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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
A skinny margarita is a healthier version of a traditional margarita. It's typically low-calorie and lower in sugar than a regular margarita. My version uses fresh orange juice instead of sugar-filled Triple Sec and fresh lime juice for the zing that margarita mixes usually bring (without all the added sugar).
How many carbs in a sugar free margarita? ›
Average Analysis Per 12 fl. oz. Serving: Calories 100, Carbohydrates 11g, Protein 0g, Fat 0g.
What can I substitute for agave nectar in a margarita? ›
There are several good substitutes for agave nectar, including honey, maple syrup, coconut nectar, and brown rice syrup. Each of these substitutes has its own unique flavor profile and consistency, so it's important to choose the right one for your recipe.
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.
Is margarita OK for diabetics? ›
Drinks to avoid
Therefore, try to avoid them unless you're making them yourself. For example, margaritas, piña coladas, and daiquiris may pack 35–44 grams of carbs per 7-ounce (225-mL) serving — and that is if you're having just one serving ( 33 , 34 , 35 ).
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.
What alcohol is sugar free and carb free? ›
Keto-friendly alcoholic drinks
Many low carb alcohol options are available if you follow a keto diet. 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.
Is Triple Sec sugar free? ›
Most liqueurs and cordial are very high in sugar and relatively low in alcohol content compared to regular spirits. Triple sec alone has 10.9 grams of sugar per 1 fl oz! By substituting agave syrup* for sugar and orange extract for triple sec, you can greatly reduce the GI and carb count of this classic co*cktail.
How do you order a low carb margarita at a bar? ›
Scratch margarita on the rocks, with very little simple syrup/agave syrup/Cointreau or whatever sweet thing they're putting in it: you should just be getting the tequila and lime juice, with a tiny splash of sweetener.
Can you order 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!
If you're looking for a simple syrup substitute, there are three favorites you probably have right in your home: honey, maple syrup and agave. For honey or agave, add warm water to them, to help turn the mix to syrup. You can also use a sweet, juicy fruit, like an orange.
Why avoid agave nectar? ›
Agave is not a healthful replacement for table sugar. While it is less harmful and more natural, people who are closely managing blood glucose should avoid agave. The high fructose content can reduce insulin sensitivity and may worsen liver health. Agave is also a higher-calorie sweetener than table sugar.
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.
What is the difference between skinny and classic margarita? ›
A regular Margarita is higher in sugar from sweetened lime juice and orange liqueur. A Skinny Margarita uses natural sweeteners, fresh juice, and little to now orange liqueur to reduce the calorie count. Taste: A Skinny Margarita will taste less sweet, but may have a fresher taste from the fruit juices.
Are skinny margaritas better for you? ›
If you love margaritas but want to keep an eye on your health, skinny margaritas are a great choice. They cut down on sugar and calories without losing the classic taste we all enjoy. You can still have a good time without overloading on extra calories.
Does a skinny margarita have less sugar than a regular margarita? ›
A regular Margarita is higher in sugar from sweetened lime juice and orange liqueur. A Skinny Margarita uses natural sweeteners, fresh juice, and little to now orange liqueur to reduce the calorie count. Taste: A Skinny Margarita will taste less sweet, but may have a fresher taste from the fruit juices.
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.
Are margaritas high in sugar? ›
Margaritas can be high in sugar, depending on how they are made. Margaritas made from premade mixes, as well as restaurant margaritas, typically have more sugar than homemade ones. Consuming too many added sugars can lead to unwanted weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease ( 9 ).
