This skinny margarita is light, fresh, and incredibly easy to make for a crowd. It’s a lower-calorie alternative to a classic margarita but doesn’t skimp on flavor. By swapping out simple syrup for agave nectar and using fresh orange juice instead of triple sec or Cointreau, you’ll get a naturally sweet, citrus-forward drink that’s absolutely refreshing.
With just four simple ingredients and a few minutes, you can create the freshest, low-calorie margarita you’ll ever taste—no calorie counting required!
What You’ll Need
- Tequila: Use your favorite type—blanco (silver), reposado, or añejo—but a mid-shelf brand like Patron will make for a smoother sip.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice delivers the best bright, tart flavor. Skip bottled juice if possible.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is ideal, but store-bought works too.
- Agave Nectar: A natural sweetener that replaces traditional simple syrup for a lighter touch.
Optional Garnish: Lime wedges or orange slices, and a salted rim.
How to Make a Skinny Margarita
Prep Your Glass:
- To salt the rim, dip the glass edge into agave nectar (or lime juice), then into coarse salt. Salt only the outside edge to prevent unwanted salt in your drink.
Mix & Shake:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add:
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ½ ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce fresh orange juice
- ½ ounce agave nectar (adjust to taste).
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until chilled.
Serve:
- Strain the mixture into a salted glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or orange slice.
Tips for the Perfect Skinny Margarita
- Maximize Juice: Roll room-temperature limes and oranges on the counter before juicing to extract more liquid.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the agave nectar to suit your preferred balance of tart and sweet.
- Glass Choice: Serve in a rocks glass or margarita glass for the best presentation.
- Salt Rim Tip: Add citrus zest to your salt for an extra burst of flavor.
Skinny Margarita Variations
- Fruity Twist: Add fresh watermelon or grapefruit juice for a fun flavor boost.
- Muddled Fruit: Muddle berries (strawberries, blackberries) or mango in the shaker for a naturally fruity margarita.
- Spicy Kick: Drop in a slice of jalapeño or serrano pepper for a spicy margarita.
- Herb-Infused: Muddle fresh basil or cilantro for a unique twist.
- Low-Cal Sweeteners: Swap agave for stevia, monk fruit, or another natural liquid sweetener.
Making Skinny Margaritas for a Crowd
In a pitcher, combine:
- 1 ½ cups tequila
- 1 ½ cups fresh lime juice
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar
Stir well and serve in 6 salted glasses filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedges for a party-ready drink!
Perfect Pairings
A skinny margarita goes great with:
- Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
- Grilled shrimp tacos
- Spicy chicken fajitas
- Mango salsa with quesadillas
Enjoy your refreshing skinny margarita—it’s the perfect blend of light, citrusy, and naturally sweet! Cheers! 🍹
