While a margarita can be synonymous with spring and Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the nutrition info for margaritas may be surprising. Did you know one classic margarita cocktail can be over 200 calories with 19 grams of sugar?
A margarita is traditionally made with three parts tequila, two parts orange liqueur, and one part lime juice. However, store-bought and restaurant margaritas are also often made with a pre-made syrup to give added sweetness.
So, want to enjoy the flavors of a margarita without all the added sugar? Learn how to make a skinny margarita that still has all the flavor!
Easy Skinny Margarita Recipe
This "skinny" margarita recipe has all the flavors of a margarita but is lower in calories and sugar. Adding in sparkling water and using fresh lime juice for this cocktail keep it refreshing but light.
Yield: 1 serving
Nutrition per serving: 120 calories, 11g fat, 0g protein, 5g total carbs, 0g fiber
*Margarita nutrition is based on using 1 teaspoon of agave nectar. Reducing the amount of or swapping with a zero-calorie sweetener will lower overall calorie and carb content.
Ingredients:
• 1.5 ounces of tequila (white, silver, or gold)
• 3/4 oz (~4.5 tsp) fresh, squeezed lime juice
• 1/2-1 tsp liquid sweetener like agave nectar, honey, or date syrup (depending on desired sweetness)
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• Lime wedge/slice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add tequila, lime juice, and sweetener into a cocktail shaker then shake together.
2. If desired, salt the rim of your glass by squirting lime juice or dipping the rim in water. Then dip the wet rim into a shallow dish with salt. Add ice to the salt-rimmed glass for a "margarita on the rocks."
3. Pour into margarita into the glass then top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lime wedge or slice as desired.
Healthy, Fun & Unique Twists on a Skinny Margarita
Besides a traditional skinny margarita, there are other fun ways to enjoy the flavors while still enjoying a lighter version cocktail. Try these unique twists at your next celebration!
Guilt-Free Frozen Strawberry Margarita
The average frozen margarita can contain upwards of 300 to 600 or even more calories in just one serving. This frozen strawberry margarita recipe is made with all-natural ingredients and weighs in at just 130 calories per serving!
The strawberries add a natural sweetness which cuts down on added sugar needed for this recipe.
Spicy Skinny Margarita
Looking for an added kick with your cocktail? Some heat can be added to a skinny margarita by adding in thin slices of a jalapeno! Add in however many slices desired for an extra kick of spice.
Make sure to de-seed a jalapeno before cutting and adding it to your margarita. Fed and Fit suggests muddling sliced jalapenos with lime juice in the bottom of a pitcher for optimal, evenly spicy flavored skinny margaritas.
Virgin Skinny Margarita
Looking for a low-calorie, alcohol-free way to enjoy a margarita? Simply replace the tequila in the above recipe with extra sparkling water.
Want an extra pop of flavor for this skinny mocktail? Squeeze the juice from an orange in addition to lime.
Fruity Skinny Margarita
While lime juice is traditional for a margarita, add variety by changing up the fruit juice. Consider using these refreshing fruit pulps and juices in place of lime juice:
• Mango pulp
• Fresh pineapple juice
• Cherry juice
• Fresh-squeezed orange juice
Pouring the Bottom Line on Skinny Margaritas
While margaritas can be higher in sugar and excess calories, enjoying a skinny and low-carb margarita can provide all the flavors without missing the added sugar. Make with tequila, sparkling water, fresh lime juice, and a touch of desired liquid sweetener.
You can also make a frozen skinny margarita by blending ingredients with fresh strawberries and ice. A spicy margarita can be made from muddling slices of jalapenos with lime juice, or a virgin margarita can be used without alcohol.
Really, a margarita can take on a different flavor profile by using various fruit juices or pulps in place (or in addition to) lime juice.
