Refreshing Appletiser mocktails for mums-to-be

Christmas is the season to be jolly, but with a whirlwind of social occasions centred around drinking alcohol, pregnant women can feel left out.

Advice from the Department of Health recommends that pregnant women or women trying to conceive should avoid drinking alcohol. This is because alcohol can reach the baby through the placenta and they are unable to process it as fast as the mother. The baby will then be exposed to greater amounts of alcohol for longer, meaning the baby’s development may be affected.

Additional advice from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that women should avoid alcohol in the first three months in particular, because of the increased risk of miscarriage.

The first three months of pregnancy can be a difficult time for women whilst the risk of miscarriage is particularly high. Many choose not to announce their pregnancy news until this time has passed, but if you are a party queen, choosing not to drink alcohol may be instantly noticed.

Plausible excuses for getting out of drinking alcohol could include:

Taking antibiotics or painkillers
Early start the next morning
Have over done it the night before
Having a detox
Cutting back on the spending
Driving home
Not feeling very well

As a perfect solution, made with gently sparkling 100 per cent apple juice, Appletiser actually counts towards your five-a-day.  

Mum-to-be, Carrie Turner from Fishponds in Bristol tested out Appletiser for Chopsy Baby, by mixing it into some delicious mocktails.

Mint Angel
5-8 Fresh mint leaves
Stirred vigorously with ice cold Appletiser and crushed ice

Carrie says: “This was a great drink, refreshing with a subtle hint of mint in the aroma and after taste. This also helped me with my morning sickness. I like the fresh, bubbly taste of Appletiser anyway and helps me replace my half a cider which I have had to give up.”

Very Berry
3 raspberries and 1 blackberry squashed with 15ml grenadine
Half a fresh lemon shaken hard and dumped into a large glass
Fill the ice to the top and fill with Appletiser

Carrie says: “This fruity cocktail was delicious and would be even better in a summer heatwave. I liked this one best because I felt like I wasn’t missing out on the alcohol, though perhaps I would add a splash of Vodka to just one on New Years Eve.”

For more information and cocktail ideas, visit: www.appletiser.co.uk