New Year’s Eve is a time for making memories, and unfortunately, a lot of those memories involve alcohol. It seems that everyone is popping Prosecco to celebrate the holiday season.
It can be a challenge to feel like part of the festive fun when you’re pregnant and can’t drink or eat what you want. That’s why we’re sharing our favourite festive holiday mocktails that everyone will love.
These recipes are simple and tasty. We bet nobody will even notice that there’s no alcohol involved, but if they do, it’s easy to just add a splash of their favourite liquor to make it boozier.
No more sipping water while everyone else indulges in boozy festive cocktails! Now you can join in with these crowd-pleasing festive mocktails.
1. Mulled Apple Juice
Move over mulled cider! It wouldn't be the festive season without a mulled drink, and this alcohol-free version is perfect for mums-to-be, designated drivers, and kids alike.
This spiced drink holds all the flavour of traditional mulled cider with none of the booze. It only takes about 10 minutes and will keep you warm during those chilly winter evenings.
photo by BBC Good Food
Instructions:
- Simmer the apple juice with strips of orange peel, cinnamon stick and cloves for about 5-10 mins until all the flavours have infused. Sweeten to taste.
- Serve each drink with a little orange peel and a piece of cinnamon stick for a festive kick.
Check out the full recipe here.
Apples are packed with nutrients to help your growing baby, including vitamins A and C, fibre and potassium. One study has found that eating apples whilst pregnant may reduce the likelihood of your baby developing asthma and allergies over time.
2. Spiced Pina Colada Mocktail
Get the party started with an exotic twist of spice and sweetness. This festival holiday mocktail will be a hit with non-drinkers and cocktail fans. It has an added spiciness from the mock spiced rum that turns this island classic into a holiday favourite.
After all, if you like Pina Coladas and getting lost in the rain… why should you miss out?
photo by BBC Good Food
Instructions:
- Put the dark brown muscovado sugar and 200ml water in a saucepan.
- Stir well and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Add a few strips of skin from the pineapple.
- Add the black peppercorns, cloves and a cinnamon stick, then bring to a boil.
- Turn off the heat and leave to infuse until cold. Strain into a jug and set aside in the fridge until needed. Will keep for up to three days.
- Pour the pineapple juice into a tall glass and add the coconut milk and lime juice. Stir gently.
- Fill up the glass with a handful of ice then slowly add 25ml of the syrup so it sinks to the bottom. Garnish with pineapple leaves and a tinned cherry.
Check out the full recipe here.
Some people believe pineapple can induce labour – but there’s no evidence to prove this!
3. Pomegranate Mojito Mocktail
Enjoy a pretty-in-pink festive holiday mocktail this year. This spin on the classic drink is packed with festive cheer. Plus, pomegranate juice may even help prevent pregnancy complications.
Instructions:
- A day ahead, divide the pomegranate seeds between the holes in an ice cube tray, top up with water and freeze.
- Reserve half the mint for serving and tear the rest into a large jug with the lime quarters.
- Using a rolling pin, bash the mint and lime to release the flavours. Add the pomegranate juice and lemonade.
- Put ice cubes in each glass, then strain over the pomegranate mix through a small sieve. Garnish with lime slices and more mint.
Check out the full recipe here.
Pomegranates are a good source of energy and their high iron content helps prevent iron-deficiency. They also contain plenty of vitamin K which is essential for maintaining healthy bones. Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may help to decrease the risk of injury to the placenta.
4. Faux Fizz Mocktail
This makes a fun and sparkly festive holiday mocktail that everyone will like. The flavours of pear, apricot, honey, lemon and rosemary make the delicious base syrup. Then you just add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and sparkling water to top up. We’ve found this goes rather well with a non-alcoholic G&T added at the end too!
Instructions:
- To make the base syrup, put 1 sliced pear, 4 dried apricots, 75g of golden caster sugar, 25g of honey, a sprig of rosemary and a strip of lemon zest in a saucepan with 100ml water.
- Heat for 10 mins or until the sugar has dissolved and the pear is very soft, then leave to cool completely.
- Next strain the syrup into a jug, add the apple cider vinegar and chill in the fridge for at least 30 mins. Pour about 25ml of the syrup into a champagne flute and top with cold sparkling water.
- We recommend you garnish with a rosemary sprig to create that Festive Holiday Mocktail look.
Check out the full recipe here.
Pears provide lots of fibre, potassium and folate. Fibre is great for easing pregnancy constipation and potassium is known to benefit your's and baby’s heart health as well as stimulate cell regeneration.
Apricots are packed with nutrients, such as vitamins A, C and E, that help with baby’s development and growth as well as iron, which can prevent anaemia and calcium to help baby’s teeth and bones grow strong.
5. Sparkling Berry Apple Mocktail
We haven’t tried out this mocktail on anyone who doesn’t just love it! The berry syrup can be prepared well ahead of time – taking the stress out of any last-minute New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Photo by The Little Epicurean
Instructions:
- First make the syrup by combing ½ oz of frozen berries and sugar in a saucepan and bring to boil, before allowing to simmer until the berries have softened and the mixture is thick. Strain the mixture and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Add the syrup and 3oz of apple cider before adding sparkling water to suit. Add ice and stir.
Check out the full recipe here.
Berries are a good source of vitamin C which helps with iron absorption and boosts the body’s immune system. They contain a lot of water so they’re a great source of hydration, and are also packed with carbohydrates, which give you much-needed energy and pass easily through your placenta to nourish your baby.
Happy New Year from Secret Saviours! We hope you have a great alcohol-free celebration and enjoy these festive holiday mocktails with any friends and family you have chosen to spend the evening with.
Want more festive holiday mocktail ideas? Check out our blog here of our favourite all year recipes. And, if you want some handy tips on how to tackle the busy holiday season whilst pregnant, this blog post might be just for you.
