Seasonal fruits are the perfect sweetener for your favorite summer cocktails (or mocktails)! These are low cholesterol recipes that help lower blood pressure.

During the warmer months, buy your favorite seasonal fruit in bulk and freeze a portion of your fruit for frozen drink and smoothies, and/or defrosted to be added to fruit yogurt parfaits.

Pre-made mixers contain added sugar, which add copious amounts of unnecessary calories to your cocktails.

Why not make nutritious and skinny drinks with your blended fruit (fresh or frozen) instead of adding sugar or simple syrups, such as berries, mangoes, kiwis, grapefruits, pineapple, or whatever fruit you desire on a hot sunny day.

Try this week’s low cholesterol recipe. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Light and Fresh SKINNY Strawberry Margaritas!

Fresh Strawberry Basil Margarita

Add leaves from edible plants, such as mint, basil, or cilantro for a hidden punch of flavor (and nutrition) to your margarita.

Yield: 1 serving (6 fl oz)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 fl oz of tequila
• ½ cup of strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves
• 1/8 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice

Directions:

In a blender, add all the ingredients into the blender and mix until a smooth consistency.
Optional: Add ½ cup of ice, if you didn’t use frozen strawberries.

Nutrition Information Per Serving:
Calories: 131 kcal
Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Carbohydrate: 8 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Protein:  1 g
Sodium:  2 mg