I know it's only Tuesday, but I know you've worked hard this week and I think you deserve a cocktail.

How about a fresh and refreshing take on a martini that transports you (metaphorically, of course) right to the sandy surf? Little pink umbrellas are totally optional, but I do recommend enjoying this beverage outdoors if at all possible, and definitely without shoes.

Looking for ways to lighten up summer-inspired cocktails, I've turned to coconut water in the past and it works extremely well here, bringing a light sweetness without being all crazy sugartastic or loaded with empty calories.

I recently received a sample of Exclusiv Vodka and found it worked nicely in this cocktail. Exclusiv Vodka is completely vegan and retails for only $9.99 per 750 ml bottle, so it'll be a no brainer for summer cocktail parties. I didn't care for the taste of the vodka by itself (I tried it on the rocks with a twist) but then, I don't usually drink vodka that way, so I'm not the best judge. I did find that Exclusiv blended quite nicely with the flavors of the coconut water and mango juice here, and I couldn't detect any significant flavor difference between Exclusiv and other expensive vodka brands. (Note: Exclusiv Vodka is distilled from wheat so it's not a good choice for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten-intolerance.)



Use your favorite brand of coconut water for this cocktail, and feel free to experiment with fruit-infused versions as well. For the mango juice, I blended an Ataulfo mango and strained the pulp, but bottled juice would work just fine as well.

Now, about that drink...

Skinny Coconut Mango-tini 
Yield: 2 drinks

4 oz coconut water
3 oz Exclusiv Vodka
3 oz mango juice
handful of ice cubes
lime juice and crystallized lime powder (optional for the rim)

1. If desired, wet the rim of two 6oz martini glasses with lime juice and roll in True Lime powder (or salt). I do this on a small plate prior to mixing the cocktails. 
2. Combine coconut water, vodka, mango juice and ice cubes in a Boston shaker and shake for several seconds. 
3. Strain equal portions into each martini glass and enjoy! 

FTC: I received a sample of this product in exchange for my unbiased opinion.