5 Mocktail Recipes for the Holidays if you’re TTC

Changing your drinking habits can be a tough pill to swallow but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.  Whether you’re actively trying to get pregnant or just looking to reduce alcohol consumption, mocktails can be a great alternative to those intoxicating spirits.  They’re a great option alongside standard alcoholic drinks and even a way to offer the younger crowd a festive option.

The truth of the matter is that there is no safe amount of alcohol you can consume during pregnancy and even moderate drinking can negatively impact your fertility.  Official guidelines advise against drinking while TTC for both men and women.  You don’t need alcohol to enjoy the festive season so here are five non-alcoholic drink options to get you into the holiday spirit.         

Virgin Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of simple syrup 
• 1/4 cup of club soda 
• 3-4 mint leaves 
• 3/4 cup of non-alcoholic ginger beer
• crushed ice 

Moscow Mules are all the rage but this gingery drink doesn’t need the vodka to keep you celebrating the holidays in style. Although a copper mug isn’t required, it does add to the presentation of this spicy citrus combo. You’re not missing out on anything when you have a beautiful drink in your hand.  

First, put lime juice, syrup and club soda. Add ice and pour ginger beer over it. Garnish with mint leaves and a lime wedge before serving.

This recipe calls for the perfect blend of spicy and refreshing. It can be made as a single drink or in larger batches for a party. Combining lime, simple syrup, club soda, and ginger beer you can garnish with mint or lime depending on your preference. Traditionally served in a copper mug to keep your drink cool for longer, any glass will do!

Pink Pomegranate Spritzer

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds 
• 3/4 cup of pink sparkling lemonade 
• Splash of Pomegranate juice 

This easy and delicious drink has a touch of color to keep you in the holiday spirit.  Pomegranate seeds, sparkling lemonade and a splash of pomegranate juice can be added to a fancy glass like a champagne flute for a merry mocktail sure to delight. 

Garnish with rosemary to add a touch of Christmas to your glass.  

Non-alcoholic Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 100 ml of heavy cream 
• 500 ml of whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 100 ml of sugar syrup
• Nutmeg
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Toppings are optional: whipped cream, ground cinnamon, extra nutmeg

It’s always fun to add seasonal flavors to any drink and what could be more fitting for the holidays than eggnog. No one needs to know you aren’t sticking to the tradition of adding brandy or rum to your drink unless you tell them. 

Homemade eggnog is easy to make. Place heavy cream and grated nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Combine milk and vanilla in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat. In another mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, yolks, sugar syrup, and salt. Add in the milk in a slow stream, and then pour it back into the saucepan to cook over low heat stirring constantly for about 6 minutes. Immediately strain into the mixing bowl with the heavy cream through a fine mesh strainer.

That’s it, now be patient while the nog is chilling in the fridge at least for 2 hours. Before serving, you can top with whipped cream, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg.

This classic holiday beverage can be served chilled or kept warm in a slow cooker and is one that everyone can enjoy.  

Cranberry Fizz Mocktail

Ingredients:

• 3 oz of ginger ale
• 3 oz of cranapple juice
• Splash of lime juice
• 3 tablespoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon completely blended 

Easy to make with a sweet citrusy finish, this cranberry fizz mocktail looks the part with a blend of cranberry juice, ginger ale, lemon or lime juice and a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.  

Fill the glass with ice. Add then cranapple. Add a splash of fresh juice of lime. Top off with sparkling ginger ale.

Dressed up by the sugar and cinnamon combo rimming the glass, this drink looks as good as it tastes.  

Maple Apple Cider

Ingredients:

• 10-12 apples quartered
• 1 pomegranate quartered 
• 1 orange quartered 
• 1 cinnamon 
• 2-6 tablespoons maple syrup 

Nothing says the holidays are here like the smell of warm apple cider, especially when there’s a chill in the air. You only need fresh apples and water, but adding a little cinnamon or maple can give it the extra boost to take this drink from holiday classic to party staple. 

Add all the ingredients to your crockpot, immerse with 5-6 cups of water. Cover with a lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Carefully strain the mixture through a mesh strainer, discard the fruit and cinnamon sticks. Taste and adjust the maple syrup to your liking. 

Serve warm with cinnamon sticks for that festive look and watch as kids and adults alike devour this tasty treat. 

Conclusion

Pregnant people aren’t the only ones who may want to enjoy a non-alcoholic drink over the holidays. From kids to designated drivers, or anyone trying to conceive, these delicious mocktails can have you celebrating with friends and family whether they drink alcohol or not. Big family holidays can already be challenging for those who are TTC so it’s okay to celebrate in your own way.  It can even be a way to start new habits and bring confidence and inspiration to your journey. And remember, no is a complete sentence and you don’t need to answer to anyone about why or why you’re not drinking, but being prepared for responses can help shut down the conversation and keep you enjoying the holidays while still having fun.  

If you’re not ready to try these recipes, you can always enjoy a winter classic like a warm tea with a blend of ingredients to support your fertility goals. Whether you’re trying to get pregnant or not, the ingredients in fertility tea provide you with a mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your overall health, not just your reproductive health. Whether you try one of these delicious mocktails or tea, you can still enjoy a festive drink and you’re not missing out on the fun of celebrating over a beverage with friends and family.