Want a fresh margarita that isn’t weighed down by mixers? Learn how to make our favorite skinny (“skinny-ish”) margarita cocktail made with fresh squeezed orange and lime juices and sweetened with agave. You don’t have to sacrifice taste for a light and tasty marg!

two glasses of skinny margarita with sliced oranges and limes lying next to them

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Skinny Marg With Fresh Orange and Agave

Oh Margarita. How I love you so. Unfortunately I over-analyze our relationship. Does drinking you mean I shouldn’t eat the ginormous plate of nachos too?

Once you hit my lips, I can’t quit you. (If you really struggle with restraint, please don’t try these epic Limeade Margaritas…you’ll be sorry.) Therefore, margaritas and I only kick it together on the occasions I take a break from overthinking, such vacations or birthdays.

But life’s too short for that. It’s all about balance, right? That’s where this skinny margarita recipe comes in. You won’t find sugar-free sweeteners or an overly tart taste because who wants to drink a cocktail they don’t actually enjoy?!

This fresh take on a skinny marg replaces the overly sweet mixers with freshly squeezed orange and lime juices, has a hint of agave for sweetness, and keeps in the triple sec because of the little sweet orange flavor pizzazz it adds.

Unfortunately the only thing I couldn’t do about this recipe was actually make you skinnier while you drank them…I wish I could make that happen, but we all would become pretty unproductive, now wouldn’t we?

Ingredient Tid Bits and Swaps

A lighter margarita recipe remove the extra sugary mixers like sour mix or margarita mixes. Here’s the basic ingredients needed plus any swaps to make the drink work for your tastes and preferences.

  • Tequila – Whatever floats your boat. I’m partial to a reposado or anejo. The taste will really come through so make sure the taste and quality is on point.
  • Triple sec or orange liqueur – While most skinny margs leave this out, I like the taste it adds. If you want a lighter version replace it with orange extract. You will need about 1/4 teaspoon, but can increase slightly to taste.
  • Fresh juice – A combo of lime and orange, but swap out grapefruit for a Paloma-style!
  • Agave nectar or simple syrup – You can substitute liquid stevia or liquid monk fruit for the agave. NOTE: It will not be a 1:1 substitution because artificial sweeteners are a lot sweeter. Start with a couple drops and adjust to taste.
an overhead shot of two glasses of skinny margarita

Yummy Variations

Just because skinny margaritas are healthier, it doesn’t mean they lack in taste! Try out some of these fun variations:

  • Add club soda for a touch of fizz
  • Try this Spicy Jalapeno Margarita version for a little extra kick.
  • Muddle fresh fruit, such as blackberries or strawberries at the bottom of the glass for a fruit margarita
  • For a more tart drink, leave out the fresh orange juice and cut back on sweetener
  • Try fresh herbs, such as basil or cilantro, shaken with the ingredients. The herbs also go well with fruit additions.
  • For a frozen marg, blend all the ingredients with ½ cup FROZEN fruit and a few ice cubes.
a hand holding up a glass of skinny margarita

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two glasses of skinny margarita with sliced oranges and limes lying next to them
3.84 stars (18 ratings)

Fresh, Light Skinny Margarita With Orange

Melissa Erdelac of MamaGourmand headshot in patterned dress.Melissa Erdelac
Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Want a fresh margarita that isn't weighed down by mixers? Learn how to make our favorite skinny margarita cocktail made with fresh squeezed orange and lime juices and sweetened with agave. You don't have to sacrifice taste for a light and tasty marg!
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Ingredients
 

Instructions
 

  • If you like a salt-rimmed glass, use a lime slice to wipe around the top of the glass and then turn over onto a plate filled with course salt. Fill glass with ice.
  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and add a few cubes of ice. Shake vigorously and strain into prepared glass. Garnish glass with lime slice.
    1 ½ ounces tequila, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 1 ½ ounces fresh orange juice, 2 teaspoons agave nectar or simple syrup, ½ ounce triple sec

Notes

Making in a Pitcher
A pitcher of margaritas contains about 11 drinks, or about 6 cups (48 ounces).
  • 2 cups tequila
  • 1 ¼ cup lime juice (about 10-14 limes)
  • ⅔ cup oj (about 3-4 oranges)
  • ⅔ cup triple sec
  • ½ cup agave nectar or simple syrup
Place all ingredients in a large pitcher, mix well, and add ice. Serve with glasses of ice, rimmed with salt, and additional lime wedges. 
Calories: 186kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Sodium: 10mg, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin C: 8.5mg, Iron: 0.5mg
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review below. It helps others when searching for recipes and I LOVE feedback!