I am in my fourteenth week of pregnancy, which means my little one is currently the size of a large lemon. There is nothing sour about my little “lemon,” except for the occasional upset stomach, which happens less often now that I am in my second trimester.
Speaking of lemons, a great drink to stir up while you are pregnant is lemonade! As the days are getting hotter, we begin craving cool, refreshing summer drinks. While you are trying to curb those cravings for margaritas, and other alcoholic beach drinks, try falling back on an old favorite, which is sure to please.
Lemonade is typically concocted by combining lemon juice, water and sugar. There are several ways you can liven up the basic lemonade recipe, including ingredients that will add a flavor similar to that of a cocktail. You can substitute water with sparkling water, to add a little zing to your beverage. If you are feeling nauseous, you can also use half ginger ale and half water.
If you would like a slightly different flavor for your lemonade, you can mix different juices and fresh berries into your concoction. Strawberry juice mixes quite well with the lemon flavor, as well as raspberry and pomegranate. Adding some grenadine to your lemonade is also a simple and creative way to add a unique flavor. You could also forget the lemons altogether, and use limes instead.
Whether you want to lie by the pool with your best girlfriends, or relax with the family at the beach, a pitcher of lemonade will always be welcomed. If you want to give your lemonade a little twist, one of the following recipes is sure to do the trick.
Brianna Sims has been sharing her experiences creating delicious, non-alcoholic cocktails for pregnant women at our blog, The Daily Loaf. Catch up on all her drink recipes at dailyloafblog.com.
Fresh Lime-ade
Adapted from: thebar.com
Ingredients:
¾ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 liter lemon-lime soda
1 thumb ginger (approx. 2 ½-3 t. minced ginger)
Directions:
Pour fresh lime juice into a blender. Add minced ginger. Blend on medium speed for 30 seconds, then strain well into lemon-lime soda. Serve over ice.
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade
Adapted from cdkitchen.com
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
6 cups of water (use sparkling water to add fizz)
10 ounces strawberries, pureed
Sugar to taste (you can start with about 1 teaspoon)
Directions:
Combine lemon juice, water, and ¾ of the strawberry puree. Add sugar until you have reached the desired tartness or sweetness. Add strawberry puree until you have reached the desired flavor. Serve over ice.
