When you’re pregnant, alcoholic beverages are off-limits. And even if you’re not someone who enjoys a cocktail very often, you can feel a little left out at parties and socia
l situations.
During each of my pregnancies, special occasions came and went, and as my friends and family gushed over the new drink recipe they discovered or toasted a new bride and groom, I sat with my bottle of water or, if I was feeling wild, can of root beer.
Knowing I was making the best choice for my little ones was important to me, and I wouldn’t have played my cards any differently, but it still felt weird to be the odd-girl-out.
Having a bun in the oven, doesn’t mean you have to miss the fun of a fruity, bubbly drink at a party. There are plenty of tricks and recipes that don’t involve any hangover-in-a-bottle.
One simple trick, is to drink your water, soda or tea from pretty stemware. The clinking of the ice on the glass and the feeling of sparkling crystal in your hand makes you feel like you’re part of the crowd.
You can also bring a sparkling juice along with you to events. Most hosts will have soda available, but if you’d like something a little special, drop by a grocery or liquor store and check out the sparkling juice selection. I always took a bottle with me, already chilled. In fact, I still do if I know a wine or champagne toast will be part of the festivities. Then I drink it along with my kids and they feel like they’re not missing out on a special moment either.
If you like more cocktail-y concoctions, give these a try. They’re great for any party situation and are a fabulous touch at baby showers, too.
If you’re shy about telling the bartender what to put in your drink, all you have to say is, “I’d like a Shirley Temple.” They’ll know just what you’re looking for, because it’s the universal non-alcoholic cocktail. If you’d like to make one yourself add 1 ½ teaspoons of grenadine to 5 ounces of ginger ale. Skewer a couple maraschino cherries on a cocktail sword and garnish the glass with an orange slice. If not-so-pregnant-you likes amaretto and coke, replace the ginger ale with caffeine-free cola and make a Roy Rogers.
If you’re going to a brunch and would like a savory drink that’s not so fruity, try a Virgin Mary. Add 3 ounces of tomato juice, 3 ounces of cranberry juice, ½ a teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, 1 teaspoon of lime juice and pepper to taste. For added flair, garnish it with a celery stick and a slice of lime.
For a cool, refreshing summer drink, mix equal parts ice tea and lemonade and sugar to taste. Serve it in a highball glass garnished with a sprig of mint or lemon slice.
For a mock mimosa, simply add orange juice to sparkling grape juice. It’s the perfect sweet, yet tart, drink for any occasion.
Being pregnant doesn’t mean an end to cocktail hour, you just have to leave out the no-no juice. Try one of these drinks at your next get-together and you’ll enjoy every sip without feeling like you’re missing out on the good times.
Image Source: flickr.com/photos/sami73/87897194
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