Food
Mocktail Recipes fit for a Queen
It’s been a long year, folks. For me, in particular, who found out I was pregnant the DAY the world “locked down”, it has involved some never-ending days. Days that were made even LONGER with morning sickness, back pain, and a complete inability to enjoy those nightly glasses of wine all of my friends seemed to be draining while at home. Fortunately for me, my husband is very into craft cocktails. (So much, in fact, that we recently started a business bringing bar-quality drinks and cocktail classes to your living room.) AND, in the course of his research and lots of drink testing, he discovered two amazing non-alcoholic “mocktails” that let me feel like I’m sipping away at an elegant speakeasy instead of playing “sequence” for the fifth night in a row on the couch.
So pregnant and nursing mamas, put down that boring cranberry + soda water, and try these Mocktail Recipes fit for a Queen (and options for your imbibing friends, too!).
Mocktail Recipes fit for a Queen (and one for dad, too)
An important note: You enjoy a drink with your EYES first. Be sure to garnish even your non-alcoholic creations!
The Temperance Collins (N/A)
Fresh and fizzy, everyone in the family can enjoy this refreshing drink. Best served with a fancy straw.
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (or agave)
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- A splash of club soda, plus more for topping off
- A citrus wedge, for garnish
Combine lime juice, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice in a chilled cocktail shaker, and add ice to chill. Shake vigorously. Add club soda, pour into a Collins glass, and top off with more soda. Add garnish, and enjoy!
The CosmoNOT (Can be made N/A or with alcohol)
A flexible drink for those “partaking” AND those choosing to stay the mocktail route, this is my personal favorite.
- 2 oz gin alternative (We love Sleedlip Grove) OR go boozy (I enjoy Hendrick’s when not pregnant)
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 heaping bar spoon of raspberry preserves
- A citrus wheel, mint + berry, for garnish
Combine the gin alternative, lemon juice, and preserves in a chilled cocktail shaker, fill with ice, and shake vigorously until the drink is chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Skewer citrus wheel, mint + berry on a cocktail pick, and garnish. Cheers!
(You can find my favorite coupe glass – pictured above – here!)
And finally, one just for the dads…
Although the mini-dessert garnish can be enjoyed by one-and-all
The Campfire Sling (Contains alcohol)
The perfect, cozy prelude to fall.
- 2 oz Rye Whisky (Whistlepig 6 is a favorite)
- ¼ oz pure maple syrup
- 3 dashes chocolate bitters
- Orange peel, dark chocolate wedge + mini marshmallows, to garnish
Combine all ingredients in a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Stir, skewer citrus peel, dark chocolate, and marshmallows on a cocktail pick, and add garnish. For extra fun, use a kitchen torch to toast your marshmallows!
So, mamas, at your next gathering (even if it’s via Zoom) don’t sit on the sidelines while your friends have all of the fancy-beverage fun. Grab a fabulous glass, and enjoy something delicious (and safe !) for you and your babe!
Photo credit: Elizabeth Dugan Creative + Members Only Craft Cocktails