Every once in a while, the San Diego Living morning news show will be in the mood for a little cocktail party. And when they want it to be on the lighter side, they call me. I was invited again this morning to share some light cocktails for Springtime Garden Parties. So here you have a little insight into what went down in the not-so-perfect 9am hour this morning…

Omg! You simply must love live TV!

What happens when your Skinny Cocktail spot is derailed by jumping goats and flying turkeys? Then a pushy pony acts up and has an untimely bladder release? And how about the little chicken who almost loses her little leg in the midst of it all? In case you don’t feel like watching the entire clip, here’s what happens 36 seconds in…and we don’t ever really make a full recovery, making this spot terribly uncomfortable for me to watch. Clearly making it my favorite one yet. (And the little chicken is fine — phew!)

Anyhow, onto the recipes!

Spring has sprung and Summer is on the way! This means we get to start thinking about moving the party outside. And there is no need to weigh down your garden party guests with heavy, high calorie or overly sweet cocktails. With just a few simple swaps you can feel good about serving your guests delicious cocktails for Springtime that keep the flavors and calories on the lighter side for the season.

Skinny White Sangria Recipe

Calories: 140 for 8 oz. No added sugar. Sweetness from fruit and juice.

• 3 part white wine (the sweeter and cheaper the better)
• 1 part of white rum
• 1 part light orange juice
• 3part soda water (depends on how “refreshing” you like)
• dash of ground cinnamon
• 1 wedge fresh pineapple diced and frozen
• ¼ cup frozen peaches or nectarines

Directions: Add wine, rum, orange juice, cinnamon, and soda water to a pitcher and stir. You can use your judgement for how much soda water want. It is the skinny agent, so the more you use, the skinnier your sangria. But you also don’t want to over dilute your beverage either. Add frozen fruit and mix well. Serve over ice.

Skinny-Cinny Lemonade

Calories: ~150 for 6 oz. No added sugar due to flavored vodka. A little lighter in booze.

• 2 ounce Citrus Vodka
• 2 oz Lemon Lime Bare Mixer
• 2 oz Soda Water
• 1 fresh Lemon wedge
• 1 tsp Cinnamon

Directions: Add vodka, crystal light and cinnamon to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds to blend well. Strain into a cocktail glass and top with soda water. Garnish with lemon and serve.

Skinny BareTini

Calories: <150 for 5 oz. No added sugar due to flavored vodka. A little lighter in booze.

• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 2 oz Bare Pomegranate Cranberry Mixer
• 1.5 oz Light OJ

Gimmy Skinny  

Calories: 130 for 5 oz versus 310 in traditional Gimlet. 58% less and fresher taste! No Rosas Lime Juice (60 cal per ounce)

• 2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 5 drops liquid stevia (sweetener of your choice)
• 2 1/2 oz club soda
• lime wedge

Directions: Add the lime juice, sweetener and gin to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 5-10 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients. Strain into a martini glass, top with club soda and garnish with fresh lime wedge. Enjoy!

What’s your favorite cocktail to sip outside in the Springtime? 

Cheers to farm animals, live TV and Friday!

So this fine lady was off chasing the jumping goats, which is why this little pony got a little pushy in the background. All in a days work!