By Estela Schnelle MS, RD

www.weeklybite.com

Each week the Weekly Bite will be featuring a cocktail of the week along with some survival tips for the weekend!  This week’s cocktail is called “Orange Crush.”  This in an incredibly refreshing tasting drink!  This recipe can also be multiplied for a “party drink”.  For those who are heading to happy hour, here are some tips to enjoy the evening without widening your waistline.

1.     Always have a game plan:  Stick to healthy choices throughout the day; try to get a workout in if you can.  Find out where you’re going for the evening.  Stick with appetizers.  Limit yourself to two servings of “heavy” appetizers, than stick with a non-fried shellfish like shrimp cocktail or veggies for the evening.

2.     Alcohol equals Calories:  Make a point to limit yourself to no more than two low-cal cocktails for the evening.  Avoid any drink mixed with a sugary mix such as soda, juice, or sweet-n-sour mix.  Alternate your drinks with club soda and lime… this makes for a great “fake out” cocktail.  People think your drinking, but your not.

3.     NEVER drink on an empty stomach:  This is a recipe for disaster.  If you drink on an empty stomach, you’ll find yourself inhaling the buffet table!

4.    Surround yourself with good company:  The better the company, the more talking you do.  You find yourself having such a good time you don’t even miss all the calorie-laden foods.

Cocktail of the Week:  ORANGE CRUSH

2oz orange flavored vodka (I like grey goose)

Splash of Gran Marnier

3oz Diet Sunkist

3 oz Diet Sprite

Juice of ½ small orange

Mix ingredients together in a shaker, pour over ice, and enjoy!  If you don’t like diet soda, you can substitute any citrus flavored seltzer water.  This recipe can be multiplied and used as a “party drink”

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