As restaurant operators continue to recover from the effects of the recession, fast-casual restaurants have received positive marks from analysts. According to Chicago-based Technomic Inc.’s 2011 Top Fast-Casual Chain Restaurant Report, the foodservice segment outpaced the rest of the restaurant industry in 2010, with the top 100 chains growing 6 percent to nearly $18.9 billion. The total units grew 3.9 percent, which was slower than last year, but faster than other dining segments, according to the report.

Skinnygirl Cocktails, a brand of Deerfield, Ill.-based Beam Inc., announced new additions to its line of low-calorie cocktails that will be available in May. Joining Skinnygirl Margarita, Sangria and White Cranberry Cosmo, the brand introduced Skinnygirl Pina Colada, Skinnygirl Vodka with Natural Flavors and Skinnygirl, The Wine Collection.

Constellation Wines U.S., a division of Constellation Brands Inc., launched Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails in single-serve 10-ounce pouches.

Made in New Orleans and infused with the city’s Mardi Gras spirit, new Whipsy alcohol whipped cream contains 13.5 percent alcohol by volume and comes in Ooh-La-La Original, Loco Cocoa and Hazey Hazelnut varieties.  

Malibu, a brand of Pernod Ricard USA, will replace its previous Caribbean Cosmo pre-mixed cocktail with its low-calorie Malibu Caribbean Cosmo Light in July.

Social Blends LLC launched Slim Lizzy’s Cocktails, a low-calorie ready-to-drink cocktail made for women by women.

Developed by Suntory and distributed in the United States by Campari America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., Midori Melon Liqueur launched two new ready-to-serve cocktails: Midori Sour and Midori Skinny Margarita.

Four Blue Palms Inc. launched Cocktail Rx shakers in Kroger stores nationwide.

 Catdaddy Spiced Moonshine redesigned its packaging to highlight its all-natural spiced flavors and call out cocktail recipes.