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If you love a well-made co*cktail, you have to try this 3-ingredient Skinny Margarita recipe! Made with tequila, cointreau and lime juice, it's incredibly refreshing and sugar-free too, making it an easy go-to drink.
I have no idea why it's taken me so long to share this recipe to the blog, but it's finally here! If you don't already know, margaritas are my go-to co*cktail, and THIS is my go-to recipe.
Some are too sweet, some are too strong, but this skinny margarita recipe is just perfect and I strongly urge you to try it because it's my absolute favorite way to make a delicious margarita at home!
Let's also note that my loaded nachos and bacon guacamole pair perfectly with this drink (just saying!).
Why you'll love this co*cktail
- It's made with just 3 easy-to-find ingredients
- It's both light and refreshing and made with just the good stuff
- You just need 5 minutes (or less!) to whip up this drink
Ingredient notes
Tequila: Tequila is the main ingredient, so there's no substitution there. There are different kinds of tequila, including blanco, resposado, añejo, extra añejo, and joven. I tend to prefer blanco, and if you're new to tequila, I recommend that as a good starting point.
Cointreau: Some skinny margarita recipes call for orange juice, but I prefer cointreau. Cointreau is orange-flavored triple sec and it adds a better flavor than orange juice or regular triple sec, in my opinion.
Lime juice: You can't make a margarita without lime juice! Make sure to use fresh limes rather than limes that have been sitting in the fridge for awhile--you can taste a difference!
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Run a lime wedge along the edge of your glass, then dip it in salt to salt the rim. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
Step 2: Add the tequila and cointreau to a co*cktail shaker.
Step 3: Use a citrus squeezer (or your hands) to add the lime juice to the co*cktail shaker.
Step 4: Shake the co*cktail shaker for 10-15 seconds, then pour the drink over ice.
FAQs
What makes this margarita "skinny"?
Most margarita recipes are loaded with sugar, but not this one! Instead, it uses liquor and lime juice to create a delicious drink that doesn't need anything else. Seriously, you won't even miss the simple syrup!
Is there a specific brand of tequila you recommend?
Yes! Something I've learned over the years is that, as tempting as it is to get the "cheap stuff", you end up feeling much better the next day if you purchase middle-tier alcohol.
So with that said, my two favorite brands of tequila are Espolòn and Casamigos. Espolòn is what I use most frequently because it's high-quality and affordable.
Is Cointreau the same thing as triple sec, and can I use them interchangeably?
Great question! I talked about Cointreau above in the Ingredient Notes, but basically Cointreau is an orange-flavored triple sec, so they are kind of the same thing. Personally, I think Cointreau provides a more smooth, crisp flavor than other brands of triple sec, which is why I'm so obsessed with it and recommend it for margaritas.
Do I have to use a co*cktail shaker?
Nope! It helps, but it's not absolutely necessary. If you don't own a co*cktail shaker, you have two options: 1) add everything to a blender and blend on low for 5 seconds, or 2) add everything to a cup and stir quickly with a spoon.
More tasty tequila co*cktails
- Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita
- Skinny Bloody Mary
- Cinnamon Tequila Sour
If you made and enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below!
Skinny Margarita Recipe
If you love a well-made co*cktail, you have to try this 3-ingredient Skinny Margarita recipe! Made with tequila, cointreau and lime juice, it's incredibly refreshing and sugar-free too, making it an easy go-to drink.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 1
Instructions
Run a lime wedge along the rim of a glass then dip it in a salt to salt the rim (this step is optional!). Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
Add tequila, cointreau and lime juice to a co*cktail shaker then shake for 10-15 seconds.
Pour margarita over the ice and enjoy!
Notes
*1.5 oz. of lime juice is approximately juice from 1.5 limes
My favorite brand of tequila is Espolòn, so if you're looking for a high-quality yet affordable brand, that's what I recommend
If you don't own a co*cktail shaker, simply add everything to a cup and whisk it quickly with a spoon, then pour your drink over ice
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 50mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin C: 13mg
Did you Make this Recipe? Tag me Today!Leave a comment below and tag @thealmondeater on Instagram!
FAQs
1 1/2 ounces silver tequila about 3 tablespoons. 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice about 1 large or 1 1/2 small limes. 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice about 1/2 medium orange. 1 teaspoon light agave nectar add 2 if you prefer a sweeter margarita.
How many carbs in a sugar free margarita? ›
Average Analysis Per 12 fl. oz. Serving: Calories 100, Carbohydrates 11g, Protein 0g, Fat 0g.
How many carbs and sugar are in a skinny margarita? ›
A single margarita has about 7 teaspoons of sugar. All the carbs in a margarita come from sugar. According to the USDA, a skinny margarita made with club soda or seltzer, lime juice, orange zest, stevia and 1.5 fluid ounces of tequila will come to about 126 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates.
What happened to skinny margarita? ›
They've taken the product off store shelves. In a statement released, the company said the Skinnygirl Margarita "had been offered in 16 of Whole Foods Market 310 stores. After discovering that it contains a preservative that does not meet our quality standards, we have had to stop selling it."
Does skinny margarita have sugar in it? ›
Skip the sugar and still enjoy this delicious beverage with our low-calorie margarita. We've replaced the traditional triple sec and sugar with just tequila and lime juice—and it's just as tasty! The low-calorie margarita is called the skinny margarita because it's a skinny version of the classic tequila co*cktail.
What is the healthiest margarita to order? ›
Order “Skinny” margarita, only it doesn't have fake sugar (you'll have to ask your server/bartender). Ask for light to no agave/simple syrup. Tequila neat/straight up with a lime. Ask to swap in Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier in place of a margarita mix, sugar, or agave.
Can a diabetic drink margaritas? ›
Sweet drinks like margaritas and mojitos don't have to be off-limits. Use sugar-free mixers for margaritas and fresh fruit for daiquiris. And instead of pouring simple syrup into mojitos and martinis, try a natural sweetener like stevia or a sugar substitute.
What alcoholic drink has no sugar and no carbs? ›
For instance, pure forms of alcohol like whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, and vodka are all completely free of carbs. You can drink them straight or combine them with low carb mixers for more flavor.
How do you order a margarita with less sugar? ›
The classic margarita recipe simply calls for tequila, lime juice, and a tiny bit of agave syrup or Cointreau. The most important thing is to skip premade mixes. If you're worried that the bartender may use a sugary mix, don't be afraid to ask them to use fresh lime juice and a splash of simple syrup instead.
What is the difference between a skinny margarita and a regular margarita? ›
Instead of using orange liqueur like triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier, a skinny margarita uses fresh orange juice and a small amount of agave nectar. The result is about 114 calories for a skinny margarita compared to about 256 calories for a classic margarita.
Made from premium Blue Agave Silver Tequila (yes, please) and lightly sweetened with agave nectar, the original Skinnygirl® Margarita is STILL delicious and low-calorie (really?). Yes, really. Serve this refreshingly light low-calorie Margarita in a fun glass rimmed with salt, and you and your girls are good to go!
Why is a skinny margarita skinny? ›
“Skinny” is a term that often refers to a lower-calorie version of an original. In this recipe, the skinny margarita has 100 calories per drink while the total calories of a classic margarita is about 230. By omitting the sugar-rich Cointreau or Triple Sec and adding a little orange juice instead.
Is Skinnygirl Margarita safe to drink? ›
When sodium benzoate combines with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) benzene can form, which is a known carcinogen. Factors such as heat and time can affect its development. Unless you're drinking gallons of soda and Skinnygirl Margaritas every day, Schaffner says, your risk of reaching dangerous levels is pretty low.
Can you ask for a skinny margarita at a bar? ›
The “skinniest” option is a classic Margarita without any syrup at all. If you want a sweeter version without adding too many carbs, add some Xylitol simple syrup to avoid the sugar and calories of Agave. So if you're not sure what you're ordering, just talk to your bartender!
Are skinny margaritas better for you? ›
Nutritional Differences
Health aficionados can see that opting for a skinny margarita typically means consuming fewer calories and less sugar. It's a smart swap that doesn't sacrifice flavor. Freshly squeezed lime juice and natural sweeteners like agave nectar replace the sugar-laden mixers found in regular margaritas.
What does it mean if a margarita is skinny? ›
A skinny margarita is a low-calorie version of a regular margarita. Instead of using orange liqueur like triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier, a skinny margarita uses fresh orange juice and a small amount of agave nectar.
Does a skinny margarita have less alcohol? ›
A skinny margarita has less alcohol per co*cktail than a regular margarita. It has a total of 1 ounce of alcohol per co*cktail since it's made only with tequila, and a Classic Margarita has a total of 3 ounces of alcohol, 1.5oz of tequila, and 1.5 ounces of orange liquor.
How do you ask for a skinny margarita at a bar? ›
The “skinniest” option is a classic Margarita without any syrup at all. If you want a sweeter version without adding too many carbs, add some Xylitol simple syrup to avoid the sugar and calories of Agave. So if you're not sure what you're ordering, just talk to your bartender!
