4 delicious mocktails for expecting moms

No need to feel left out when everyone’s enjoying cool, refreshing sundowners in the summer heat with these delicious alcohol-free mocktails, you’ll feel part of the fun without the hangover. What’s more, they’re packed with nutrients, some of which ease pregnancy symptoms.

ALSO SEE: 5 things that suck when you’re pregnant at Christmas

Raspberry, Gooseberry and Mint Daiquiri

*Serves 4

Ingredients

• 50ml sugar
• 100ml water
• 400g fresh raspberries
• 400g fresh gooseberries
• 15 blocks of ice
• Small handful fresh mint leaves
• 10ml lemon juice

Method

1. Place the sugar and water into a small pot over medium heat, and stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Simmer for two minutes, and then remove from the stove and cool.
2. Place the raspberries, gooseberries, ice blocks, fresh mint, lemon juice and cooled syrup into a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Pour into CONSOL jars and serve immediately.

Nutritional benefits Mint – The menthol in mint eases indigestion. It’s a great cure for morning sickness, and can decrease acidity and ease stomach cramps. It’s packed with vitamins C, D, E and some Bs, as well as calcium, phosphorous, antioxidants and phytonutrients, giving your immune system a boost. Raspberries – Provide an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese dietary fibre, copper, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin E, magnesium, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and potassium. Gooseberries – Contain vitamin A, potassium and magnesium, and lots of dietary fibre and vitamin C.

Ginger beer mojito

*Serves 4

Ingredients

• 60ml Bottlegreen Ginger and lemongrass cordial
• 2 limes
• 2 kiwi fruits, peeled
• 4 sprigs of mint
• 20 blocks of ice, crushed
• 800ml sparkling water

Method

1. Pour 15ml ginger and lemongrass cordial into the base of each glass.
2. Cut the lime into wedges and the kiwi into 8. Place 2 lime wedges and 4 pieces of kiwi into each glass, top with crushed ice and fresh mint leaves, and stir well.
3. Add sparkling water and serve.

Nutritional benefits Ginger – has long been known to help treat nausea and digestive problems. It contains chromium, magnesium and zinc, which can help to improve blood flow. It has also been used for centuries to treat colds and flu. Kiwi fruit – Contains a rich supply of minerals and is an alkaline fruit, which can reduce the excess acid from the food we eat. Kiwis reduce the potential for blood clotting and are a great source of fibre, so they help prevent constipation and other intestinal problems. They’re also rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cherry and Rose Lemonade

*Serves 4

Ingredients

• 16 fresh cherries
• 40ml cranberry cordial
• 200ml rose lemonade
• 800ml sparkling water

Method

1. Pour 10ml cranberry cordial into each glass.
2. Mix together the rose lemonade and sparkling water, and pour over the back of a spoon onto the cranberry cordial.
3. Garnish with 4 cherries on a wooden skewer.

Nutritional benefits Cranberries – Work wonderfully in helping to prevent urinary tract infections. They’re also high in fibre, vitamin C, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Cherries – Act as an antioxidant, have anti-inflammatory benefits, and are high in fibre and vitamin C. They also help in reducing muscle and joint soreness, and accelerate the recovery of muscle damage.

 

Nectarine Ice Tea Shandy

*Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 nectarines
• 15ml lemon juice
• 500ml lemon ice tea
• 500ml sparkling apple juice
• 100g fresh blueberries for garnishing

Method

1. Cut the nectarines into pieces, discarding the pips.
2. Blend the nectarine pieces and lemon juice in a blender until smooth.
3. Pour the nectarine purée into the base of 4 glasses, top with peach iced tea and sparkling water, and stir.
4. It may bubble over, so be careful to not overfill the glasses.
5. Garnish with fresh blueberries.

Nutritional benefits Lemons – An excellent source of vitamin C, they soothe the symptoms of colds and flu. They are powerful antioxidants, and are said to lower the risk of strokes in women. Vitamin C also aids the absorption of iron. Nectarines – Have a high beta-carotene content, which is an antioxidant. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, although the body will not convert more than is necessary. Vitamin A helps build and maintain healthy skin, teeth, bone tissue, soft tissue and mucous membranes. Blueberries – An excellent source of manganese, which is vital in bone development and converting carbs and fats into energy. They are also high in fibre, antioxidants and vitamin C, and are said to reduce the risk of heart disease in women.