#ThankYouMiami How-To: Bikini-Friendly Summer Cocktails

According to popular opinion alcohol calories don't count, but we're calling shenanigans. The minute we cut it from our diet we automatically lose five pounds. That said, it's summer and there's no better way to cool off at the beach than with an ice cold drink, meaning skinny cocktails are exactly what we need to stay in bikini shape all season. Even if you need a few days to get over the Fourth of July festivities, here are three must-try bikini-friendly summer cocktail recipes for your repertoire:

1. Pretty Girl Cocktail Recipe

This Ron Barceló cocktail is refreshing and light. Plus, it's the perfect excuse to support Miami-based artist Ruben Ubiero whose design graces the unique golden bottles of Ron Barceló Añejo Rum unveiled in Wynwood at the end of June.

1.5 oz. Barceló rum
1.5 oz. fresh watermelon juice
1/4 oz. fresh lime
1/4 oz. agave
2 basil leaves ripped

Shake ingredients and double strain over ice in a collins glass. Top with soda water. Garnish with a basil leaf and an edible flower.

2. Summer Mule Cocktail Recipe

If gin is more your speed, this summer mule cocktail recipe from Hendrick's Gin is fruity, floral and fizzy. Just make sure to limit the amount of ginger beer to keep it low in sugar and, therefore, low in calories.

2 oz. Hendrick's gin
2/3 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. elderflower cordial
8 mint leaves
1 in. thick cucumber slice
Ginger beer

Add cucumber slice to collins glass and break with muddler. Add other ingredients, build all together over crushed ice, and stir. Top with ginger beer and garnish with mint leaves.

3. Verde Margarita Cocktail Recipe

Last month Milagro Brand Ambassador, fellow Mexican, and all-around awesome dude Jaime Salas stopped by our local watering hole El Grito to teach us how to make some super delicious tequila cocktails. This update to a traditional Margarita was our favorite.

1 oz. Milagro tequila silver
1 oz. Ancho Verde
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1/4 oz. agave nectar

Shake ingredients and pour over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with half kosher salt rim and a lime wheel (not a wedge).