Delicious healthy mocktails for expecting moms

Nothing beats an ice-cold cocktail on a warm afternoon shared with friends or family. If you’re pregnant you don’t have to miss out on the cheer, with these yummy mocktails packed with nutrients, some of which actually ease pregnancy symptoms.

Raspberry, Gooseberry, and Mint Daiquiri

*Serves 4

Ingredients

• 50ml sugar
• 100ml water
• 400g fresh raspberries
• 400g fresh gooseberries
• 15 blocks of ice
• Small handful of 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.

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.

Mocktail ingredients that ease pregnancy symptoms

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.

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.

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.

Cranberries: Work wonderfully in helping to prevent urinary tract infections. They’re also high in fibre, vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.