Alcohol consumption can worsen pancreatitis, leading to painful flare-ups and long-term damage. While it can be difficult to let go of our favorite drinks, it’s important for pancreatitis patients to completely avoid beverages containing alcohol. But, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on enjoying a good drink altogether! Non-alcoholic drinks, or mocktails, are becoming increasingly popular, and they’re a great alternative for pancreatitis patients to enjoy.
Mocktails are more than just a trend; they’re a fun and healthy way to indulge in some delicious drinks without the negative consequences of alcohol. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can whip up some amazing mocktails that are perfect for any occasion. That’s why we’re excited to share some of our favorite pancreatitis-friendly mocktail recipes with you. These 5 recipes are completely booze-free, making them perfect for anyone with pancreatitis looking to enjoy a refreshing and satisfying beverage.
Please consult with your doctor about which drinks are right for you.
1. Sunrise Carrot + Orange Mocktail
Ingredients:
3 ounces of carrot juice (Available at Walmart and Target)
4 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice or Simply Light Orange Juice
2 teaspoons simple syrup
1-ounce lime juice
2 ounces sparkling water
lime or orange slice, for garnish
Directions:
Step 1. Add a good amount of crushed ice to desired glass and set aside.
Step 2. Using a cocktail shaker, add the carrot juice, orange juice, simple syrup, lime juice and a handful of ice. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
Step 3. Strain the mixture into the prepared serving glass. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lime or orange slice.
Makes 1 Serving
2. Frozen Banana Daiquiri Mocktail
Ingredients:
1 large, sliced banana
½ cup fat-free skim milk or nondairy substitute
½ lime, juiced
¼ cup sugar or sugar-free sweetener
3 cups ice
Directions:
Step 1. Add banana, fat-free milk, lime juice, sweetener, and ice to a blender.
Step 2. Blend until smooth (about 1 minute).
Step 3. Pour drink into serving glass. Garnish with choice of fruit.
Makes 2 Servings
3. Mango ‘No-jito’ Mocktail
Ingredients:
½ cup fresh mango
2 tablespoon water
1 lime, quartered
6 mint leaves
1 cup sparkling water
Directions:
Step 1. Muddle lime pieces in glass or pitcher to release the juices.
Step 2. Clap mint together in your hands until the scent is released. Add to glass. Gently press mint and lime together with muddler.
Step 3. Blend mango and water in a small blender to create a mango puree
Step 4. Add the mango puree to the lime and mint mixture and stir gently.
Step 5. Fill the glass with ice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
Step 6. Garnish with mint and a lime wheel.
Makes 1 Serving
4. Bad Granny Green Apple Mocktail
Ingredients:
¾ green apple such as Granny Smith
1 tablespoon maple syrup or sugar free maple sytup
½ cups still water
sparkling water
nutmeg and cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
Step 1. De-core and dice apple into small pieces
Step 2. Add the apple dices, still water and maple syrup to a large pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a light simmer. Cook for 15 minutes. Press against the apples once they have softened. Set aside to cool.
Step 3. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Pour about an inch of the apple syrup into the bottom of your serving glasses. Top with sparkling water and add ice, nutmeg and/or cinnamon as desired.
Makes 1 Serving
5. Grape Lime Rickey
Ingredients:
½ cup Welch’s Diet Concord Grape Juice
½ cup sparkling water
½ lime, juiced
Ice
Directions:
Step 1. Fill cup about halfway with ice.
Step 2. Combine diet grape juice, sparkling water, and lime juice in glass.
Step 3. Stir together.
Step 4. Top cup with lime wedge or slice if desired and serve.
Makes 1 Serving
Things to Consider
Avoid Alcohol with Pancreatitis
Alcohol should be avoided completely if you have acute or chronic pancreatitis. This is because alcohol can worsen pancreatic inflammation. When shopping for ingredients, read the ingredient labels of all food and drink items to ensure alcohol was not used to make them.
Avoid High-Fat Foods with Pancreatitis
The amount of fat that a pancreatitis patient should consume daily depends on their specific nutritional requirements. Typically, the recommended range for daily fat intake is between 30 and 50 grams. It may be beneficial to divide your fat intake into smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, as this can be easier on the pancreas. When shopping for ingredients, make sure to read the label to make sure the fat percentage is appropriate for your specific needs.
Related: Nutrition for Chronic Pancreatitis
