Skinnygirl is a brand of low-calorie cocktails and wines created by Bethenny Frankel. The signature Skinnygirl Margarita was the first product launched by the brand in 2009. Since then, Skinnygirl has expanded to offer a variety of ready-to-drink cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages marketed as healthier alcohol options for women.
Skinnygirl products are advertised as having fewer calories and less sugar compared to traditional cocktails and wines. This is achieved by using natural sweeteners like agave nectar instead of simple syrups and fruit juices in place of added sugars. The alcohol content is also lower in some Skinnygirl drinks.
With a growing interest in health and wellness, especially among female consumers, Skinnygirl has capitalized on demand for lighter alcoholic beverages with natural ingredients. However, some consumers are curious about what exactly is contained in Skinnygirl cocktails.
This article will explore the ingredients and nutritional information in Skinnygirl’s lineup of margaritas, martinis, sangrias, spritzers, and wines. Key questions answered include:
What types of alcohol are used in Skinnygirl drinks?
The primary types of alcohol contained in Skinnygirl cocktails are:
– Tequila – Used in margaritas
– Vodka – Used in martinis
– Wine – Used in sangrias and spritzers
– Rum – Used in mojitos and other cocktails
The specific brands and proofs vary by drink, but Skinnygirl cocktails made with distilled spirits generally contain vodka or tequila with an alcohol content of around 40 proof (20% alcohol by volume). The wines used are lighter varieties such as Pinot Grigio or Moscato with around 10-13% alcohol content.
Are the cocktails completely sugar-free?
No, Skinnygirl cocktails are not completely sugar-free, but they contain fewer calories and less sugar compared to traditional cocktail recipes. Here are some examples of the sugar content:
– The Skinnygirl Margarita has 4 grams of sugar per serving
– The Skinnygirl White Peach Margarita has 7 grams of sugar
– The Skinnygirl Sangria contains 4 grams of sugar per serving
Instead of relying on simple syrups or sugary fruit purees for sweetness, Skinnygirl cocktails use fresh fruit juices, agave nectar, stevia, and other natural low-calorie sweeteners to reduce the sugar and calorie content. However, there is still some residual natural sugar in the juices and alcohol itself. The cocktails are not sucrose-free or synthesized to be no-calorie.
What ingredients are used for flavoring and sweetening?
Common sweeteners and flavorings used in Skinnygirl cocktails include:
– Agave nectar – Adds sweetness with fewer calories than sugar
– Fruit juices – Such as lime, lemon, grapefruit, peach, mango, strawberry, etc.
– Fresh herbs – Like cilantro, basil, mint
-club soda or seltzer water – Adds effervescence without calories
– Bitters – For flavor complexity
– Stevia leaf extract – A natural, no-calorie sweetener
– Cucumber, berries, and citrus – Used for floral and fruit flavors
Sweeteners
| Sweetener | Calories per serving |
| Agave nectar | 60 |
| Fruit juice | 20-60 |
| Stevia | 0 |
These natural sweetening agents allow Skinnygirl to reduce the use of processed sugars and artificial sweeteners.
Do Skinnygirl drinks contain any preservatives?
Most Skinnygirl beverages do not contain added preservatives. The shelf-stable ready-to-serve cocktails and wines are produced using flash pasteurization and aseptic packaging to allow them to be sold without refrigeration. This heating method helps stabilize the drinks without using traditional preservatives.
According to the brand, Skinnygirl uses a patented processing method that uses high pressure rather than high heat during pasteurization to protect the flavor and quality. The aseptic packaging likewise prevents oxygen and external contaminants from compromising the safety and freshness.
The exceptions are some Skinnygirl non-alcoholic sparkling beverages, which contain potassium sorbate as a mild preservative. Overall, most Skinnygirl drinks use no added preservatives – just thermal processing for food safety and shelf stability.
What is the calorie and carb content?
Skinnygirl beverages are designed to be lower-calorie options, but the exact nutrition facts vary across the product line. Here are some calorie and carb stats:
Calories per serving
| Beverage | Calories |
| Skinnygirl Margarita | 100 |
| Skinnygirl Sangria | 115 |
| Skinnygirl Pinot Grigio | 122 |
| Skinnygirl White Peach Margarita | 150 |
Grams of carbs per serving
| Beverage | Grams of carbs |
| Skinnygirl Margarita | 4g |
| Skinnygirl Martini | 2.5g |
| Skinnygirl White Cranberry Cosmo | 9g |
As you can see, calories range from around 100-150 per serving for most Skinnygirl drinks. The carb content is generally under 10 grams per serving. This is lower compared to traditional cocktails made with sugary mixers.
Are there any artificial colors or flavors?
According to the Skinnygirl website and product labels, the brand’s beverages do not contain any artificial flavors or synthetic colors. The flavors come from natural extracts and juices. However, some drinks do contain caramel color, a common food coloring that is made by cooking sugars. So not all colors are naturally occurring.
What is the sodium content?
Skinnygirl products are not sodium-free, but some drinks contain lower amounts than conventional cocktails. Here are some examples:
– Original Skinnygirl Margarita – 45mg sodium per serving
– Pomegranate Margarita – 30mg sodium
– White Peach Margarita – 20mg sodium
– Sweet Basil Cucumber Vodka Martini – 10mg sodium
These sodium levels are considered relatively low compared to many processed foods and full-sugar cocktails. The sodium mainly comes from salt used to balance flavors. Low-sodium diets aim for less than 1500mg per day, so a Skinnygirl drink would represent just a small fraction of that allowance. Those monitoring sodium intake can account for these amounts when tracking their overall diet.
Are there any protein or vitamins added?
Most Skinnygirl beverages do not contain added protein or vitamins. As ready-to-drink alcoholic or sparkling products, they are not intended to provide nutrients beyond flavor.
However, Skinnygirl does offer a line of non-alcoholic mocktail waters that contain added vitamins and antioxidants. For example, the Tropical Flavor Mocktail Water contains 120mg of vitamin C per bottle as well as added zinc and vitamins B3, B5, and B6. So these non-alcoholic options do provide an extra nutrient boost.
Are they gluten-free and vegan friendly?
Yes, Skinnygirl confirms that all their beverages are gluten-free and suitable for vegan diets. Since the cocktails and wines contain no dairy, egg, or other animal products, they can fit into a vegan lifestyle. The drinks are also free of barley, rye, and other gluten-containing grains.
Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can enjoy Skinnygirl products. The brand caters to a variety of specialty diets.
Where are Skinnygirl drinks manufactured?
Skinnygirl ready-to-serve beverages are produced and bottled at facilities in North America. This includes a manufacturing plant in Upstate New York.
The specific source of ingredients like agave and fruit juices is not disclosed. However, the brand states their suppliers follow ethical business practices and that materials are sourced from within the US whenever possible.
Conclusion
Skinnygirl offers a variety of low-calorie cocktails and wines advertised as better-for-you alcohol options. While not completely sugar or calorie-free, they contain fewer calories and carbohydrates compared to full-sugar drinks. Natural ingredients like juice, agave, and stevia provide sweetness instead of high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. With only natural flavors and colors, plus no gluten or preservatives, Skinnygirl beverages can fit into a health-conscious lifestyle when consumed in moderation. Those watching their sugar and alcohol intake can account for the calories and carbs listed on the nutritional labels. Overall, the drinks provide lighter options compared to traditional cocktail recipes.