Skip to main content

Ted Danson on Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions and How to Throw a Fun Summer Party

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning the ultimate summer party. Sure, you could rely on throwing burgers and dogs on the grill and filling a cooler with beer for the Fourth of July, but come on. You’re better than that.

Don’t know how to throw a party? Well, don’t you worry — we spoke to someone who, while he’s a bit busy to throw parties these days, still knows some solid tips and tricks for how to do it.

That person? Ted Danson.

Smirnoff

Yes, you heard right, we got to speak to the star of The Good Place, Cheers, and countless other projects to find out some of the things that he thinks make for a fun summer shindig.

Recommended Videos

If, for some odd reason, you don’t watch any of his shows, but have still seen him around, it’s probably because Danson is also a spokesperson for Smirnoff Vodka, which recently launched a new line, Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions, wherein he partners with Cecily Strong for a series of pretty hilarious segments featuring the spirits.

“The appeal for the product comes from the delicious flavor for me, but the zero sugar is an added benefit.”

The new line comes in three flavors (Watermelon & Mint, Cucumber & Lime, and Strawberry & Rose) and contains, as the name itself says, zero sugar. For Danson, working with the line in particular was easy because it is practically made for easy summer cocktails.

“My first taste of Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions was exactly what they told me it would be, full of flavor even without the sugar. I tried the Cucumber & Lime flavor mixed with soda water and garnished it with a cucumber, and I really enjoyed it,” he said. “The appeal for the product comes from the delicious flavor for me, but the zero sugar is an added benefit. It’s good for those times when I’m looking to have something without all the sugar.”

It’s become a go-to for Danson when he has people over who are looking for a no-sugar option (he also always has Smirnoff No. 21 in stock, too, of course).

Once he’s got the drinks, though, what else does Danson do to ensure he and his guests are about to have a good time?

For Danson, having good drinks, good people, and good food is all you need.

“First off, I avoid running out of ice. But I always avoid taking myself too seriously. I want everyone to just come, have fun, and let loose a little (always responsibly!).”

Sounds like a simple and fun party to us (we’ll wait for our invitation, Mr. Danson).

Beyond that? Not much. Chips and guacamole are an absolute necessity (especially, he says, living in California) and good conversation to round out the rest of what you’ve brought to the table. For Danson, having good drinks, good people, and good food is all you need.

If you need a guacamole recipe, you can check ours out here, or if you’re looking for some easy vodka cocktails to mix up with that bottle of Smirnoff you have handy, check these out.

Sam Slaughter
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…
What it’s like to a be a chef on a cruise ship (plus, dining tips for your trip)
The details of cooking at sea
Sun Princess dinner.

Ever wonder what it's like to be a chef on a major cruise ship? Us too, so we reached out to the culinary minds aboard the Sun Princess, one of the newest ships in the circuit.

This is not just any old vessel. The Sun Princess boasts 30 restaurants and bars on board, including a three-story dining area. Set up with all the modern amenities, the features multiple wine cellars filled wines from more than 250 labels. Hosting celebrity chefs and mixologists, the boat very much has gastronomically-minded guests in mind.

Read more
Get an energy boost with these 3 best mushroom coffee creamers
Get even more energy out of your cup of coffee
coffee with cream

Made from a blend of medicinal mushrooms, many health enthusiasts and coffee drinkers are switching to the mushroom coffee creamer as a healthful alternative to regular coffee creamer. Mushroom coffee creamer blends are typically made from mushrooms such as Lion's Mane or Reishi, which offer a variety of health benefits. Normally, these creamers come in a pre-packaged, powdered form that can be blended into coffee using a spoon or a milk frother.

With so many products on the market, how do you know which mushroom coffee creamer to try? Get the most out of your morning coffee with an extra boost of energy from these 3 best mushroom coffee creamers.
What is mushroom coffee creamer?

Read more
The best dark roast coffee for bold, full-bodied flavor
Bold, full-bodied flavor in every cup
dark roast coffee

Dark roast coffee has a bold flavor and strong aroma compared to other coffee roasts, thanks to its lengthy roasting time. The longer and hotter roasting process of dark roast coffee yields a darker color bean with low acidity and a smoky, robust flavor.

Choosing a sustainably sourced and quality dark roast coffee brand pays off, resulting in a cup that tastes better and better with every sip. We’ve narrowed down the best dark roast coffee on the market, so you don’t have to.

Read more