Credit: Ligaya Figueras
Credit: Ligaya Figueras
Even the ladies of Hollywood sip on cocktails while they whip themselves into shape for Oscar night. Whether you’re headed down the aisle toward wedded bliss or simply keeping up with your New Year’s resolution, try one of these Oscar-worthy cocktails for those dress-dieting days.
Champagne Cocktail
Sure, Kimball House serves up a classic daiquiri so you can drink like Hemingway , but on Awards night it's time to shine like a star. Kimball House gives the grande dame of cocktails the stage with a classic Champagne cocktail. First mentioned in 1862 by the godfather of bartenders, Jerry Thomas, this dramatic tipple is elegant and easy on the waistline, containing only bubbly and a sugar cube soaked in Angostura bitters. The sugar cube dissolves as you sip, releasing scant amounts of sugar, aromatic bitters and a cascade of tiny bubbles into the Champagne making the cocktail a winner for best visual effects. Kimball House, 303 East Howard Ave., Decatur, 404-378-3502, kimball-house.com
Vodka Gimlet
While the traditional Gimlet calls for gin, Wisteria switches up the classic with Hangar One vodka by the fine craft folks at St. George Spirits. Originally concocted for sailors as a way to prevent scurvy but then found to be a delicious drink, Wisteria's use of vodka as a slightly lower calorie base spirit gives this cocktail bright pizzazz. Fresh-squeezed lime juice and a touch of simple syrup make it a satisfying and refreshing after-dinner sipper, and our winner for best edit on a classic. Wisteria, 471 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404-525-3363, wisteria-atlanta.com
Credit: Ligaya Figueras
Credit: Ligaya Figueras
Skinny Margarita
Even the Hollywood elite can't resist the seductive charms of tacos. While you might be cutting out the cheese dip from your diet, you don't have to sacrifice that all-important margarita. El Taco in Virginia Highland has crafted a tasty, "skinny" version for calorie counters. Made with the silver fox of spirits, blanco tequila, fresh lime juice and agave nectar for a little sweetness and balance, the Virginia Highland staple serves up a low-cal margarita with fresh ingredients without sacrificing taste. We believe it deserves your vote for best supporting role in a taco dinner. The Original El Taco, 1186 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404-873-4656, eltaco-atlanta.com
Vesper
It's the cocktail that jettisoned James Bond into the hearts of women and cocktail lovers around the world. The Vesper is based on 007's drink order in the 1953 Ian Fleming novel, "Casino Royale." This sexy martini alternative is made with three parts gin to one part vodka, which Sandy Spring newcomer il Giallo beautifully rounds out with a touch of dry vermouth. The perfectly chilled concoction also happens to be light on calories. Sorry Mr. Bond, this one's stirred, never shaken, lest you bruise the gin. You'll be a satisfied customer sipping on the tipple we consider winner for best redesign on a classic. il Giallo, 5920 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 404-709-2148, ilgialloatl.com
Credit: Ligaya Figueras
Credit: Ligaya Figueras
Miller Thyme
This update on the Prohibition-era, gin classic Bee's Knees is in keeping with Miller Union and James Beard nominee, chef Steven Satterfield's desire to provide guests with healthy, seasonal Southern fare. With the use of fresh ingredients to enhance the cocktail's simple beauty, Miller Thyme incorporates fresh lemon to draw out the faint notes of orange and licorice in the gin and balance the juniper qualities in this botanical-heavy spirit. A bit of fresh thyme floats at the surface acting as both garnish and herbal tie that binds the citrus and juniper together. It's a low-cal, low-sugar, spirit-forward balancing act worthy of best cocktail in a leading role at dinner. Miller Union, 999 Brady Ave. NW, Atlanta, 678-733-8550, millerunion.com
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