Flipping channels last weekend I came across one of the newest and most popular reality TV shows - The Girls Next Door - about the lives of Hugh Heffner’s three live-in girlfriends - Holly Madison (25), Bridget Marquardt (31) and Kendra Wilkinson (21).  The episode happened to be filmed the day of a Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum print ad photo shoot.  Although all three of Heff’s lady friends were to be included in the shoot, ultimately, only two could participate when it was revealed that the Diageo marketing code required all models and actors involved in our advertising to be at least 25 years of age. 

Much to her chagrin, Kendra, the tomboy of the group, is only 21 and would not be allowed to participate in the shoot.  Although she voiced her disappointment and frustration several times - the crew stuck to their guns and stuck by the Diageo marketing code.

As a Diageo employee I hear a lot about our marketing code and how it is the toughest in the industry. By happenstance, I was able to see the policy at work and so did hundreds of thousands of other consumers watching that show. Though it may seem a minor thing to some, it made me proud that our company goes to such lengths to ensure that their marketing practices are above reproach. Though Miss Wilkinson participated in another modeling opportunity later in the episode, the message of the Captain’s commitment to responsibility came through loud and clear. Be responsible. Captain’s Orders!

With the holiday season in full swing I’m sure that if you’re like me, your schedule is already booked with numerous invitations to holiday parties given by your company, business associates, friends and family. Dust off that TiVo receiver because the days of wiling away an evening in front of the TV set with a bowl of popcorn are over! Who has the time to be a couch potato when there’s shopping to be done (for those of us who don’t get it done months in advance), schedules to juggle and parties, parties, parties!

With all the festivities comes tons of food, tons of carbs and tons of calories. If you don’t want to forgo your Aunt Mabel’s famous fruitcake,  try this – Zero Carb cocktails!

Just pair Crown Royal® Whiskey, Johnnie Walker® Scotch Whiskey, Jose Cuervo® Tequila, Smirnoff® Vodka or Tanqueray® Gin with your favorite diet soda or a splash of water or tonic and you’ll have a beverage that tastes great with zero carbs per serving.

So when you’re watching what you eat at one of this season’s holiday parties, watch what you drink too. Here are a few suggestions for low carb cocktails made with 1½  ounces of premium spirits… 

Smirnoff Martini

Tanqueray and diet tonic

Crown Royal and soda

Johnny Walker and diet ginger ale

Cuervo and diet coke or diet ginger ale