As we optimistically embark on the first week of 2013 (thank goodness the Mayans were wrong), resolutions are still relatively intact—that is, until the weekend comes around. For many, the promise of eating better, hitting the gym and losing those extra holiday pounds becomes, well, wishful thinking. Those little “cheats” crack the foundation of that steely resolution reserve, and before you know it, you're eight tacos deep at 3 a.m. in the middle of an Amish Mafia marathon.
We at naplesillustrated.com want to help you maintain those personal missions for 2013, so below are three low-calorie cocktails that are as tasty as they are light. Enjoy, and here’s to 2013!
Friday Happy Hour: A Low-Cal Fiesta
The Skinny Cucumberita takes the classic margarita, adds a cool cucumber and slims it down with a hit of agave, which is just 30 calories for a half-ounce—nearly half the count of simple syrup. The resulting concoction is light, sweet and refreshing, and it comes in at a mere 160 calories.
Skinny Cucumberita
- 1 oz. Patron
- ½ oz. Citronge
- ½ oz. agave nectar
- ½ lime, pressed
- Cucumber
In a mixing glass, muddle the cucumber with agave. Add all ingredients, shake and strain into an ice-filled bucket glass. Rim with salt if desired.
*160 calories
Saturday Gets Fizzy
The buzz around “superfoods” has finally abated, but that hasn’t dampened the pomegranate party. We know the fruit's health story—it's full of antioxidants—but it also simply tastes good. This is why PAMA, pomegranate-flavored liqueur, is such a great bar-add. The 34-proof liqueur is light on the waist, eliminated muddling and, unlike actual pomegranate, doesn’t stain your fingers. When mixed with Stoli Blueberi, fresh raspberries and blueberries for the Blueberry Fizz, it's a 154-calorie, muddled mix of goodness. Cheers.
Blueberry Fizz
- ¾ oz. PAMA
- ¾ oz. Stoli Blueberi
- ½ oz. agave nectar
- 3 lemon slices, squeezed
- Splash soda
- 2 raspberries
- 2 blueberries
In a mixing tin, muddle berries with agave. Add ice and all ingredients except soda. Shake and strain into an ice-filled glass. Top with soda and garnish.
*154 calories
Sunday Funday: Did Someone Say Colada?
Face it, folks: South Florida is a land of contrasts. We despise invasive and exotic species like Burmese pythons, lionfish and fire ants but can’t get enough of the coconut palm. True, it has been here for centuries, essentially grandfathered in, but the plant is no native. Still, we’re certainly glad it floated to our shores—otherwise, there would be no coloda in piña coloda without it.
The Coloda-teenie revamps the piña coloda for the calorie counter, weighing in at just 157 calories, perfect for making Sunday Funday guilt-free. Enjoy!
Colada-teenie
- ¾ oz. SKYY Coconut
- ¾ oz. SKYY Pineapple
- 1 oz. pineapple Juice
- ½ oz. agave nectar
- ½ lime, pressed
- Splash soda
Add all ingredients to ice in a mixing tin. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
*157 Calories
If you would like to nominate a cocktail recipe to appear in our latest series “Weekend Cocktails,” email the online editor here.
Tools of the Trade
Become a master mixologist, or at least look like one, with the tools that make the trade.
- Muddler: This little tenderizing stick is a godsend and a must for any home bar. If fruity cocktails are in your future, the muddler is the only way to unlock fruits’ flavor.
- Handheld Citrus Juicer: Nothing beats freshly squeezed juice, but it can be a pain. Invest in a handheld citrus juicer; they are cheap and do the trick tout de suite.
- Cocktail Shaker: Don’t be a chump stirring your martini like a noob; purchase a nice shaker and become a master home barkeep.
- Jigger: This little apparati will make mixing the perfect drink as easy as pie. It's equipped with 1½ oz. and ¾ oz. cups for perfectly measured pours every time.
*Pictured available at Williams-Sonoma
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