Do Baby Showers Have Alcohol?

Baby showers became widely popular during the post war baby boom in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Baby showers often have fun party games, food, and drinks. 

There are a number of etiquette rules that go along with baby showers. Some of the old etiquette rules are that only women are allowed to attend the baby shower, the mom-to-be and her immediate family is not allowed to host the shower, and you should never have a baby shower for any baby besides the first baby. 

Many of these rules have been tossed out the window over the last few years. Are alcoholic drinks served at baby showers?

Serving alcohol at a baby shower should be left up to the expectant parents. Some parents are opposed to alcohol in general, others might not be comfortable watching others drink while they can’t, and some expecting mothers would be alright with alcohol being served at the baby shower. 

This is something that the hostess should discuss with the expectant mother and not decide on her own. The last thing you want to do is make the mom-to-be upset so this is something to run by her. 

There is no alcohol served at most baby showers but it’s also not unheard of to have it at them. Having something like champagne, wine, etc. is a classy choice if the expectant mother wants alcohol to be served. 

What Drinks Do You Serve At A Baby Shower?

Food and drinks at a baby shower are a must. The type of drinks that you serve at a baby shower depends on who you are throwing the shower for. 

Some moms-to-be will want an alcohol-free shower. Others will want a more kid friendly shower. 

Some of the most popular drinks at baby showers include:

• Mock tails 
• Tea
• Coffee
• Soda
• Juice 
• Water

Mocktails are popular at baby showers, and one of the most popular mocktails to serve is a Mom-osa. A Mom-osa is a non-alcoholic mimosa. 

All you need to make a mimosa mocktail is orange juice and either grapefruit or lemon sparkling water. Another mocktail that can be served at a baby shower is a ginger-orange mocktail. 

To make the ginger-orange mocktail you will need orange juice, ginger ale, and pineapple juice. 

Perhaps you’re looking for a mocktail that is similar to a margarita, then you will want to serve sparkling cherry limeade. To make a sparkling cherry limeade you will need limeade, sparkling water, maraschino cherry juice, lime, and margarita salt. 

You could always serve a classic sweet tea at your baby shower as well. Sweet tea is a classic American drink, especially in the South. 

There is nothing quite as refreshing as a large ice-cold glass of sweet tea, especially on a hot day. 

So, if you are going to be having a baby shower in the hotter months you should consider serving sweet tea. 

Another drink that could be served at a baby shower is the Arnold Palmer. The Arnold Palmer drink is named after the famous golfer. It is pretty simple to make as it is just tea and lemonade. 

You can always keep your drinks at the baby shower simple if you want, serve some sparkling water, tea, and coffee. If you are serving tea and coffee you might want to make sure that there is a decaf option available, especially if the expectant mother is avoiding caffeine or if children will be welcome at the shower.

Is It Rude To Drink Alcohol At A Baby Shower?

Traditionally, baby showers are alcohol free since the expectant mother can not drink. Oftentimes non-alcoholic versions of some of your favorite cocktails will be served.

If alcohol is being served at the baby shower then it isn’t rude to partake. However if they aren’t serving alcohol and you bring your own then that would be quite rude. 

Nowadays, the rules of etiquette for baby showers are not as closely followed. Some baby showers will provide alcohol and if you are attending a shower that is serving adult beverages then you should not feel like you are being rude if you are partaking in it. 

Most hostesses will check with the mom-to-be before they serve alcohol at the baby shower. However, if you are attending an alcohol-free shower and are drinking that would be considered rude.

Who Should Host A Baby Shower?

Baby shower etiquette states that the expectant mother and her immediate family should not host the baby shower. Also, the expectant mother should not be asked to help pay for the baby shower. 

Traditionally a close friend, an aunt, or cousin would host the baby shower for the mom-to-be, however many baby shower rules have been forgotten in the past few years. 

In recent years baby showers have been hosted by the expectant mother’s sister, mom, mother-in-law, or a close friend. You can even have more than one hostess for a baby shower. 

Perhaps the sister of the expectant mother as well as the best friend both want to host the baby shower, they could cohost it. To cohost the baby shower, they would be able to split the costs and the responsibilities of hosting.

What Kind Of Food Is Served At A Baby Shower?

Most baby showers have games, drinks, and food but how do you know what kind of food to have? 

The menu of a baby shower will vary from shower to shower. The baby shower you are hosting can have a sit-down meal or simply serve finger foods. 

There will be a few things that you will want to take into consideration when planning the menu for the baby shower that you are hosting. You will need to remember that you need time to decorate the venue on the day of the party. 

You might want to make food that is easy to serve and will be easy to clean up as well. Keep in mind the number of guests that will be attending. 

If you are having a small intimate baby shower you could choose to host a dinner party style baby shower, with a sit-down meal. If you are having a larger number of guests or simply want a more casual atmosphere then you might want to consider finger foods. 

You could serve tea sandwiches, deviled eggs, mini sliders, or quiche bites. Don’t forget the dessert table. 

Traditionally, cake would be served at a baby shower but you can serve cookies, cupcakes, brownies, truffles, or cake pops. The great thing about hosting a baby shower is that the menu can be whatever you want it to be. 

Try to keep in mind if there are certain foods that the expectant mother needs to avoid or if any of your guests have food allergies.