This post has been sponsored by Anheuser-Busch. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Can we all agree that one of the things we’ve missed the most in the Q is hanging out with our friends?

I mean, I’ve missed all kinds of things but laughing with my friends is by far the thing that I needed the most in my life. Zoom calls only go so far – that human connection is a key component of my sanity.  The silly gossip, talking about our favorite shows, having someone to vent to or to sit around and talk about the stupid things we’ve seen on the internet. Girlfriends are the best.

The last month, it’s been a welcome relief to be able to hang out again, and we’ve been taking full advantage of every chance we get. Obviously being safe and taking precautions, but also enjoying some cocktails and time together where we can kind of turn off everything that’s swirling around out in the world. We’ve had lots of patio hangs where our kids can play outside or watch a movie while we catch up and sip on something.

And if you all learned one thing about me during these ‘rona times, it’s that if I’m sipping, it’s probably a Natural Light Seltzer.  I L. O. V. E. love Natty Light Seltzers. Since that first sip last year at Bourbon & Beyond (RIP B&B 2020), I’ve been hooked. I realize I am probably not the brand’s primary demographic but I am certainly among its top fans. I’m pretty sure I’ve convinced a fair share of you to try it on your next seltzer run and Aloha Beaches – my preferred flavor – is always on my shopping list.

So you all know I did a BIG happy dance when I got the chance to work with them on this post. Dreams do come true friends. August is National Seltzer Month, which is the perfect opportunity for me to wax poetic on my love of Natty Light Seltzer and hard seltzers in general.

If you haven’t tried the Natural Light Seltzer’s yet, you’re missing out. There’s three flavors but I am particular to Aloha Beaches with House Rules coming in a close second. I know a lot of people love Catalina Lime Mixer, me included, I’m just partial to that mango/peach combo.

While Aloha Beaches has the #1 spot in my refrigerator and my heart, I’m an equal opportunity seltzer enthusiast. For our latest backyard hang, I thought it would be fun to up the ante and try my hand at the seltzer cocktails people are whipping up all over the interwebs. We all love a good marg so I thought that would be the best place to start.

Preparation is not my strong suit so I mixed up this fun twist on a margarita using stuff that was already in my fridge along with Bud Light’s Lime Seltzer – although it would be just as delicious with the mango (my favorite flavor, HANDS DOWN) or the strawberry flavors.

Bud Light Seltzerita

It was my first time trying this out so I wasn’t sure what the response would be but it got rave reviews and is now going to be my go-to for a skinny margarita. All you need is tequila, lime juice, your preferred Bud Light seltzer flavor and fruit for garnish. I made ours with:

• 1 part tequila
• .5 parts lime juice
• 1.5 parts Bud Light Lime Seltzer

Combine, shake and pour over a glass to the brim with ice (would be SO good with crushed ice).

It was so refreshing and light. The Bud Light seltzers only have 2g of carbs and less than 1g of sugar so  if you love a margarita but don’t love the saccharine-sweet mixes, this is the alternative you’ve been looking for. It’s the perfect outdoor cocktail.

FYI – If you’re on the hunt for either of these seltzers, you can find them in the beer aisle at the grocery or your neighborhood liquor store. Even better, you can order online and pick them up, or have them delivered! I was jazzed when I found this variety pack of Natty Light Seltzer because I’ve had trouble finding Aloha Beaches on its own. This Bug Light flavor pack – Strawberry, Lime and Mango – is my favorite mostly because I don’t love black cherry flavored drinks. When it comes to seltzers, I think I prefer the more tropical flavors but that’s just me. Don’t let it stop you from picking up your preferred pack.

And with school start dates being uncertain and the news giving me more anxiety by the minute, we could all use a standing date on the calendar with your girlfriends and a couple seltzers.