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.

Summertime Cocktails: Blackberry Smash

Somewhere between Freshman and Sophomore year in college, people started calling me Smash. It was obviously based on my name, Ashleigh.  I also tended to be a bit...um...crazy on nights out.  It would be like "uh-oh, Smash is coming out tonight!".  I am SO in for a treat when the girls get to be older, aren't I?

Budget Friendly Party: Coke Carnitas #FinalFourPack

 This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FinalFourPack #CollectiveBias Coca-Cola is a corporate champion of the NCAA. 

When it comes to sports, I'm all about having a party--but the actual watching of the game I couldn't care less about.  I try to understand football for Ricky because he loves it so much, but my eyes gloss over after the first two minutes.  Basketball is pretty straight forward, so I can enjoy the games a bit more...especially college (GO BADGERS!).  If you find me at a sports gathering, usually I'm in the kitchen mixing up drinks or making tasty snacks to nosh on. 

MYO "skinny" cocktails: Margarita

Yesterday I shared my updated Sangria recipe.  It's probably my favorite, but this one is for sure going to be a staple for our summer BBQs.  I have been trying to make a healthier margarita for a year or so and I can never get the taste quite right.  Then I finally figured it out: use Crystal Light margarita mix instead of limeade.  It saves a TON of calories!  Best part, there is a generic Target brand which saves some extra money.  You can put that money towards a better bottle of tequila!  I was very skeptical at first, but it is tasty!  The key: mix only 3 cups of water, not the whole 2 quarts.

Quick & Easy "light" Margarita

Ingredients:

• Crystal Light or Target brand Margarita powder
• Diet lemon/lime (I like 7up)
• Tequila of choice.  I would say go for at least a $10 bottle.
• Orange & lime for garnish

Mix it up!

1. In a pitcher, mix Margarita mix with 3 cups of cold water.  That's all of the prep you need.  I guess you could also slice your citrus now.  If you have a crowd, make 2 packets with 6 cups of water.

To serve: 

• Fill a glass with ice.  If you want to salt the rims, more power to ya!
• Add 2 shots of tequila (more or less to taste)
• 1 cup of margarita mix
• Top with 7up (about 1/4 cup).
• Garnish with orange and lime.  For a touch of sweetness, add a teaspoon of agave nectar (or splenda).  Ricky likes a splash of Trop50 orange juice too. 

You can do a lot with this basic recipe.  I tried grapefruit in it, which was great!  It's always nice to have an easy margarita recipe on hand for summer!

UPDATE:  For a blended margarita (very tasty!)

• 3 cups of ice
• the drink mix (margarita powder with 3 cups of water)
• 1 cup tequila 
• 1/2 cup orange juice

Try it and let me know what you think!  

Want a nice healthier snack with your margs?

• Easy Peasy Guac
• Baked Tortilla Chips

MYO "skinny" cocktails: Sangria

With this little burst of warm weather we are having, I can't help but think about fun and fruity summer drinks.  I love to sit outside and enjoy a great margarita or some sangria.  The problem I have with those fruity drinks are the calories!  It's one of those things the less you know, the better!  Some margaritas can have 800 calories or more!  YIKES!  

I have been perfecting my slim cocktails for a couple of years, but I think I have finally found the best recipes.

Try these and you won't know the difference!

Quick & Easy "Light" Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine: I don't mind cheaper varieties like BareFoot, Flip Flop.  I usually get Cabernet or Pinot.
• Crystal Light Raspberry Ice or Cranberry Ice
• Diced fruit, any on hand. Apples, oranges or any berries are great.  Also try peaches!
• Diet lemon lime pop. 7 Up or Sprite Zero.  Zevia is great too!
• For an extra kick: 1 cup flavored rum or brandy

Let's make some Sangria!

1. Chop up fruit and put in the bottom of a pitcher.
2. Add half a packet of Crystal Light of choice.
3. Pour bottle of wine.
4. Let chill in fridge for hours or days!  It will be tasty no matter what.  Once you have this base started, when it gets low, add another bottle and the rest of the packet.  Repeat.  The fruit is good for up to a week.

To serve:
Fill a glass with ice.  Fill 3/4 way with Sangria.  Top with 7up and garnish with a shake of cinnamon.  To make it fancy, add a twist of citrus. 

UPDATE: Check out my How-To Video! 

Check back tomorrow for my MYO "skinny" Margarita.  

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