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    3 Ingredient Skinny Margarita

    Published: Jan 9, 2021 · Modified: Apr 10, 2022 by Elise Shivamber · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This 3 ingredient Skinny Margarita is made with fresh lime and orange juice, and tequila for the most refreshing healthier margarita! This margarita recipe is a low-calorie option to the classic margarita and is made with simple, fresh ingredients - as it should be!

    An angled view of a skinny margarita garnished with lime wedge and orange wheel.

    Something about living in Southern California that leans itself to margaritas year-round. Is it the palm trees, constant warm weather and ocean breeze? 

    Jump to:
    • Why this recipe works
    • What is a Skinny Margarita?
    • Ingredient notes
    • Instructions
    • How to add a salt rim
    • Variations
    • Expert Tips
    • FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why this recipe works

    Not only have I made this margarita recipe so many times I can’t count (it must be in the hundreds), but it’s been tested, loved and approved by many friends and family. 

    If that’s not enough proof for you, this skinny margarita recipe is:

    • Simple and fresh (and few!) ingredients.
    • Low calorie without sacrificing the flavor.
    • Honestly better than a classic margarita, as it’s more tart and fresh than using orange liqueur!
    • Lower in alcohol, meaning you can enjoy more!

    What is a Skinny Margarita?

    A skinny margarita is a low-calorie version of the typical margarita.

    A traditional margarita consists of fresh-squeezed lime juice, orange liquor (cointreau, triple sec, or grand marnier) and tequila. A skinny margarita replaces the orange liquor with fresh squeezed orange juice.

    Love skinny margaritas? Try a Red Sangria Margarita, Spicy Skinny Margarita, or Skinny Cranberry Margarita.

    Ingredient notes

    Ingredients needed to make a skinny margarita: tequila bottle, an orange and a lime.

    Tequila

    There are three main kinds of tequila: blanco, reposado, and añejo. Of those, there are two types of tequila to use in a margarita: reposado or blanco. Because reposado tequila is aged longer than blanco, it adds an extra dynamic flavor. However, blanco tequila is also ideal because it has a light flavor. Either are a great option and depend on your taste preference and what is available.

    Añejo tequila is best for sipping neat, and extra añejo is for special occasions (at least at my home!). I would refrain from using this kind of tequila when making any type of tequila mixed drink.

    Substitute for: mezcal for a mezcal margarita, or vodka for a vodka margarita.

    Limes

    Fresh limes are absolutely essential for any margarita and add that tartness. I do not recommend using store-bought lime juice for margaritas since they have such few ingredients.

    Substitute for: lemons, but it will be a tad sweeter.

    Oranges

    To make this cocktail what it is, you need fresh oranges. Use any type of orange, you can even use blood oranges!

    Substitute for: orange liqueur - like Cointreau, Grand Marnier or triple sec.

    Instructions

    Step One: Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker.

    The first step to making the perfect skinny margarita is to squeeze the limes and oranges to create fresh juice. Add these juices to the cocktail shaker - I always add the cheapest ingredients first in case I mess up! 

    Pouring lime juice into a cocktail shaker.
    First, add lime juice to the cocktail shaker.
    Pouring orange juice into a cocktail shaker.
    Next, add orange juice.

    Next, add the tequila. I recommend using blanco or reposado tequila depending on your preferences!

    Finally, add ice into the cocktail shaker. This helps instantly cool the ingredients when you shake it!

    Pouring tequila into a cocktail shaker.
    Lastly, add tequila and ice to the cocktail shaker.
    Shaking a cocktail shaker filled with a skinny margarita.
    Shake for 15 seconds, until completely combined and cold.

    Step Two: Shake!

    While you can make a margarita by just adding all ingredients into a glass filled with ice, the proper technique is to use a cocktail shaker when combining alcohol with any type of fruit juice.

    So, to combine the ingredients, you’re going to shake the cocktail shaker for about 15-seconds. The shaker should feel frozen to the touch.

    Straining a skinny margarita into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
    Lastly, strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice.

    Step Three: Strain and enjoy!

    Finally, you strain your margarita into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a fresh lime or orange wedge and enjoy immediately!

    How to add a salt rim

    A salt rim is by no means an essential for a margarita, but highly recommended! To make a salt rim, you’ll need: margarita salt, 1 lime wedge, and a small plate. 

    Pour the margarita salt onto the small plate. (I always like to add equal parts Tajín and margarita salt, but that’s not necessary!) Slice a small slit into the lime wedge halfway through. 

    Place the slit in the lime wedge onto the rim of your margarita glass (prior to pouring the cocktail in). Slide the lime wedge around the rim in a circle to cover the entire glass. 

    Moving a lime over the rim of a cocktail glass to add a margarita salt rim.
    First, rim the glass with a lime wedge.
    Dipping a glass into a margarita salt rimmer.
    Next, dip the glass straight into the margarita salt and turn around to get salt around the entire rim.

    Gently dip the glass into the margarita salt on the plate, and turn the glass in a full circle to ensure the salt sticks. Place upright and continue with making the skinny margarita!

    Pulling a glass straight out of margarita salt.
    Remove glass from the salt upright and flip over to sit on the table.
    A cocktail glass rimmed with margarita salt.
    All done and ready to add ice and the cocktail!

    Variations

    This skinny margarita recipe is the foundation for making any flavored drink! 

    Fruity: To make any version of this recipe with fruit, muddle a handful of that fruit in the cocktail shaker before adding orange and lime juice.

    Spicy: Check out my spicy skinny margarita recipe, where you just muddle fresh jalapeños in the cocktail shaker prior to adding the other ingredients. 

    Frozen: Add ice and all other ingredients into a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth and serve in glasses. To create a fruity frozen margarita, check out my frozen blackberry margarita.

    Expert Tips

    Quality tequila: Don’t underestimate a quality tequila for making any tequila cocktail. Because this margarita recipe has such few ingredients, there’s not much to mask a low-quality tequila. I personally swear by Don Julio Blanco or Casamigos Blanco tequilas when purchasing for myself. This is not the time to use your top-shelf añejo tequila (like a Don Julio 1942), a blanco or reposado tequila in the $30-45 range is a great start.

    Salt rim: A salt rim is by no means a necessity, but it definitely is a must in my books! I find the salt is a great balance with the natural sweetness of the juices. You can always add chili lime seasoning, lime zest, or orange zest into your margarita salt to add extra flavor!

    Frozen margarita: If you want to turn this skinny margarita into a frozen version instead of on the rocks, simply add all ingredients into a high-powered blender with 1-1.5 cups of ice. Blend until smooth and serve in glasses.

    An even lighter cocktail: To create an even lighter cocktail, try topping off the drink with sparkling mineral water (a Lime Topo Chico would be my choice!). To do this, make sure you use a high-ball glass instead of a shorter old fashioned glass.

    FAQs

    What’s the difference between a margarita and a skinny margarita?

    A skinny margarita is basically a low-calorie version of a classic margarita. It typically swaps orange juice for orange liqueur and does not include a sweetener.

    Why do they call it a skinny margarita?

    They call it a skinny margarita because it’s a lighter, skinnier version of a traditional margarita.

    Can I make this into a pitcher?

    Absolutely! Just double, triple, quadruple (etc.) the recipe for however many servings you need! Then stir and serve from the pitcher into a glass filled with ice. Just remember that shaking the cocktail one-by-one does combine the flavors a little bit better.

    A straight on view of a skinny margarita garnished with a lime wedge and orange wheel.

    Related Recipes

    • Skinny Jalapeno Margarita
    • Skinny Cranberry Margarita
    • Sangria Margarita
    • Frozen Blackberry Margaritas
    • Ranch Water Cocktail

    If you try this recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below so I know what you think! Follow Elise Tries to Cook on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and Subscribe via email to receive the latest recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    A featured image of a skinny margarita garnished with lime wedge and orange wheel.

    3 Ingredient Skinny Margarita

    Elise Shivamber
    This 3 ingredient Skinny Margarita is made with fresh lime and orange juice, and tequila for the most refreshing healthier margarita!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 8 mins
    Total Time 8 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 1 cocktail
    Calories 171 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ounces Lime Juice, freshly squeezed
    • 2 ounces orange juice, freshly squeezed
    • 2 ounces Tequila

    Salt-Tajín Rim (optional)

    • Margarita Salt
    • Tajín
    • 1 Lime Wedge with a slice halfway

    Instructions
     

    • If doing a salt rim, add prior to making cocktail.
    • First, add lime juice and orange juice into cocktail shaker.
      2 ounces Lime Juice, freshly squeezed, 2 ounces orange juice, freshly squeezed
    • Add the tequila and fresh ice cubes.
      2 ounces Tequila
    • Shake for 15-seconds, until fully combined and cold to the touch.
    • Strain into a cup filled with ice and garnish with fresh lime or orange wedge.

    Notes

    Quality tequila: Don’t underestimate a quality tequila for making any tequila cocktail. Because this margarita recipe has such few ingredients, there’s not much to mask a low-quality tequila. I personally swear by Don Julio Blanco or Casamigos Blanco tequilas when purchasing for myself. This is not the time to use your top-shelf añejo tequila (like a Don Julio 1942), a blanco or reposado tequila in the $30-45 range is a great start.
    Salt rim: A salt rim is by no means a necessity, but it definitely is a must in my books! I find the salt is a great balance with the natural sweetness of the juices. You can always add chili lime seasoning, lime zest, or orange zest into your margarita salt to add extra flavor!
    Frozen margarita: If you want to turn this skinny margarita into a frozen version instead of on the rocks, simply add all ingredients into a high-powered blender with 1-1.5 cups of ice. Blend until smooth and serve in glasses.
    An even lighter cocktail: To create an even lighter cocktail, try topping off the drink with sparkling mineral water (a Lime Topo Chico would be my choice!). To do this, make sure you use a high-ball glass instead of a shorter old fashioned glass.
    Make it a pitcher: Double, triple, quadruple (etc.) the recipe for however many servings you need! Then stir and serve from the pitcher into a glass filled with ice. Just remember that shaking the cocktail one-by-one does combine the flavors a little bit better.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cocktailCalories: 171kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 181mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 142IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword margaritas, skinny margaritas, tequila cocktail
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Comments

    1. Riley

      January 23, 2021 at 8:29 pm

      Great flavor on this one. I love how refreshing this take on the traditional margarita is. The natural orange flavor really balances out the lime better than the traditional Triple-sec. Love it.

      Reply
      • Elise Shivamber

        January 24, 2021 at 12:03 am

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it Riley! I love the orange and lime combination too - I prefer it over Triple Sec as well! It's much more tart and refreshing!

        Reply
    2. Nolan

      January 23, 2021 at 9:21 pm

      Great recipe! I've never been a fan of triple sec, and this recipe is a great alternative. It isn't too sweet (which I love) but refreshing, tart, and bursting with citrus. Upgrade from powdered lemonade by the pool to this easy-to-make marg and your friends will thank you!

      Definitely making again!

      Reply
      • Elise Shivamber

        January 24, 2021 at 12:00 am

        While powdered lemonade isn't the WORST, I agree this might be more impressive! Because there's no sugar, there's less chance of a hangover too! So glad you enjoyed Nolan!

        Reply
    3. Sara

      February 11, 2021 at 1:11 pm

      Okay. So this is now the THIRD margarita recipe I have tried to make at home and this is definitely my new go to! All the others were either too sour or too sweet. This one was perfect! Not to mention extremely easy! I don't really keep too many different types of liquors in my apartment so this was so nice to only need tequila and some fruit. I didn't have a proper shaker so I just used a mason jar and it was still absolutely delicious!

      Reply
      • Elise Shivamber

        February 11, 2021 at 10:41 pm

        So glad you liked it Sara! Mason jars are awesome cocktail shakers :)

        Reply
      • Meredith

        February 25, 2021 at 6:02 pm

        Easy and delicious and no sugar, it's a winner!!!

        Reply
        • Elise Shivamber

          February 25, 2021 at 8:14 pm

          Yess so good! Thanks for trying!

          Reply
    4. Faith

      March 13, 2021 at 8:49 pm

      Amazing flavor and so simple. Would recommend to anyone! I am not a huge tequila person, so was a little cautious but it was amazing. We ended up using cara cara oranges instead of navel for a little extra sweetness and it was great!

      Reply
      • Elise Shivamber

        March 13, 2021 at 9:40 pm

        That sounds delicious, Faith! This is the perfect drink for whether you love tequila or don't! So glad you enjoyed :)

        Reply

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