St. Patrick's Day is coming up. Not Irish? No problem! In Chicago, everyone can be Irish for the day on St. Patrick’s Day! Even the Chicago River is so on-trend, dyed the hottest color of 2013 – emerald green. There will be a lot of drinking going on and a lot of regret on the day after - a Monday! Or, maybe not.
Chicagoans who have not yet heard of Skinnygirl Cocktails will find no better time to try them out than on this heavy drinking holiday. The ready-to-drink cocktail line was founded by entrepreneur and 'Real Housewives of New York' alum Bethenny Frankel in 2009. Frankel built the burgeoning brand from a single offering -- the Skinnygirl Margarita. The line now includes wines, flavored vodkas and a pina colada mix. All of the offerings are low calorie and reasonably priced which adds to the appeal. In 2011, the Skinnygirl brand was sold to Beam who has continued to add to the line.
The good news is that Skinnygirl is not only to be found on shelves to take home. Chicagoans who are out to party now have the heads up about where to go for their favorite Skinnygirl cocktail. Those Chicagoans surveyed who are already fans are Margarita lovers first, with Sangria coming in a close second. While you’re out and about, stop by Fat Pour Tap Works, which has Skinnygirl® on tap, or Flirty Girl Fitness, a women’s only fitness center, that serves a variety of guilt-free Skinnygirl® Cocktails at its Social Club.
This St. Pat's Day, whether you are celebrating at home by raising a glass to your roots or feigning your Irish heritage with your crowd, you now know where to go to do it.
Don't want to wait until St. Patrick's Day? Get inspired with the St. Peppermint Patty’s Vojito, garnished with a cool peppermint patty. Or, enjoy the Irish Eyes Are Smiling or the Sham-rockin’ ‘Rita. Here are some Skinnygirl recipes:
St. Peppermint Patty’s Vojito (137 calories)
7 mint leaves
1 lime wedge
1.5 parts Skinnygirl™ Cucumber Vodka
3 parts soda water
1 chocolate covered peppermint candy
Squeeze lime wedge into glass, muddle lime wedge with mint leaves and vodka. Add ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with chocolate covered peppermint candy.
* can add 1/2 tsp. agave nectar for sweetness
Irish Eyes Are Smiling (61 calories)
1 ½ parts Skinnygirl™ Cucumber Vodka
6 parts green tea (water steeped with tea bags OR diet green tea)
Cucumber wheel for garnish
Pour ingredients over ice. Garnish with a cucumber wheel.
Sham-rockin’ ‘Rita (107 calories)
Skinnygirl™ Margarita
Lime wedge for garnish
