Week 21: Maternity mocktails

All work, no play and no alcohol makes for one helluva dry week! Argh. When the dust settles somewhat or 3rd trimester kicks in, I should get my momma friends over for a sparty (spa party) with some classic maternity mocktails and milkshakes!

NYC Maternitini
Mix it up: In a chilled cocktail shaker, mix 1 1/2 ounces of raspberry sorbet, 4 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice, and a squeeze of lime. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a lollipop or rock candy.

Bouncing Baby Bellini
Mix it up: Stir 2 ounces of chilled peach nectar with 2 ounces of nonalcoholic sparkling wine (or sparkling apple cider). Pour into a champagne glass and add a splash of grenadine. Garnish with sliced peaches.

Pregnan-Sea Breeze
Mix it up: In a shaker with ice, combine 3 ounces of cranberry juice with 3 ounces of pineapple juice. Strain the mixture into a tall glass. Finish with a splash of 7 UP and garnish with a sprig of mint and strawberries.

Raspberry "Hot Flash" Cooler
Mix it up: Wet the rim of a martini glass with a lime wedge, then dip the glass in sugar. In a shaker with ice, mix 1/2 ounce of crushed fresh or defrosted raspberries with 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon or lime juice, plus 1 ounce of pineapple juice. Shake the mixture, then pour into the glass, straining out the ice and crushed raspberries. Top with a splash of sparkling water and add a spear of raspberries.

Next Generation Ginger Soda
Mix it up: Peel a ginger root and cut into pieces. Marinate them in an 8-ounce glass of soda water for a few hours. Strain 1/2 to 3/4 of the ginger mixture into a tall glass with ice. Top it off with a splash of Sprite (or caffeine-free Coke, for color). Garnish with a slice of starfruit and a lime.

Mama Mango Margarita
Mix it up: First, make a simple syrup by heating 2 cups of sugar with 3 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Chill. Fill a blender or food processor with ice. Add a cup of fresh or defrosted mango. Add 3 ounces of the syrup and 1 1/2 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon (or lime) juice. After blending, add more syrup to sweeten, if necessary.