Skinny Margarita Recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my easy skinny margarita recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

• Tequila – I recommend a high quality tequila even though it’s mixed in, as you’ll get a much smoother taste if the alcohol is not harsh. Classic margaritas typically use silver (blanco tequila), but gold or reposado (which I used) works, too.
• Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice is best! Since it’s a main ingredient here, you’ll really notice a difference over bottled. Most margaritas in the U.S. use regular limes, but I discovered when visiting Mexico that key limes are commonly used there — they add a slightly sweeter, more intense flavor.
• Orange Extract – I like this brand, and use this to get that citrus flavor without the sugary triple sec! (Did you know orange liqueur has 11g of sugar per ounce? No, thanks!) If you don’t have orange extract, a little orange zest or a splash of fresh orange juice can work.
• Sweetener – Most skinny margaritas are really just traditional margaritas in disguise, using agave nectar… which is still sugar! I use Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend in mine, which dissolves easily (this is key), has no sugar or calories, and tastes the same (no aftertaste). Notes on other types I’ve tried:
  • Erythritol, stevia, and other monk fruit brands – I don’t recommend these. None of them dissolve well, plus they leave an aftertaste!
  • Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Simple Syrup – I tested this more recently and (no surprise?), it works perfectly. Use 2-3 tablespoons per drink.
  • Agave – This works, but adds a lot of sugar.
  • Xylitol – I actually have a friend who used to make her skinny margarita with xylitol. They were quite good, but she’s converted to my allulose-based Besti sweetener because it has a zero glycemic index. 😊
• Garnishes – Gotta have sea salt and lime wedges for the rim of your glass! I prefer coarse sea salt, but only had fine when I took these pictures. Any salt you have will do.
• Ice Cubes – I make mine in this ice cube tray. They’re not too big and pop out so easily.

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How To Make A Skinny Margarita

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Blend the ingredients. Combine the tequila, lime juice, orange extract, Besti, and ice cubes in a powerful blender, and blend. Use more ice if needed to make 4 cups (32 fluid ounces).

VARIATION: Make it on the rocks instead!

I like my margs frozen, so that is how I wrote my skinny margarita recipe. If you like it on the rocks, blend everything else together without the ice (or stir in a large pitcher — I have that pictured further below on this page!).

I recommend adding water to your taste before pouring over ice, because the rocks version tastes more concentrated than blended.

2. Salt the rim. Run a slice of lime around the rim of each margarita glass (I used these glasses for a classic look!). Dip the rim into a plate or shallow bowl covered in sea salt. If you’re making the rocks variation, add ice to your glasses, too.
3. Pour the skinny margaritas into your glasses. Don’t forget to garnish with slices of lime, too!

Flavor Variations

I make this classic skinny margarita recipe most often, but occasionally I mix it up with these versions. Give them a try if you want something new and different:

• Jalapeño – Muddle 1-2 sliced jalapeños with lime juice, strain out the peppers, and mix it into your margarita.
• Avocado – Blend in 1/2 an avocado and a handful of cilantro, and skip the orange extract. It’s different, but I love the creaminess.
• Berry – Swap 2 cups of ice for fresh or frozen berries. I like strawberries or blackberries, but you can try other fruits too, like grapefruit or mango.
• Watermelon – One of my favorites! For the most refreshing skinny margarita ever, swap 2 cups of ice for watermelon. Fresh watermelon first, but I like this even better if I pre-freeze the chunks.
• Spices – To give it a little heat, mix chili powder with the salt before dipping your glass.
• Ice Pops – Freeze the blended mix in an ice pop mold for boozy margarita pops! Or just add tequila and lime juice to my sugar-free popsicles recipe.

Mexican Food Pairings

No skinny margarita recipe is complete without some good food to go with it! Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Tacos – You can’t go wrong with tacos and margs! Whether it’s classic taco meat stuffed inside tortillas or something a little different (like my zucchini taco boats or taco salad), I think taco flavors make the best margarita nights. And don’t forget the taco slaw!
• Fajitas – Sizzling chicken fajitas or shrimp fajitas with a cold, skinny cocktail? Yes, please. And if you want something completely hands off, make my steak sheet pan fajitas!
• Chips & Dip – Lately, I’m obsessed with baked tortilla chips, but any chip will do for scooping up fresh guac, salsa, my 7-layer taco dip, or even a Mexican shrimp cocktail.
• My Other Favorites – That fresh lime flavor goes so well with my cilantro lime chicken, but I also love it with barbacoa beef, stuffed poblano peppers, or carne asada.