GD-Friendly Mocktails: Drink Ideas for Managing Gestational Diabetes

Just because you have gestational diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up all the fun drinks! Sure, alcohol is off the table—that’s a given. But just because you've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes doesn’t mean your only options are water (and maybe protein shakes). With a little creativity, you can still enjoy a variety of flavorful mocktails that won’t disrupt your blood sugar levels. From the zesty Virgin Margarita to the tropical Virgin Piña Colada, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from! Below, you'll find a collection of low-carb mocktail recipes designed to keep you hydrated while managing your blood sugar. Cheers to a flavorful and balanced pregnancy!

Virgin Cuba Libre

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Coke Zero or Diet Coke

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• Dash of cinnamon (optional, for a spiced rum flavor)

Instructions:

1. Mix: In a glass, combine the Coke Zero/Diet Coke, lime juice, and cinnamon (if using).

2. Stir: Stir well to combine.

3. Serve: Add ice cubes and enjoy!

Virgin Mojito

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

• 1-2 tsp sugar-free sweetener (to taste)

• 6-8 fresh mint leaves

• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda

• Ice cubes

• Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle: In a glass, muddle the lime juice, mint leaves, and sweetener.

2. Add Sparkling Water: Fill the glass with ice and top with sparkling water.

3. Stir: Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.

Virgin Piña Colada

Ingredients:

• 1 cup zero sugar pineapple juice (for example Minute Maid® Zero Sugar Pineapple Juice)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut cream

• 1 cup ice cubes

• 1-2 tsp sugar-free sweetener (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

1. Blend: In a blender, combine pineapple juice, coconut cream, ice cubes, and sweetener.

2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy your tropical treat!

Virgin Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp orange-flavored sugar-free syrup (for example Torani Sugar Free Orange Syrup)

• 1/4 cup sparkling water

• Ice cubes

• Salt for rimming (optional)

• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix: In a shaker or glass, combine lime juice, lemon juice, orange syrup (or soda), and sparkling water.

2. Shake/Combine: Shake or stir well.

3. Prepare Glass: Rim the glass with salt, if desired.

4. Serve: Fill the glass with ice cubes, pour the margarita mixture, and garnish with a lime wedge.

Virgin Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 1 shot espresso (decaf or regular)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1-2 tsp sugar-free sweetener (to taste)

• Splash of vanilla extract

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Mix: In a shaker or glass, combine espresso, almond milk, sweetener, and vanilla extract.

2. Shake/Combine: Shake or stir well until chilled.

3. Serve: Pour into a glass filled with ice cubes and enjoy!

Virgin Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

• 1 cup zero sugar ginger beer (for example Zevia)

• 1/4 cup sparkling water

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1-2 tsp sugar-free sweetener (optional, to taste)

• Ice cubes

• Fresh mint leaves and lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix: In a glass, combine ginger beer, sparkling water, lime juice, and sweetener.

2. Stir: Stir well to combine.

3. Serve: Add ice cubes and garnish with fresh mint leaves and lime slices.

Berries Sparkling Seltzer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup LaCroix or other seltzer water

• Berries

Instructions:

1. Mix: In a glass, pour in the seltzer water.

2. Add Berries: Add your choice of berries.

3. Serve: Stir gently and enjoy a refreshing, fruity mocktail.

Sparkling Arnold Palmer with Club Soda

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened tea (your choice of flavor)

• 1/2 cup sparkling water

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1-2 tsp sugar-free sweetener (to taste)

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Mix: In a glass, combine the unsweetened tea, sparkling water, lemon juice, and sweetener.

2. Stir: Stir well until the sweetener dissolves.

3. Serve: Add ice cubes and enjoy!

Cucumber-Mint Cooler

Ingredients:

• 1 cup LaCroix or other seltzer water

• 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced

• 6-8 fresh mint leaves

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Muddle: In a glass, muddle the cucumber slices, mint leaves, and lemon juice.

2. Add Seltzer Water: Fill the glass with ice and pour in the seltzer water.

3. Stir: Stir gently and enjoy this refreshing, hydrating drink.

Herbal Iced Tea Spritzer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed herbal tea (hibiscus or chamomile)

• 1/2 cup sparkling water

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1-2 tsp sugar-free sweetener (to taste)

• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Mix: In a glass, combine the cooled herbal tea, sparkling water, lemon juice, and sweetener.

2. Stir: Stir well until the sweetener dissolves.

3. Serve: Add ice cubes and enjoy!

The Importance of Staying Hydrated for Blood Sugar Management

Staying properly hydrated is crucial when managing gestational diabetes, as dehydration can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Drinking water and unsweetened beverages like tea or sugar-free mocktails not only helps regulate blood sugar, but it also supports healthy kidney function, aids digestion, and maintains healthy amniotic fluid levels. Hydration can also reduce common pregnancy discomforts such as fatigue and swelling. By replacing sugary drinks with low-carb alternatives, you help prevent unnecessary blood sugar spikes, allowing you to enjoy flavorful drinks without compromising your health. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to keep your body functioning optimally while managing gestational diabetes.

FAQ: Gestational Diabetes Drinks

Can I Drink Coffee or Tea with Gestational Diabetes?

Yes, you can enjoy coffee and tea with gestational diabetes, but be mindful of what you add to them. Choose unsweetened coffee or tea and avoid sugary syrups or sweetened creamers. You can opt for a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit if you prefer some sweetness.

How Much Caffeine is Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women are generally advised to limit their caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day, which is roughly the amount found in one 12-ounce cup of coffee. This amount is considered safe and should not significantly affect your blood sugar levels. Keep in mind that caffeine is also found in tea, chocolate, and some sodas, so consider these when tracking your daily intake.

Can I Drink Milk with Gestational Diabetes?

Yes, you can drink milk with gestational diabetes, but choose low carb milk like almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk. Look for milk with low sugar and no added sugars, or those that are enriched with protein.

Is Diet Soda Safe During Pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes?

Diet soda is low in calories and sugar-free, which can make it a safer alternative to regular soda. However, it’s best to consume it in moderation. Some people may prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, so it's always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider.

Can I Drink Fruit Juices with Gestational Diabetes?

Fruit juices, even if they’re 100% juice, can contain a high amount of sugar, which may cause blood sugar spikes. It’s best to avoid them or drink them in moderation. If you crave something fruity, opt for sparkling water with a splash of fresh fruit juice or infused water with fruit slices.

What About Sports Drinks or Electrolyte Beverages?

Most traditional sports drinks contain high amounts of sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes. Look for sugar-free electrolyte options or make your own by adding a pinch of salt and some lemon or lime juice to water.