The Pregnant Woman's Guide to Happy Hour

Updated on May 28, 2015 at 3:06 PM

Pregnant women have to make many sacrifices, and for most, alcohol is high on that list. Even though many less-conservative doctors tell their patients it's fine to imbibe a glass of wine or a swig of beer every now and then, mixed drinks are generally off the menu for the next nine months.

So, what's a cocktail-deprived mom-to-be to do when faced with Summer's endless happy hours and boozy brunches?

Well, there are actually a few options:

You can stick to water. It's zero calories, but it's sometimes zero fun.
You can ask the bartender to whip you up something special. It's a risky move — some go all out and deliver the perfect nonalcoholic concoction, but when there's a line at the bar and your server doesn't refer to himself as a mixologist, you might just get a glass of seltzer with a lime wedge.
You can get what you want. Well, almost. If you're craving a Bloody Mary with your eggs benedict, you deserve as close to a Bloody Mary as you can get. And if you just have to sip on a poolside piña colada, nothing should come between you and that frozen goodness (except, well, a little rum).

For those choosing that third option, we've come up with nonalcoholic takes on the drinks you're likely craving. They're not as boring as plain old virgin versions but not as intricate as specially crafted mocktails — so any bartender worth his margarita salt can whip one up for you. How's that for happy hour?

When You're Craving a Margarita . . .

There's nothing quite like a cold marg on a hot day, and with this simple combination of agave nectar and citrus juices, you won't even miss the tequila!

When You're Craving a Mimosa . . .

It's such a classic Sunday brunch drink, you almost requested it for your baby shower! Skip the Champagne and opt for this bubbly sparkling cider version.

When You're Craving a Cosmo . . .

That definitive cranberry-colored martini drink gets an update that even the most devout Sex and the City fans can get behind. This pomegranate blueberry drink is an easy request at most cocktail lounges or beachy bars where fruit is a popular drink ingredient.

When You're Craving a Mojito . . .

Replace cucumber and rum with kiwi and club soda for a refreshing twist on this savory mint-muddled cocktail.

When You're Craving a Piña Colada . . .

With a little extra pineapple juice, the booze-free piña colada tastes as frothy as the classic.

When You're Craving a Bloody Mary . . .

Low in calories and loaded with veggies, this tomato-juice-based drink is a worthy substitute for the alcoholic version.

When You're Craving a Mint Julep . . .

When you've had enough of club soda, this ice-cold fizzy mint drink is the perfect option. Plus, it's known to fight off nausea, so it's a perfect morning-sickness antidote.

When You're Craving a Strawberry Daiquiri . . .

If they can whip up a fruity frozen daiquiri, this sweet and tart frosted strawberry lemonade will be easy to blend.