Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Skinny Lemonade Shake-Ups and Mixed Berry Mojitos with Sweet 'N Low



Some of you may remember that my husband was diagnosed with diabetes earlier this Summer. While we are both so thankful that he made it to the doctor in time, it has been a bit of a struggle for him, learning the ins and outs of carbohydrate maintenance and having to give up some of his favorite sugary foods. It doesn't help that I've made a hobby out of baking said sugary foods. As a matter of fact, you could say that it has been a struggle for both of us. So, it was with impeccable timing that I was given the opportunity to experiment with some Sweet 'N Low® Sweetener, those perfectly pink little packets of sweetness that don't have any carbs or any calories.

This Thursday will mark the start of what we in Minnesota call "The Great Minnesota Get Together", aka, The State Fair. The hubby and I do plan on going, but it will be just a little different, since I've lost my eating partner. I do feel sorry for hubby, though, as he won't be able to enjoy some of his yearly treats. One of his favorite treats each year is a big cup of icy lemonade. You know ones..the Shake Up Lemonades made with fresh lemons and lots and lots of sugar. To ease his pain, I decided to make a copy cat lemonade, using the charming Sweet 'N Low® packets that I got in the mail.


The Sweet 'N Low® came all snug in a cocktail shaker, complete with recipe cards and a pink ribbon....

The recipe for homemade Lemonade Shake-Ups couldn't be any easier (I've adapted it from one on found on theKitchn). For each lemonade, simply squeeze the juice from two small lemons (about 1 /4 cup) into a big plastic cup. Add two packets of Sweet 'N Low®, ice cubes to the top, and water. Pour the lemon/ice mixture from one cup to another several times, or until thoroughly mixed. Add a straw, if desired, and enjoy! No carbs for hubby and no calories for me. Big thumbs up! 


The lemonade was good, but for myself I wanted something with a little kick. Hubby can't have any alcohol, but I can, so I brought out my mint leaves, some berries, and some lemon flavored rum, and I made myself a Mixed Berry Mojito. The original recipe can be found at My Life as a Mrs....I simply swapped the simple syrup for the Sweet 'N Low®.



This is also an easy recipe. For each mojito, you will need 1/4 cup mixed blueberries and raspberries, 4-5 fresh mint leaves, 2 packets of Sweet 'N Low®, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 1/2 oz lemon flavored rum, ice and enough club soda to fill a tall glass. Simply place the berries, mint leaves, Sweet 'N Low® and lime juice in a small bowl. Using a wooden spoon, muddle the mixture until the berries have released their juice. Put the muddled mixture into the bottom of a tall glass. Add the rum, ice cubes, and club soda. Stir well with a long spoon and garnish with additional berries and a few mint leaves.


Holy Smokes! You can't tell it's a "skinny" cocktail. The Sweet 'N Low® is an awesome sugar substitute.

Whether you have a need to cut back on sugar for your health, or whether you just need to cut back on some calories, Sweet 'N Low® makes it possible to enjoy your drinks with no loss of flavor. Go ahead and indulge--just don't drive afterwards!

Disclaimer: As part of the DailyBuzz Food Tastemaker Program, I was given samples of Sweet 'N Low® Sweetener and a stipend. As always, all opinions are my own.

3 comments:

  1. This drink looks perfect for your husband to refresh himself with - you are so sweet :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, CCU...I've been out of the loop for a few days. I must go see what you and everyone else are up to! :)

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