Want a fresh, healthy margarita that is low in calories? Learn how to make an easy Skinny Margarita sweetened with agave, low in carbs, and the best, refreshing margarita recipe ever!
Oh Margarita. How I love you so, but never drink you.
Unfortunately I over-analyze our relationship. Should I drink these many calories? Does this mean I shouldn’t eat the ginormous plate of nachos too?
Once you hit my lips, I can’t quit you.
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 always time to enjoy the best Skinny Margarita recipe.
What does a Skinny Margarita mean?
Basically a Skinny Margarita on the rocks means one that is lower in calories, sugar, carbs, and calories. It’s a lighter, healthier, and fresher version of a classic margarita recipe.
Unfortunately, no, it doesn’t mean you become skinnier while drinking them.
I wish I could make that happen, but we all would become pretty unproductive, now wouldn’t we?
Skinny Margarita Ingredients
Lighter margarita cocktails remove the extra sugary mixers like sour mix or margarita mixes. Instead Skinny Margarita recipes are made up of:
- Tequila
- Triple sec or orange liqueur
- Fresh lime juice
- Fresh orange juice
- Agave nectar or simple syrup
Calories in a Skinny Margarita
A Skinny Margarita on the rocks typically has between 130 – 180 calories.
If the sweetener is cut out entirely it will be on the lower end, around 130 calories. Every teaspoon of sweetener, such as agave nectar, adds about 20 calories.
On the other hand, a classic 8 ounce margarita cocktail contains 455 calories and a 12 ounce version has about 680 calories.
How many Carbs in a Skinny Margarita?
This Skinny Margarita recipe nets about 17 grams of carbs compared to a traditional restaurant margarita containing about 50-120 grams of carbohydrates.
If you are on a low carb diet, though, there are ways to decrease the carbs even further:
- 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.
- Instead of triple sec and orange juice, use orange extract. You will need about 1/4 teaspoon, but can increase slightly to taste.
How To Make a Skinny Margarita Cocktail
- Use a wedge of lime to go around rim of glasses and dip in course salt. Fill glasses with ice.
- Combine margarita ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice.
- Shake well and strain into prepared glass.
Variations for a Skinny Margarita
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 Skinny 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 skinny margarita, blend all the ingredients with 1/2 cup FROZEN fruit and a few ice cubes.
Skinny Margarita Pitcher
A pitcher of margaritas contains about 11 drinks, or about 6 cups (48 ounces). To juice large amounts of citrus I use this citrus press. However, this is a more affordable option.
- 2 cups tequila
- 1 1/4 cup lime juice (about 10-14 limes)
- 2/3 cup oj (about 3-4 oranges)
- 2/3 cup triple sec
- 1/2 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.
Click here to see the step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!
Other Favorite Mexican Dishes and Drinks:
- Tamale Pie – Layers of seasoned beef or chicken, cornbread, and melted gooey cheese.
- Broiled Grapefruit Margarita – The smokey tanginess of brûléed ruby red grapefruit juice pairs perfectly with tequila, orange triple sec, and fresh lime juice.
- Mexican Chicken Casserole – Combines the best parts of taco night into one easy, hearty, flavorful dish with chicken, rice, cheese, and tortilla chips.
- Limeade Margarita – The world’s best margarita recipe without any work or prep! Enjoy it on the rocks, frozen, or a big batch perfect for easy entertaining at parties.
- Mexican Fish – Easy fish recipe is bursting with robust flavors, but quickly comes together in 30 minutes and uses only one pot.
SAVE THIS SKINNY MARGARITA RECIPE TO YOUR PINTEREST BOARD!
Let’s be friends on Pinterest! I’m always sharing great recipes!
Skinny Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounce tequila
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice, about 1 lime
- 1 /2 ounce fresh orange juice, about 1/2 orange
- 2 teaspoons agave nectar or simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce triple sec
- course salt
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.
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Recipe Notes
- Add club soda for a touch of fizz
- Shake ingredients with a couple slices of jalapeno for a spicy 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 skinny margarita, blend all the ingredients with 1/2 cup FROZEN fruit and a few ice cubes.
- 2 cups tequila
- 1 1/4 cup lime juice (about 10-14 limes)
- 2/3 cup oj (about 3-4 oranges)
- 2/3 cup triple sec
- 1/2 cup agave nectar or simple syrup
Nutrition
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Nicole says
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try one. Also, where did you get your cocktail glasses?
Melissa says
Thanks Nicole! I can’t remember exactly where I got the glasses, but if I was a betting woman I’d say Marshall’s because I spend half my life there. 😉