Skinny Margarita Recipe (Sugar-Free!) (2024)

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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.

Skinny Margarita Recipe (Sugar-Free!) (1)

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

Skinny Margarita Recipe (Sugar-Free!) (2)

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!

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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.

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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.

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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 (Sugar-Free!) (6)

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.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1

Author: Erin

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

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!

Video

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!

Skinny Margarita Recipe (Sugar-Free!) (2024)

FAQs

Does Skinny Margarita have sugar in it? ›

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!

How to order a margarita with no sugar? ›

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.

How many carbs are 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.

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 Skinnygirl Margarita sweetened with? ›

There's a reason this is the one that started it all. 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.

What is the best sugar-free alcoholic drink? ›

No & low co*cktails
  • Sazerac (no sugar & low-calorie) ...
  • Tom Collins (no added sugar & low-calorie) ...
  • Vodka Collins (no added sugar & low-calorie) ...
  • Vodka Sour (no added sugar & low-calorie) ...
  • Whiskey Sour (no added sugar & low-calorie) ...
  • White Lady (no added sugar* & low-calorie)

What is the calorie difference between a margarita and a Skinny Margarita? ›

But with traditional margaritas weighing in at 500-plus calories and more than 60 grams of sugar, many summertime sippers are opting for "skinny" margaritas instead. Kenny Harrison / The Times-PicayuneWhen served according to directions on the labels, nearly all of the lightened-up margaritas have 130 to 160 calories.

How many carbs in a Skinny Margarita at a Mexican restaurant? ›

The Skinny Margarita is a lighter version of the classic Margarita. According to USDA data, a Skinny Margarita made with club soda or seltzer, lime juice, orange zest, stevia and 1.5 fluid ounces of tequila has approximately 126 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates.

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 can I drink instead of a margarita? ›

Whether you're heading to a cantina or hosting a fiesta at your Springs luxury apartment home, give these tasty drinks a try.
  1. Paloma. ...
  2. Michelada. ...
  3. Chavela. ...
  4. Ponche. ...
  5. Scoville Sipper. ...
  6. Prickly Pear Mezcal Mule. ...
  7. Horchata. ...
  8. Agua Fresca.

What is a sugar free substitute for agave nectar? ›

If you are counting calories or carbs on the daily, you'll most likely have this beneficial agave nectar substitute, liquid stevia. It is extremely sweet, so it's very bold in flavor.

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 is the difference between a Skinny Margarita and 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.

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 ).

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