One of the best parts about summer is getting your friends together for some outdoor memories. If you’re like me and you love to entertain, it can be hard to find go-to recipes that are easy to make, low in calories, and taste refreshing in the summer sun. With a craving for picnic bites, in partnership with Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer I’ve put together some creative recipes inspired by their new zero sugar Spiked Sparkling Seltzer beverages – you’ll have to let me know which pairing is your favorite! 

 

SMIRNOFF INSPIRED PICNIC RECIPE GUIDE

 

1. Pitcher Perfect Watermelon Ice Cubes

2. Orange Mango Salsa

3. Cranberry Kale Waldorf Salad

  

  

 

PITCHER PERFECT WATERMELON ICE CUBES

INSPIRATION: SMIRNOFF SPIKED SPARKLING SELTZER WATERMELON

 

This is going to sound silly, but the recipe is in the name! Thought I would start with the simplest recipe, but all you need to do is slice watermelon into cubes and leave in the freezer overnight. With only 90 calories, Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer has 4.5% Alcohol By Volume and a deliciously refreshing taste. These frozen watermelon ice cubes won’t dilute your beverage like normal ice cubes would, they’ll keep your drink cool in the hot summer sun, and will add an extra hint of sweetness. Feel free to snack on the extra frozen chunks – they’re delicious! 

 

RECIPE

Cubed Watermelon

  

 

 

Orange Mango Salsa 

INSPIRATION: SMIRNOFF SPIKED SPARKLING SELTZER ORANGE MANGO

Get your chips excited to scoop again with this zesty Orange Mango Salsa. Did you forget a bowl? No worries, save the mango skin halves to use as serving bowls once you scoop out all of the fruit from each side. If you give each friend an ingredient to chop, this app can be fun to make with friends with a chilled glass of Orange Mango Spiked Sparkling Seltzer in hand that has less calories than a standard 5 oz. serving of champagne. Cheers!

 

RECIPE

2 firm mangoes – peeled, seeded, chopped

Juice of 1 orange 

Juice of 1 lime 

1 red bell pepper

1/2 finely chopped red onion

1 jalapeno chile pepper finely chopped

2 tbs finely chopped cilantro 

2 tsp salt

  

   

 

 Cranberry Kale Waldorf Salad

INSPIRATION: SMIRNOFF SPIKED SPARKLING SELTZER CRANBERRY LIME

With the kale being the primary ingredient, this thickly fibrous green likes to marinate in its dressing – making it the perfect picnic meal. Massage in the dressing and pack in jars in the fridge for individual servings that add ease to travel. The inspired Waldorf’s cranberries add a subtle sweetness to the hearty salad just like naturally fruit flavored Cranberry Lime beverage. This salad and beverage pairing shows a well thought out host that wants their guests to indulge without feeling guilty later. 

 

RECIPE

2 Large sweet red apples, cored and chopped

1 cup of sliced celery 

1 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts

1/2 cup dried cranberries 

2 cups of sliced kale (thick ribs removed) 

*I like to add a 1/2 cup of pulled oven roasted chicken for protein & flavor 

Dressing: Marie’s Poppy Seed Dressing

 

 

 

Thank you so much for reading up on my go-to drink & entertaining picnic recipes. 

Would love to hear which pairing was your favorite & who you’ll be picnicking with this summer! 

 

From me and my friends at Smirnoff – Cheers! 

#DrinkSmarter