Whether it’s football season, basketball season or summer break sitting out by the pool, we all want some tasty, easy-to-make snacks and beverages to tide us through the fun.
I decided to pay tribute to Texas Tech University, mainly due to a new Red Raider in the family this Fall (my youngest son) and also taking into account my husband and I are both graduates of this fine institution in Lubbock, just south of the Panhandle. Hit ‘em, Wreck ‘em, Texas Tech!!
In just five minutes, I can whip together a non-alcoholic drink (Red Raiderade – a Michelada mocktail) and snack dip that the whole gang loves thanks to a few of my new favorite products. Keep reading for all the delicious deets!
First, let’s start with the drink Zero-AFB “Red Raiderade” – think of a Michelada mocktail or Ojo Rojo that is alcohol free and you get the idea, but lighter, fewer calories and no hangover. These types of tomato beer drinks are so popular in Texas and so refreshing with a spicy bite! Instead of a Mexican beer though, I just substitute unsweetened sparkling water with lime or lemon flavor in my non-alcoholic Michelada version. This sparkling water, along fresh juice of a lime, Clamato juice and a splash of Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce are all poured over ice in a tall pint glass – and I garnish the glass edges with Tajin!
Speaking of pint glasses, I’m feeling super school spirited with College Town Glassware from Well and Told. Get a pair of classic pint glasses printed with the map of your favorite college town – I picked Lubbock for Texas Tech University, but there are lots of choice from around the country.
Now, for snacks in a snap, you can’t go wrong with crackers and cream cheese spread – that easy-peasy classic preparation of opening a brick of cream cheese and pouring preserves over the top. However, instead of my typical Jalapeno jam, I found these fabulous “everything sauces” from Ricante – made in Costa Rica and now all over the U.S. (look for them in Whole Foods or on Amazon). There are four different choices in this line up of spicy tropical sauces (which are friendly for keto, gluten-free and Whole30 diets).
Use them for dipping, marinating, salad dressing and reducing/glazing with meats – I chose the Tropical Pineapple Habanero Infused Everything Sauce and just doused it right over the cream cheese and then dumped on extra diced pineapple and crumbled bacon. Pineapple Bacon Cream Cheese Dip will make you feel very tropical and no worries! It’s SO GOOD with veggies sticks or crackers.
And speaking of crackers, I don’t set out crappy crackers for my 5 minute party prep – lol! Only the best stuff for me, the family and lucky guests — I like to serve Top Seedz Crackers. Top Seeds Crackers are SO DELISH are were created by Rebecca, an avid traveler and sports competitor, who knows first-hand (as do I) that healthy eating influences with way we live and feel in our bodies. She insists on good, natural ingredients like roasted seeds that are naturally vitamin and mineral dense with other important nutrients to fuel an active lifestyle like fiber and protein. I just adore these roasted seed crackers, so crunchy, satisfying, and flavorful (several options)– they really tide me over!
So anyway, cheers to your favorite college, sports team, season of the year or WHATEVER – and drinking and snacking responsibly and with good health in mind! What are your favorite tips for quick entertaining and putting together 5 minute party prep?
Also I encourage you to stay up with the latest healthy eating inspo and entertaining ideas by visit these amazing companies on Instagram @WellToldDesign @RicanteHotSauce @TopSeedz
This post is sponsored by the aforementioned companies and also contains Amazon affiliate links.
Enjoy all the flavor of a citrusy, spicy sparkling tomato drink without any alcohol — my easy Red Raiderade is low-cal, low-carb and no hangover.
- Tajin Chili Lime seasoning for coating the glass rim
- 4 ounces Clamato tomato juice
- 4 ounces sparkling water, lemon or lime flavor (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lime)
- 1 tsp. worcestershire sauce
- 3 to 8 dashes tabasco sauce, depending on heat preference
- Garnishes like lime slice, cherry tomato, pepper, etc
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Wet rim of pint glass and set inverted on plat sprinkled with Tajin, move around to get some to stick to the rim.
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Turn back over and fill pint glass 1/3 with ice.
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Pour in Clamato, sparkling water, lime juice, Tabasco and worstershire sauce, gently stir with tall spoon or straw.
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Add any garnishes desired, enjoy.
36 calories, 6.5g net carb, 0 fat, 242mg sodium, 0.5g protein
Some may associate watermelon with only the warm-weather months, but I’m here to spread the good cheer – watermelon is an amazingly versatile and economical fruit that can be enjoyed 365 days a year. In fact, watermelon is a super delicious and decidedly healthful way to bring family and friends together and make memories wherever you may be gathered. Read on to find out my strategies to survive and thrive through the holidays with watermelon.
