Skinny Cantaritos Cocktails

by Yvette Marquez on April 20, 2023

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Citrusy, sweet-tart, boozy, and bubbly, you’re going to love these lightened-up Cantaritos cocktails! Swapping in fresh grapefruit, a splash of agave, and grapefruit-flavored seltzer in place of the traditional grapefruit soda makes a delectable “skinny” cantarito that’s right on time for warmer weather.

two earthenware cantarito cups rimmed with tajin, filled with ice and skinny cantaritos mix and garnished with orange and grapefruit slices.

What is a Cantarito?

A cantarito is a traditional Mexican clay drinking vessel that is used to serve a popular (and eponymous) cocktail. The cantaritos cocktail typically includes tequila, lime juice, orange juice, grapefruit soda, and sometimes salt or other seasonings. It is traditionally served in a cantarito glass, sometimes decorated with colorful designs.

Drinking from a cantarito is said to enhance the flavor of the cocktail and give it a unique earthy taste. The use of clay vessels is also believed to have health benefits due to the minerals and other substances found in the clay.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of palomas and margaritas, you’re sure to love these delicious Mexican cocktails! The combination of tequila, fresh citrus juice, and salt with the earthiness of the clay vessels creates sweet, tangy flavor you’re sure to love.

Aside from being bright and sunshiny, these yummy adult beverages are also:

Quick & Easy – My skinny cantarito recipe is simple and easy to follow, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time.
Light & Refreshing – The bright combination of lime, grapefruit, and orange juice coupled with zesty tequila and effervescent seltzer creates a delectable drink that’s perfect for patio parties.
Better-For-You – Ditching the grapefruit soda in place of an all-natural alternative makes this a guilt-free libation you can sip on all summer long.
Easily Customizable – They can be customized to individual preferences by adjusting the amount of tequila or adding extra seasonings or garnishes.

halved lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits on a wooden surface.

Ingredients & Substitutions

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this skinny cantarito recipe:

Tequila – It is important to use a 100% agave tequila, as this will ensure the best quality and flavor. Avoid using mixto tequilas, which are made with a combination of agave and other sugars — they are hangovers in a bottle. Trust me. 😵‍💫
Orange, Grapefruit, & Limes – A triple whammy of fresh citrus takes these lovely libations into a whole new realm of deliciousness. Give each piece of fruit a firm roll on the countertop for 10-15 seconds before slicing it open to get the most juice.
Agave Nectar – Since agave nectar is made from the same plant as tequila, the flavors are complementary. As an added “skinny” bonus, agave nectar is typically sweeter than sugar and has a lower glycemic index, which means it is absorbed more slowly by the body and can help prevent blood sugar spikes. Feel free to swap in honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup if you prefer.
Grapefruit-Flavored Sparkling Water – For soda vibes without any high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. I used LaCroix, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
Crushed Ice – If you don’t have an ice maker that crushes ice for you, simply fill a zip-top gallon bag about halfway full and zip it shut. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to break the ice into skinny chips for serving your cantarito drink!
Tajin – While you’re welcome to use plain salt to rim your drink glasses, the Mexican chili-lime seasoning salt known as Tajin adds an extra layer of zesty flavor.

How To Make Skinny Cantaritos

These cantaritos drinks come together in a flash! Here’s how:

Step 1: Rim Glasses. Run a wedge of a lime, agave nectar, or chamoy around your cantarito glasses, then dip them in Tajin. Fill with crushed ice. Set aside.

Step 2: Shake tequila, citrus juices, and agave in a shaker filled with whole ice cubes. Aim for 30-45 seconds, or until chilled and well aerated.

Step 3: Strain the skinny cantaritos into your prepared clay drinking vessels. Top with sparkling water.

Step 4: Garnish with wedges or wheels of fresh citrus and a tamarind candy straw. then enjoy!

overhead shot of a skinny cantarito cocktail garnished with tajin and fresh citrus slices.

Optional Variations

As much as I love this cantaritos recipe just as written, you’re welcome to customize it. Here are a few variations to consider:

Mocktail – Either omit the tequila or swap in your favorite non-alcoholic brand for a booze-free sipper that’s perfect for DD’s, pregnant mamas, and your sober-curious friends.
Different Spirits – While it would no longer be considered a cantarito drink, you’re welcome to use vodka or white rum in place of the tequila for a fun twist.

Expert Tips

Shake it like you mean it. Vigorously shake the cocktail shaker to mix the ingredients thoroughly before pouring them into glasses.
Use fresh and high-quality ingredients. When making the cocktail, use fresh citrus juice, good quality tequila that is 100% agave, and ice made from filtered water. This will ensure the best flavor and quality of the cocktail.
Invest in clay vessels. Using a traditional clay cantarito vessel adds a unique and authentic touch to the cocktail and enhances its flavor. You can also purchase glazed cantaritos to skip the curing process.
Before using the cantaritos, soak them in water for at least an hour. This will prevent the clay from absorbing the liquid and affecting the flavor of the cocktail.
Garnish. Have fun with your garnishes or serve with a tamarind candy straw for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Cantaritos are best served when the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the world is brimming with possibility. They are the perfect drink to enjoy while lounging in a hammock, dancing outside, or frolicking on the beach.

In short, these skinny cantaritos are the embodiment of carefree, whimsical moments. They should be served whenever you want to infuse a touch of joy and playfulness into your day.

They also pair beautifully with lots of different food options, including:

Traditional Mexican party foods such as tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole.
Seafood – The tangy and sweet flavors balance out the flavors of seafood dishes such as ceviche, shrimp cocktails, and fish tacos.
Grilled Meat – The smoky flavors of grilled meats such as steak, chicken, and pork are complemented by the refreshing flavors of this tequila cocktail.
Spicy Foods – The citrusy brightness of these boozy beverages can help cool down the heat of spicy foods such as salsa, hot wings, and chili.
Light Meals – The bright, fresh flavors of this fresh Mexican cocktail pair well with light meals such as fruit salad, any entrée salad, and cucumber salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cantaritos tequila to use?

When making cantaritos it is generally recommended to use a good-quality blanco or reposado tequila.

Blanco tequila is unaged and has a pure, clean flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the cocktail. Reposado tequila is aged for a short period of time in oak barrels, which gives it a slightly more complex flavor that can add depth and richness to the cocktail.

Some popular brands of tequila that are well-suited for making cantaritos include Casa Noble, El Jimador, Espolòn, and Milagro. Ultimately, the best tequila for making cantaritos is one that you enjoy the taste of and fits within your budget.

What is a good drinking glass to use if I don’t have traditional clay cantaritos?

If you don’t have clay cantaritos, there are several types of glasses that can be used as a substitute. Here are a few options:

1. Mason jars are a versatile and popular choice for serving cocktails, and can work well as a substitute for cantaritos. They have a similar shape and size, and can give a rustic and casual feel to your drink.
2. Highball glasses are tall and narrow, with a capacity of around 10-12 ounces, which is similar to a traditional cantarito.
3. Collins glasses are another type of tall and narrow glassware that can be used as a substitute for traditional clay vessels.
4. Tumblers are short and wide glasses that are commonly used for serving whiskey and other spirits, but can also work well as a casual substitute.

Ultimately, the type of glass you use for serving your cocktails will depend on your personal preference and the occasion. As long as the glass is able to hold the ingredients and is comfortable to drink from, it can work well as a substitute for traditional clay cantaritos.

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