Sip, sippin' away: summer mocktails that beat the heat

By: Karen D. Crowdis

You are pregnant. Does that mean you have to completely give up patio drinks with friends. We know alcohol is off the menu during pregnancy, but sometimes you still crave your favourite cocktail. The solution? Enjoy yourself with some summer mocktails! These thirst quenchers keep you feeling cool with your pals, they are alcohol free and full of flavour. All you need is a blender and some beautiful serving glasses to get yourself in the mood to put your feet up and soak in the summer.

Here are a few recipes to get you started. If you crave more, a simple online search will provide a bounty of beat the heat drinks that are safe for pregnant women. Go ahead, indulge a little or a lot!

Mojito Mocktail

1.5 oz Club Soda
3 Fresh Mint Sprigs
2 tsp Sugar
3 Dashes Angostura bitters
3 tbsp fresh Lemon juice
Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour into a fun glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a thick strawberry slice. Makes one serving.

Virgin Strawberry Daquiri

3.5 Ounces Frozen Strawberries
Handful of Ice
Half Ounce Sweet and Sour Mix
Dash of Grenadine syrup
Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Add or decrease ice to taste. Garnish with an umbrella or a thick strawberry slice. Makes one serving. Recipe easily doubles.

Just Peachy Smoothie

4 oz Peach Yogurt
1 Cup Peeled, Sliced Fresh Ripe Peaches
Half Cup Sliced Fresh Strawberries
1 Cup Cold Milk
Half Cup Crushed Ice or Ice Cream
Honey to sweeten if required
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Garnish with diced peaches and strawberries, add a straw and voila! Makes two servings and can be doubled.

Virgin Pina Colada

1 Cup Ice 1.25 Cups Pineapple Juice
Half Cup Milk
Half Cup Heavy Cream
2 tbsp White Sugar
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Garnish with a pineapple wedge. Makes two servings and can be doubled.

Smooth Operator Fruit Smoothie

1 Pint Strawberries Hulled
1 Banana
2 Peaches
1 Cup Orange-Peach-Mango Juice
2 Cups Ice
Blend fruit in blender until pureed. Blend in juice. Add ice and blend to desired consistency. Garnish with an orange slice. Serve immediately.

Raspberry Fizzler

1.5 Cups Raspberry Juice
3 Scoops Raspberry Sherbet
Half Cup Carbonated Water
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Garnish with raspberries and a sprig of mint.