Thanksgiving glasses so everyone can enjoy the aesthetics of the color surge. You'll hardly want to drink something so pretty (but you will, because the blood orange colors are delicious).
Lemon-Berry Colada
There's fewer better combos than blueberry and lemon, which is exactly what Bijoux and Bits did with this "summer-in-a-cup" version for your Thanksgiving dinner, no matter what the weather is like outside. Place this light, refreshing drink in your favorite copper mug for a cauldron-esque feel that'll rejuvenate the spirits, leaving you ready for whatever tasty comfort food comes your way.
Apple Cider Fake-Tini
You can't get through Thanksgiving festivities without something that reminds you of Fall, like this cozy apple-cinnamon mocktail from Rachel Cooks. Nothing will relax or calm you faster than apple cider heated with fresh cinnamon sticks. It'll make your kitchen smell great and leave you feeling ready for whatever uncomfortable conversation come your way on this fine holiday.
Check out Romper's new video series, Romper's Doula Diaries:
Watch full episodes of Romper's Doula Diaries on Facebook Watch.
