Advent 2018: Day 17: Diet cocktails

Diet cocktails

More than a dozen years ago, Keith married my high school friend Suzy. I had the immense pleasure of baking their wedding cake. Shortly after, I became pregnant, and shortly after that, I became diabetic, and then, I became very, very freaked out. Keith, who has been diabetic for decades, talked me through it and talked me down. Keith is a therapist, and has talked me through and down any number of life crises since then. In return, we ply Keith with cocktails and baked goods on the regular. For this year's calendar, he kindly wrote up ...

A bunch of diet cocktails that have evolved over years of liquor cabinet MacGyvering similar to Chopped with Ted Allen announcing "You have Vodka ... and ..." all inspired by the desire to be lo-cal and festive. I can't say that they're diabetic friendly since no diabetics should drink—but if you're gonna, this is more responsible than sugared drinks.

The Gin-Gin — It's flavorful with a kick of caffeine and ginseng.

1.5 oz Gin (Bluecoat if you have it—the herbal notes actually mingle well with the ginseng)
Pepsi Zero (was once called Pepsi Max, still sugar free and still with ginseng)
Splash of lime

The Freshmaker — This one is sugar and caffeine free but has a great zip with the grapefruit soda.

1.5 oz Gin
Fresca

The Kikimora — It's a Russian Fairie (or sprite—get it?)

1.5 oz Vodka
Sprite Zero
A maraschino cherry or fresh strawberry

The Creamsicle — Yep.

1.5 oz vanilla Vodka (or regular with 1/2 a cap of vanilla extract)
Diet Orange Soda

The Pepper Too

1.5 oz Rum
Diet Dr. Pepper

The Boot Rear

1.5 oz Rum
Diet Root Beer

The Ta-kill-ya

1.5 oz Tequila
Diet Coke
Habanero infused lime juice (or regular lime juice and splash of habanero hot sauce)
Salted rim

The Grown-Up Sasperilly

1.5 oz Tequila
Diet Root Beer

Best 65 cal Margarita

1.5 oz Tequila
1 oz Triple Sec
1 packet of single-serve lemonade (makes it like Sours mix)
Splash of lime
Salted rim