Mealtime Magic: Crystal Light drinks

I've never thought about using Crystal Light in cocktails before, so when I had the opportunity to try it out, I was intrigued. Crystal Light makes a good mocktail or cocktail ingredient because it's low calorie yet high flavor, so it helps make drinks a little more friendly for those who are trying to eat healthy.

These recipes are great. They don't require many calories, and there are a variety of different flavors.

Double-Berry Martini:
Mix 2 1-qt packets Crystal Light Raspberry Ice with 2 cups water, 2 cups light cranberry juice cocktail, and 1/2 cup vodka. Chill 1 hour, and stir in 2 cups club soda or sparkling water right before serving, then pour into six classes, each with a frozen cranberry or fresh raspberry inside.

Mulled Peach Tea Drink:
Put 2 1-qt packets Crystal Light Peach Tea, 5 cloves, and 1 cinnamon stick in a pitcher. Add 6 cups boiling water and stir, then add 2 cups apple juice and let stand 10 minutes. Remove the spices and serve warm.

Party-Goers Punch:
Mix 1 Crystal Light On the Go Lemonade and 1 Crystal Light On the Go Fruit Punch with 2 cups cold water. Add 1/2 cup vodka and chill. Add 1 can diet carbonated lemon-lime pop, and serve immediately. (A non-alcohol version can be made by replacing the vodka with additional water).

Passion Punch:
Mix 2 cups water, 2 cups light cranberry juice cocktail, and 2 1-qt packet Crystal Light Raspberry. Chill. Add 2 cups champagne and pour over raspberries in 6 tall glasses.

Pomegranate Cosmopolitan:
Mix 1 2-qt packet Crystal Light Antioxidant Cherry Pomegranate with 4 cups water. Add 1 cup vodka, 1 cup light cranberry juice cocktail, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, and ice cubes. Mix well and strain into classes. (A non-alcohol version can be made by replacing vodka with club soda).


Disclosure: I received a sample of Crystal Light from Kraft Foods in exchange for this post.