Recipe: “Citrus Sparkler” Cocktail

The dog days of summer are officially upon us, which means high temps, rooftop pools, and tall glasses of just what the doctor ordered: cocktails! And what better way to spruce these cocktails up than by throwing in a refreshing splash of Non-GMO Project verified, zero calorie, naturally sweetened soda paired with juicy, fresh fruit? We can’t think of a better way either.

We will discuss the delicious details of the cocktail you see below later on, but for now, we would like to introduce you to the newest brand to collaborate with the East Coast Contessas family: Zevia!

Zevia is a customer focused brand that crafts Non-GMO Project verified, zero calorie, naturally sweetened soda products – a rising star in the beverage industry. Not only are Zevia sodas sugar-free, but they are also free of artificial colors. In fact, when consumers requested that Zevia remove caramel coloring, they listened. Zevia prides itself on the brand’s ability to take a great product and turn it into something even better: a soda with only the “good stuff” and none of the bad.

When Zevia says they are customer/consumer focused, they mean it. Currently, Zevia consumers can choose from 15 unique and mouthwatering flavors: Black Cherry, Cherry Cola, Cola, Cream Soda, Dr. Zevia, Ginger Ale, Ginger Root Beer, Grape, Grapefruit Citrus, Lemon Lime Twist, Mountain Zevia, Orange, Strawberry, Tonic Water, and Sparkling Celebrations. These flavors are available in both six and 10 packs, “Tall Girl” 16 fl. oz. cans, and 25.4 fl. oz bottles of “Celebrations”  flavors in Sparkling Apple and Sparkling Pear.

We were lucky enough to sample the Lemon Lime Twist (pictured below), which turned out to be the most refreshing flavor to help beat the scorching summer heat. After returning home from a long day at the office, we decided this particular flavor of Zevia would be the quintessential component in our quest to construct the perfect cocktail.

The result is what you see above: the East Coast Contessas twist on the oh-so-classicly chic gin and tonic – a favorite of the ladies (and gents) trying to watch their calorie intake (how else would one get those poolside ready bods?). To make this cocktail even more appealing, it can be easily whipped up in under five minutes, and did we mention it’s super cheap, too?

If this seem like the perfect nightcap – or anytime cap in that matter – for you, read below for the easy, cheap, and low-calorie recipe! Side note: this recipe only makes one individual cocktail, so no sharing will be involved (you can thank us later).

The East Coast Contessas “Citrus Sparkler” with Lemon Lime Zevia Soda

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serving Size: Makes one 12 fl oz cocktail

Ingredients:

1 can of Lemon Lime Twist Zevia soda

1 large Meyer Lemon

1 lime

1.5 fl. oz of gin (we used Seagram’s, but any gin will work so pick your favorite!)

5 large icecubes

Directions:

***Before constructing the cocktail, make sure the can of Zevia is chilled.

1. Take the Meyer lemon, cut off the ends, and thinly slice into 4-5 pieces.
2. Take the lime and cut it in half, and then cut the half into four wedges.
3. Alternate between ice cubes and lemon slices when arranging them in the Pilsner glass. (We placed three ice cubes then a lemon slice, and so on and so forth until we got to the top of the glass).
4. Pour the 1.5 fl. oz. into the glass (being honest, we used a bit more than a shot in our drink, so it’s really up to the individual depending on how stressful of a day it was…)
5. Open up the chilled Zevia can and gently pour into the glass over the gin.
6. Squeeze the juice of one of the lime wedges into the glass. Discard.
7. Add a few more ice cubes onto the top.
8. Garnish the side of the glass with one of the other lime wedges.

Even though we used the Lemon Lime Twist flavor in this particular recipe, there are numerous Zevia flavors, as mentioned above, that could provide endless cocktail possibilities! To locate the many vendors that sell Zevia in each state, or to place an order online, visit www.zevia.com today! Don’t forget to tell them the East Coast Contessas sent you.

BOTTOMS UP!