Skinnygirl Summer Soirée

On Tuesday night I got my Skinnygirl on with yummy cocktails and eats at the brand’s summer party at the Rosewater Supper Club. Hosted by the original Skinnygirl, chef, author and reality TV star Bethenny Frankel, and eTalk’s Traci Melchor, the evening benefited Dress For Success.

Skinnygirl Margarita was launched by Frankel in March 2011. The low-carb, low-cal drink became an instant success and the brand has now expanded to include seven ready-to-serve cocktails, a vodka collection and a wine collection.

Party-goers were greeted at the door with White Cranberry Cosmos, followed by the arrival of Bethenny and Traci, who treated guests to a fun Q&A about summer entertaining.

Ready-to-serve cocktails like the Skinnygirl Sangria, Peach Margarita and Mojito make summer entertaining easy. Frankel recommends sticking to classics with a twist for party food, like turkey burgers with wasabi mayo served alongside Mojito cocktails — her go-to for parties this season. The new White Cherry Vodka is a must-try, says Frankel, just add soda or serve over ice.

I’m partial to the Skinnygirl Mojito — my favourite summer drink! At only 90 calories a glass, it’s a refreshing and guilt-free patio cocktail. I would still add some fresh mint to it for flavour and aroma, though.

Guests were given a tour of four cocktail tasting rooms featuring different summer entertaining tips. The White Peach Margarita room was all about home decor! Event stylist Marla Brown talked about outdoor decorating.

If you’re throwing a patio party, Brown recommends setting the mood with torches, lanterns, votives, or hanging cafe lights, making sure to illuminate the walking path. Add bright colours like this turquoise and tangerine combo to your neutral furniture with vases and throw pillows, says Brown.

I could definitely spend some time lounging here with a glass of sangria! Brown also recommends bringing the indoors out. Don’t be afraid to bring your indoor chairs and tables outside for your party, she says.

Chef Lauren Mozer, founder of Toronto’s Elle Cuisine, passed on tips for summer entertaining with recipes that are big on flavour and small on prep time. Keep it simple and light, always use fresh ingredients and pay attention to presentation, which accounts for 75% of any food experience, says Mozer.

These chicken satays were marinated in Skinnygirl White Wine and served with a red pepper chimichurri — yum!

I’ll be lounging on a patio in Vancouver this weekend, Skinnygirl Mojito in hand, if anyone asks. Cheers!

Photo credits:
1-8. Chloe Berge