The BEST Skinny Margaritas

A skinny margarita has less alcohol than a regular margarita. Instead of Gran Marnier, Cointreau, or triple sec, a skinny margarita substitutes some of the liquor ingredients with fresh orange juice or agave nectar. The drink is called a “skinny margarita” because it has less calories than a regular margarita.

Imagine an alcoholic beverage that made you thinner when you drank it? The skinny margarita isn’t that, but at least you know that when you drink one, you’re consuming less sugar.

It would be impossible to celebrate Cinco de Mayo without margaritas. In Texas, the margarita may as well be the unofficial beverage of the Lone Star State. A Tex-Mex restaurant wouldn’t be complete without a selection of top-shelf margaritas on their menu.

Now, there’s something you should know about me. I am particular when it comes to margaritas. At a restaurant, I won’t hesitate to send a margarita back if it isn’t made to my liking. The problem I encounter is when a margarita is too sweet. Perhaps it’s rude, but I can't help it. I’m a margarita perfectionist.

Skinny margarita ingredients include: fresh squeezed lime juice, a top-shelf tequila, and fresh juice. As a rule of thumb, never rely on skinny margarita mix. 

Here is my favorite skinny margarita recipe:

The recipe is simple to make. Four ingredients are required. It’s not too sweet or tart. It will be the only skinny margarita recipe you’ll ever need.

What Makes A Skinny Margarita?

Admittedly, these are not 'skinny' in the sense they are low calorie or any of that nonsense. I've found that at most Mexican restaurants, 'skinny margarita' refers to the way this one is made - with fresh lime juice and agave nectar - rather than with a mix. 

Although sometimes skinny can mean that it's made with artificial sweeteners to lower the sugar content. That is not this recipe.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST SKINNY MARGARITAS

Skinny margaritas are easy to make.

1. First, squeeze limes. Use a citrus reamer or hand press. (If you're making a lot, KitchenAid also makes a citrus juicer attachment for the stand mixer that I impulse bought on sale for such occasions.)
2. If you want a salt rim, run a lime wedge over the rim of your glass, then turn it upside down onto a plate of salt. Next, fill your glass with ice.
3. Add lime juice, tequila, and agave nectar to a shaker filled with ice (or if you're making many drinks, use a pitcher with no ice).
4. Shake or stir, then pour into your ice-filled glass and enjoy.

Tips For Making (And Drinking) Margaritas

• It's best to use lime juice that has been freshly squeezed the day you make the skinny margs. Lime juice loses its flavor when it isn’t fresh, so don't prepare your margarita mix too far in advance.
• With cocktails this simple, quality ingredients are important. Use a top-shelf tequila and triple sec. 
• Adjust the amount of tequila and sweetener to fit your taste. I prefer tart margaritas, so I use half of the agave nectar. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you might increase it. If the amount of tequila is too strong for you, decrease it a little bit. Or dilute it with a splash of soda on the top.
• These margaritas are strong. And they taste very good. So pace yourself. And alternate with water. They will knock you on your ass if you drink too many.

What If I Don't Have Agave Nectar?

Agave nectar in cocktails is great because it mixes well without any extra steps. You can use simple syrup. To make it, just simmer equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan until the sugar is dissolved. Cool the simple syrup completely before using it.

MAKING PITCHER MARGARITAS

Hosting a party? Start with a pitcher of margaritas. First, you'll need limes. To convert this to a pitcher recipe, just replace 'oz' with 'cups'. 

• Mix 2 cups tequila, 2 cups lime juice, 1 cup agave nectar or simple syrup. One pitcher will make 8-10 drinks. Repeat as needed.

Main Types Of Tequila

Many people don’t realize how special tequila is. The alcohol doesn’t have just one flavor or style.

Here are the different tequilas and their unique qualities.

• Blanco tequila - The Spanish word for “white” is “blanco,” otherwise referred to as “silver tequila,” is clear instead of brown, like popular tequila.
• Anejo tequila – The Spanish word for “vintage” is “anejo.” The tequila is aged in oak barrels between one and four years.
• Joven tequila - The Spanish word for “young” is “joven.” The tequila is white and blended with aged tequila.
• Gold tequila is an “Abocado,” a tequila that has not rested in wood but has added color, oak natural extract, glycerin, and sugar syrup so it looks like it has.
• Reposado tequila - The Spanish word for “calm” is “reposado.” The tequila is aged in oak barrels between two months and up until a few days shy of one year.
• Cristalino tequila – The Spanish word for “crystalline” is “cristalino.” The tequila is aged and then filtered again, which removes its color. It’s a clear sipping tequila, with aged characteristics.

More Margarita Recipes You'll Love

• Blood Orange Margaritas
• Top Shelf Hatch Chile Margaritas
• Apple Cider Margaritas
• Cilantro Lemongrass Margaritas

Skinny Margarita Conclusion

A skinny margarita is low in calories. If you’re on a diet and craving a margarita, try a skinny margarita. The drink also has less alcohol, which makes it easier to consume.

The margarita has a Spanish name, but it may as well be the national alcoholic drink of America.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!

Print