A skinny girl cosmo is a light and refreshing twist on the classic cosmopolitan cocktail. It has all the flavor of a traditional cosmo, but with fewer calories and less alcohol. Skinny girl cosmos are made with lower calorie ingredients like diet cranberry juice and zero-calorie sweeteners, allowing you to enjoy this beloved cocktail without all the extra calories.
Origins of the Skinny Girl Cosmo
The cosmopolitan cocktail first became popular in the 1990s thanks to the HBO series Sex and the City. The character Carrie Bradshaw frequently ordered cosmos at bars around New York City, helping make it one of the trendiest drinks of the decade. The classic cosmo is made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
In the 2000s and 2010s, the popularity of low-calorie diets and low-sugar cocktails led to the creation of the skinny girl cosmo. Bartenders and home mixologists experimented with ways to lighten up the classic cosmo recipe. This resulted in lower calorie ingredients being used like diet cranberry juice, zero-calorie sweeteners, soda water, and vodka with fewer calories.
The Rise of Skinny Girl Brands
The phrase “skinny girl” also became popular in the 2000s thanks to Bethenny Frankel. She trademarked the phrase and launched the Skinnygirl Cocktails brand in 2009. The brand specializes in pre-made low-calorie cocktails, including a pre-bottled skinny girl margarita. The brand helped popularize the concept of lighter cocktails for calorie-conscious drinkers.
Ingredients in a Skinny Girl Cosmo
There are many variations when it comes to making a skinny cosmo. But the core ingredients typically include:
- Vodka – Typically 1.5 oz vodka. Regular 80-proof vodka or lower calorie vodka can be used.
- Triple sec – Around 0.5 oz, optionally can be omitted to reduce calories.
- Diet cranberry juice – 1-2 oz of calorie-free cranberry juice for tartness.
- Fresh lime juice – Around 1 oz for acidity to balance sweetness.
- Zero-calorie sweetener – Such as Splenda, stevia, or erythritol to add sweetness without added sugar.
- Soda water – A splash to thin out the cocktail.
- Garnish – Lime wheel or slice.
Choices for Low-Calorie Ingredients
When making a skinny girl cosmo, look for these low-calorie swaps:
| Regular Ingredient | Low-Calorie Swap |
|---|---|
| Cranberry juice | Diet cranberry juice |
| Simple syrup | Zero-calorie sweetener |
| Regular triple sec | Sugar-free triple sec |
| Regular vodka | Low-calorie vodka |
This allows you to cut down on the calories and sugar without sacrificing the signature cosmo flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make a skinny girl cosmo, simply follow these steps:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in 1.5 oz vodka.
- Add 0.5 oz triple sec (optional).
- Add 1-2 oz diet cranberry juice.
- Squeeze 1 oz fresh lime juice.
- Add zero-calorie sweetener to taste.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or slice.
- For extra fizz, top with a splash of soda water before serving.
Shaking Technique
It’s important to shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds. This properly blends the ingredients, chills the drink, and creates the desired frothy texture.
Calorie and Nutrition Information
The total calories in a skinny girl cosmo can vary based on the exact ingredients and quantities used. But in general, a skinny cosmo will have around 100 calories or less per serving. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a typical skinny cosmo:
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1.5 oz vodka | 105 calories |
| 0.5 oz triple sec | 60 calories |
| 2 oz diet cranberry juice | 10 calories |
| 1 oz lime juice | 5 calories |
| Zero-calorie sweetener | 0 calories |
| Total: | Around 180 calories |
As you can see, the skinny cosmo cuts around 200 calories compared to a regular cosmo by using diet cranberry juice and skipping simple syrup. The total calorie count may be slightly higher or lower based on the specific brands of vodka and juice used.
Carbohydrates
There are minimal carbs in a skinny girl cosmo. The only source of carbs is a small amount from the cranberry juice, clocking in around 3-5g carbs per serving.
Customizing Your Skinny Cosmo
One of the great things about skinny girl cosmos is how customizable they are. You can tweak them to your personal preferences and dietary needs. Here are some variations you can try:
With Soda Water
Adding a splash of plain soda water cuts the sweetness slightly and lightens up the cocktail. The fizz also makes it even more refreshing.
With Flavored Vodka
Use a flavored vodka like citrus or raspberry to complement the cranberry and lime flavors.
Virgin Skinny Cosmo
For a non-alcoholic skinny cosmo, omit the vodka and triple sec. Increase the ratios of cranberry juice, lime juice, and sweetener. Shake with ice and serve.
Keto-Friendly Skinny Cosmo
To make keto-friendly, use diet cranberry juice with monkfruit sweetener instead of sugar-based sweeteners. And omit higher carb mixers like triple sec.
Skinny Appletini
Substitute cranberry juice with diet green apple juice or cider and add a dash of cinnamon.
Skinntini
Use gin instead of vodka for a lighter, botanical twist.
Where to Enjoy Skinny Girl Cosmos
You can easily make skinny cosmos at home by following the recipe above. But you can also order them at many bars and restaurants. Some spots known for their skinny cosmo cocktails include:
- Skinnygirl Bar & Grill – Bethenny Frankel’s bar in New York City serving her famous skinny cocktails.
- STK – Upscale steakhouse chain offering extensive skinny cocktail menus.
- The Skinny Bitch Collective – A duo of cafes in California focused on low-calorie fare.
- Bluestone Lane – Australian-inspired coffee shops with light brunch cocktails.
- Tocaya Organica – Fast casual Mexican chain with organic skinny cocktails.
You can also find bottled pre-made skinny girl cosmos at many grocery stores to enjoy at home. Brands like Skinnygirl, Simply Skinny, and Cali Skinny sell ready-to-drink skinny girl cosmos.
Tips for the Best Skinny Cosmos
Here are some final tips for making stellar skinny cosmos at home:
- Use fresh lime juice for bright flavor.
- Chill glasses ahead of time for frosty drinks.
- Add ice slowly to avoid overdilution.
- Garnish with lime wheels or long twists.
- Use sugar-free triple sec for an authentic taste.
- Shake with vigor to create that signature froth.
- Taste and adjust sweetener to your preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the skinny girl cosmo offers a figure-friendly take on a beloved cocktail. By using lower calorie swaps and skipping added sugars, you can still enjoy a cosmo without all the extra calories weighing it down. Feel free to customize your skinny cosmo to your own dietary needs. Sip and enjoy this light and lovely cocktail without the guilt!