During and after pregnancy, people are often told to hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate. Rightly so, because drinking plenty of water has many benefits. During pregnancy, drinking plenty of water helps the amniotic fluid form around the fetus; and in the fourth trimester, hydrating your body properly helps in maintaining milk supply when breastfeeding. That being said, sometimes water just doesn’t cut it when you’re craving a drink–especially during the hot summer months when many of your loved ones are gathering. In moments when you are craving a drink that you cannot have, whether that be because you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or simply want to avoid the side effects of alcohol, you can enjoy the festivities with a mocktail or non-alcoholic beverage that tastes just like the real thing! Below are some of the best non-alcoholic drinks to add variety to any occasion.
Based on your typical vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice Moscow Mule, this alcohol free “Mocktail Mule” will provide the familiar flavors without a trace of alcohol.
Why We Love It: You can also very much personalize it by choosing your own Ginger Beer: the Mocktail can be as “spicy” as you want it. Though Ginger Beer doesn’t contain raw ginger and also has a higher sugar content, in comparison to Ginger Ale, Ginger Beer is the better choice for nausea and morning sickness due to the fermentation process that it goes through.
Pro Tip: Chill a copper mug in the freezer and serve the drink in it for a true Mocktail Mule experience!
Mimosas are typically made with orange juice, champagne, and a dash of triple sec; this mocktail recipe is unique, but not far off from the original! So, you’ll be able to indulge in the classic brunch drink without the presence of alcohol.
Why We Love It: This mocktail recipe is full of flavor and doesn’t fall short like some other mimosa mocktails do because the variety of flavors from both the white grape juice and orange juice adds a punch to it.
Pro Tip: This recipe makes a large drink, so if you don’t want the full 20oz, split the recipe in half!
Out of all the mocktails suggested here, this particular mocktail is not necessarily based on any specific cocktail. It tastes amazing though, and has less sugar than the other two mocktail suggestions, so if you’re looking for a mocktail on the healthier side, give this one a try!
Why We Love It: Pomegranates are high in antioxidants, which are great for mother and baby. Pomegranate juice specifically is high in polyphenolic antioxidants, which help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as prevent a variety of infections. According to a study by Washington University in St. Louis, pomegranate juice can aid in preventing pregnancy complications due to these antioxidants.
Pro Tip: Freeze pomegranate seeds to act as ice cubes, such as the raspberries in the mimosa mocktail above
Mocktail Club provides the opportunity for a variety of consistent and seasonal flavors, new recipes, and the choice of receiving products at your home at the frequency of your choice. You can also purchase mocktails of your choice in 4 packs! The consistent flavors they offer include Capri Spritz, Manhattan Berry, Bombay Fire, and Havana Twist.
Price: $16.96
What You Get: 4 x 12oz cans
Why We Love It: Subscriptions get you 10% off each four-pack, each beverage is completely alcohol and caffeine free*, and 1% of sales go towards global clean water access! You really get the best of all worlds.
Pro Tip: Pair a mocktail can with a charcuterie board to have some more fun with your beverage!
*Most experts agree that 150mg to 300mg a day while pregnant or breastfeeding is safe, with 200mg equating to about a 12oz cup of coffee. That being said, your baby may be more sensitive to caffeine than others, which can cause them to be awake for longer or be fussier than normal. Simply monitor how caffeine affects your baby, consult with your healthcare provider and then make the choice that is best for you and your little one!
This company uses botanical extracts in their beverages to bring out the flavors in an effort to give you the effect of drinking an alcoholic beverage without the alcohol in them. Options include Apértif, Ghia Ginger, Lime and Salt, and Ghia Soda.
Price: $30.00
What You Get:
Why We Love It: The starter kit gives the opportunity to try all of the beverages they have to offer in smaller cans so that you do not need to purchase larger ones. Additionally, the website has recipe suggestions to make with their beverages, making the beverages themselves very versatile!
Pro Tip: Freeze some berries in some ice cubes, grab a fancy glass, and put them in your beverage for some extra fun!
Made in Canada, this company has three flavors: Sparkling Rosé, Sparkling Brut, and Rosé Spritz, providing a variety of options for anyone who wants to enjoy a non-alcoholic wine option.
Price: $29.99
What You Get: Four 8.5oz cans of the flavor of your choosing
Why We Love It: It is low in calories and sugar, making it a great option for those who are concerned about their caloric or sugar intake, especially during pregnancy!
Pro Tip: Take a look at the tasting notes for each flavor and what Surely recommends you should eat with each beverage.
Many major brands have non-alcoholic beer options, but Bravus is a brand that specifically provides non-alcoholic beer options. Brewed in the State of California, the beer flavors that Bravus currently offers include Blood Orange IPA, IPA, Hazy IPA, Oatmeal Dark, Peanut Butter Dark, Raspberry Gose, and Golden Ale (limited release).
Price: $13.99
What You Get:
Why We Love It: Bravus non-alcoholic beers are “brewed to reduce gluten” so that even those sensitive to gluten can enjoy a “beer” when they would like to and are also 100% vegan. In the same vein as the Ghia Starter Kit, the Variety Pack gives you the opportunity to try many of the beer flavors without hurting your wallet!
Pro Tip: Be sure to click on the “Find a Store” feature on Bravus’ website to find a location closest to you!
Hop Water is explained as a “smooth homage” to your favorite IPA and has five consistent flavors in its supply. Classic (which is described as crispy, citrusy, and piney), Peach, Lime, Mango, and Blood Orange.
Price: $84.99
What You Get: 36 12oz cans, including:
Why We Love It: Hop Water’s beverages include adaptogens and nootropics, which are meant to aid the body in its response to stress and enhance cognitive performance.
Pro Tip: Check out Hop Water’s blog for recipes and general tips to add some spice to your drink and your life!
Being pregnant or in the 4th trimester means a lot of change, including what you consume. However, just because there is a change regarding your beverage habits (such as nixing the alcohol) doesn’t mean you can’t be the life of the party during social gatherings that often accompany such drinks! We hope this list of non-alcoholic beverages can help you to add some variety to your day and also make you feel more included in the activities with friends and family that you enjoy. Happy drinking!
