The Perfect Summer Cocktail: Skinnygirl Drinks

Bethenny Frankel (Real Housewives of New York City) hit it big with her Skinnygirl cocktails – first with the already made margarita and now sangria that recently hit liquor store shelves.

The Skinnygirl drinks are becoming more and more popular not only because of Frankel’s fame, but because the cocktails are around 100 calories a serving – very low for an alcoholic beverage.

If you are not familiar with Bethenny Frankel and/or the Real Housewives of New York City television show, you may not know that the Skinnygirl cocktails started as beverages that Frankel invented made herself, ordered in bars and taught bartenders to make.

Instead of spending the extra cash on bottles of Skinnygirl beverages (they go for around $20 each), you can make them at home with ingredients that you probably already have.

For a Skinnygirl margarita, you will need two ounces (you can just count off “one, two” – no measuring device is needed) of clear tequila, the juice from three fresh limes and a small splash of Triple Sec.

All you have to do is put the ingredients together, shake or stir, and pour over ice. For a frozen version, simply pour the ingredients into a blender over ice and blend to your desired thickness. Don’t forget to garnish the drink with a lime wedge.

Skinnygirl sangria is just as easy as the margarita. Sangria does require that you slice fresh fruit, but that is the most difficult part of the drink’s preparation.

Skinnygirl sangria calls for eight peaches, pitted and sliced, four white plums, pitted and sliced, and one pound of green grapes, cut in half. (Keep in mind, these fruits are simply suggestions – I use peaches, apples and pears. Use your own fruit choices and be aware of what fruits are in season.)

Next, you will need three bottles of Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine that is like a light champagne), one 12-ounce can of Fresca (a grapefruit/citrus flavored soda) or diet lemon/lime soda, and one 12-ounce can of club soda. Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher, add the sliced fruit , and let chill for one hour.

Skinnygirl cocktails are a new trend in alcohol and they don’t threaten your waistline like many summer drinks can. With simple ingredients and quick prep, the Skinnygirl margarita and Skinnygirl sangria are perfect summer beverages.