In my goal to have a recipe up a day, I’m happy to post recipes from companies like the Florida Department of Citrus. They have no expectations from me and it’s a fun way to share new recipes with you guys.

But since they did send me the Citrus Sparkler Mocktail along with some nutritional Benefits of OJ during pregnancy, I figured I would share both.

Nutritional Benefits of OJ during Pregnancy:

• The intake requirements for most nutrients increase during pregnancy so moms-to-be should try to include nutrient-rich foods, like 100% OJ, as part of a healthy diet. 100% orange juice is more nutrient dense than many commonly consumed 100 percent fruit juices. 
• An 8 oz. glass of 100% OJ is a good source of folate (11% Daily Value), which is important during pregnancy for the baby’s development. Folic acid, the synthetic form of the vitamin, is also important before and during early pregnancy to help reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Women of childbearing age should get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day through a supplement or fortified foods containing folic acid, while increasing their intake of foods that naturally provide folate, such as 100% OJ. 
• In addition to folate, 100% orange juice is also an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of potassium – three nutrients that are under consumed in the U.S.
• One glass of 100 percent orange juice is a convenient way to help meet daily fruit intake recommendations, with every 8 ounce glass counting as 1 cup of fruit.
• Just one 8-ounce glass of 100% Florida orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, a key nutrient that helps support a healthy immune system and overall health. Vitamin C may help the body absorb some forms of iron from foods. Iron is important during pregnancy as an essential component of the mother’s expanding blood supply.

Citrus Sparkler Mocktail Recipe

Ingredients

Orange Syrup:
Zest of 1 Florida orange (no pith)
1 cup superfine sugar
1 cup hot water

1½ ounces Florida orange juice
1½ ounces Florida tangerine juice
½ ounce lime juice
2 drops orange flower water*
2 ounces club soda, chilled
Ice

Garnish:
Florida orange slice
Lime slice

*Available at Middle Eastern grocery stores.

Directions:

Prepare Orange Syrup in advance: Combine orange zest, sugar and water; stir to dissolve sugar. Cover and let sit overnight at room temperature. Strain and discard zest; cover and store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

In cocktail shaker, combine orange juice, tangerine juice, ¾-ounce prepared Orange Syrup, lime juice, orange flower water and ice. Shake and strain into tall glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with Florida orange slice and lime slice.