While you’re enjoying summertime appetizers at happy hour, you need a cool cocktail, right? This is my new favorite.

I’ve watched Bethenny Frankel on TV since Martha Stewart’s “The Apprentice,” so I was intrigued when she began bottling her signature “skinnygirl margaritas.” A regular margarita can have more than 800 calories, and they’re sometimes a little syrupy and cloyingly sweet for me. Skinnygirl Margarita rolls in at about 38 calories per 1.5 oz serving. So, I bought a bottle and was delighted to learn that it actually tastes great. It is a bit more tart, but I find that refreshing.

The nice thing about this bottled margarita is that it’s ready to go — just open and serve, as it says. But then a friend told me she mixes Skinnygirl Margarita with Sprite Zero and lime … voila! A low-cal, margarita spritzer. I have to say, she’s on to something. The Sprite (even Zero) cuts the tartness and adds a bit more sweetness for those who like margaritas that way. The fizzy tickle of carbonation makes it special, and a squeeze of fresh lime just brightens the whole thing. It’s genius.

Skinnygirl has come out with a whole line of bottled, mixed drinks — white cranberry cosmo (delicious!) and pina colada, for instance. It’s nice to have a happy hour option that doesn’t kill the calorie bank for the day, and whether you dress them up or not, they hit the spot.

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Skinny Margarita Spritzers For each drink: 2 parts Skinnygirl Margarita 1 part Sprite Zero Squeeze of 1/4 lime Fill a glass with ice and pour in the margaritas. Top with Sprite Zero and add the lime juice. I just drop the lime in at that point to muddle with the drink, but you could garnish with more lime on the side to make it festive. Stir with whatever utensil is nearby, or your finger (I won’t tell). Sip and enjoy!