Some fresh fruit juice shots. Photo: Jennifer Iserloh

My neighbor Susan recently gave me this charming book about old fashioned cocktails. The author stresses throughout the book that the base of a delicious mixed drink comes from premium spirits and fresh juices -- no bottled mixes. He's got some real concoctions in there from what he considers a "gentler" time when specialty cocktails and sophisticated entertaining reigned supreme.

I really like the idea of a homemade drink, especially when it comes to entertaining. But I've never been able to handle those bar shots that people try to get you to down when you're out for a night on the town.

I've never liked the bottled mixes that most popular mixed drinks like margarita, daiquiris and piña coladas are made with, and some bartenders use these mixers even for sweet shots.

They also happen to be high in sugar, high fructose corn syrup and other artificial colors and additives that are hard to digest and can aggravate asthma and allergies.

So I've created these fresh tasting, lower calorie shots that skim off half the calories and are made with quality ingredients. They are made with simple ingredients that can be served spiked or alcohol free.

Grape Cooler
Fresh grapes and mint are a luscious pair. This cooler is not overly sweet but remind me of homemade grape jelly.

6 ounces red seedless grapes, (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup cold water
2 ounces sweet wine such as Muscat or Riesling or 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar if wine is omitted
4 large mint leaves

Blend all ingredients until smooth, strain. Chill covered one hour then serve.

El Diablo
This shot is devilishly good, and gives a wicked kick from the hot sauce and horseradish.

2 tablespoons tequila
1/2 cup canned tomatoes
1 teaspoon freshly grated horseradish
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/4 cup water

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Chill covered one hour then serve.

Lemon Drop
Lemon lovers will die for this sweet yet tart treat!

1/2 cup water
juice and zest of 1 1/2 lemons
3/4teaspoon lemon extract
3 tablespoons vodka
2 teaspoons simple syrup

Combine all ingredients. Chill covered one hour, then serve.

Blended Mojito
Bright green and chilly, this is a great shot for a warm weather party.

1 cup of ice
1 teaspoon mint leaves
2 tablespoons clear rum, such as Bacardi
1 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 lime, juiced

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Learn more about Jennifer at skinnychef.com, and read her exclusive Slashfood blogs every Monday and Friday.