Summertime Patio Drinks: Oberon Chelada + Skinny Paloma

I think I can safely say that we have hit the point in the year where there will be NO MORE SNOW here in Michigan (....until October-ish, that is).  YAY!  I love spending my days soaking up that Vitamin D that we've all been so deprived of.

With patio season in full swing, I thought a couple of new cocktail recipes would be perfect.  They both use Absopure Cap10 Sparkling water, so they are light for those summer months.  

First up is the Skinny Paloma.  A Paloma consists of fresh grapefruit juice, grapefruit pop, lime and tequila.  To make it a bit lighter, I subbed in the sparkling flavored water for pop and liquid Stevia for simple syrup to sweeten it up a bit.  This drink is SO refreshing.  I also like to squeeze my own grapefruit juice so there isn't too much extra sugar.  

Skinny Paloma

Makes Two Cocktails

• 1 cup of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice (about 3-4 grapefruits)
• 1 lime, sliced
• Cap10 Orange-Mango Sparkling water 
• If you cannot find Cap10, use your favorite sparkling water--any flavor is delish!
• 3 oz tequila of choice
• 2 squirts of liquid Stevia (Skinnygirl one is great!)

1. Fill two glasses with ice. I love the look of mason jars for the patio.  Pour 1/2 cup of fresh grapefruit juice and 1 squirt of liquid Stevia in each glass.  Stir.
2. Add 1.5 ounces of tequila to each glass and squeeze 2-3 lime slices.  Top off with sparkling water.
3. Optional: you can add more Stevia, to taste and a sprinkle of salt.

IDEA: This looks beautiful in a pitcher! I bought some adorable 1 liter clear pitchers at Big Lots for $2.  Add large slices of lime and grapefruit to the pitcher and double/triple the recipe. I would keep the ice on the side, though!

Cheladas can come in many different forms.  A Michelada is a spicy tomato and beer cocktail, much like a Bloody Mary.  There can also be fruity varieties!  While this drink uses Oberon, I realize this isn't available everywhere--so sub in your favorite wheat beer, or even Corona or Sol.  Have you noticed beer cocktails everywhere lately? They are mighty tasty!

Oberon Chelada 

Makes 1 Drink

• Bottle of Oberon Beer
• Half of an orange, juiced
• Cap10 Orange/Mango Sparkling water
• If not available, sub in favorite bubbly water
• Sliced Limes
• Optional: add a shot of tequila!

1. Pour half of the beer in a glass over ice. Squeeze fresh juice over and top with sparkling water. Serve with lime slice!  

What's your favorite patio drink?