Weekend Cooking: Skinnygirl Cocktails by Bethenny Frankel

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With the holidays fast approaching (Thanksgiving in the United States is less than two weeks away!), my thoughts are turning to entertaining and to those unwanted pounds we all seem to gain after too much celebration. Thus when I saw that Bethenny Frankel had come out with Skinnygirl Cocktails, I knew I had to take a look.

Right from the start, I liked Frankel's attitude toward the cocktail: keep it light, cut down on the high-calorie mixers, rely on low-sugar spirits, and don't skimp on flavor. Even better, many of her concoctions come in under 150 calories. What's not to love here?

If you start with Frankel's "Fixologist Formula," which provides the keys to becoming a low-cal bartender, and her suggested tools and ingredients, you'll quickly be ready to host a holiday party, a book club meeting, or a drinks night with friends. Or maybe you'll whip up a little something just for yourself while you cozy up to the fireplace or head on out to the deck, depending on the season.

I like that the drinks are grouped into familiar categories: margaritas, martinis, sangrias, Champagne, and so on. I find myself drawn to both the holiday drinks (like mulled wine) and the herbal ones (such as a strawberry basil cocktail). Although I know I'll never make recipes like the Pink Panther (it's just a little too pink for me), most of the drinks are quite appealing--and are not just for women (for example, the straightforward Old Hollywood martini).

In addition to the absolutely gorgeous photos (see the scans), Frankel provides some party tips and ideas for snacks. There's even a how-to guide for making your own alcohol infusions and advice for getting out stains, in case there's a drink mishap.

The recipes in Skinnygirl Cocktails are on the trendy side and some have cute names (Lemon-Melon Tongue Twister), which make the book especially attractive to the younger set. On the other hand, the tips and techniques are rock solid, and the flavor combos are well thought out, so don't shy away from the pink cover. If you're looking for some fresh ideas to spark up your bar, you'll find them here.

Note that Frankel's recipes sometimes call for one of her own Skinnygirl products (spirits and wine). Fortunately, the ingredient lists also offer substitutions, so you won't feel locked into her brand.

This easy pear drink says fall to me. Perhaps it will make its way to our Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Pretty Pear

One drink, under 150 calories

• 3-inch spring of fresh rosemary
• 1 canned pear half (in light syrup), drained (or use pear puree)
• 1 1/2 ounces light rum
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• Lemon wheel for garnish

Strip the bottom inch of leaves from the rosemary sprig and reserve the sprig for garnish. Chop the rosemary leaves and put them in cocktail shaker. Add the pear half and muddle. Add the rum and lemon juice and shake with ice until well chilled. Double-strain (using both the cocktail strainer and a small sieve) into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with the rosemary sprig and a lemon wheel.

Published by Simon & Schuster / Touchstone, 2014
ISBN-13: 9781476773025
Source: Bought (eBook) (see review policy)
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)