When you think of a “malt beverage” that’s been marketed to women, what do you think of but Zima, the “malternative” that tastes a bit like a watered-down, generic brand lemon-lime soda? Well, a new “malternative” is on the market in Charleston, but this one’s for women who want something fresh, natural, and light (you know, the girls who do Pilates and yoga, which is, like, everyone). PEELS are flavored with 100 percent natural fruit juices and jazzed up with a little bit of fizz and five percent alcohol. No added preservatives and no artificial flavors. There’s also a fraction of the sugar and calories and a whole lot more antioxidants and nutrients. The drink comes in four flavors: Strawberry Passion Fruit, Pear Lemon, Cranberry Peach, and Blueberry Pomegranate (our favorite, it’s like a pomtini without all that inebriating vodka). Adding a slice of real peach, a few blueberries, and a cranberry makes them even tastier. They’re good for mixing with other drinks for a fruity martini or freezing for a girls’ night in. They are also a whole lot better for you than Smirnoff Ice. But with only five percent alcohol, the taste might remind you of the fruity Sprite Remix. And by the time you drink enough to feel the effects, you might feel a bit like Violet Beauregarde. These might not be the start of an alcohol beverage revolution, but they’re not bad, either. The bottom line: if you’re a fan of fruit martinis but can’t drink more than one without getting looped, PEELS could become your new staple. PEELS are currently being test-marketed in Charleston and can be found at area grocery stories. On James Island: Harris Teeter, Piggly Wiggly, and Earth Fare; Kiawah: Newton Farms; Mt. Pleasant: Earth Fare, Harris Teeter, Bi-Lo, Publix, Food Lion, and Piggly Wiggly, and at the Daniel Island Publix. — Katherine DuPre

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