Skinny Margarita
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on Aug 10, 2021, Updated Apr 18, 2025
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If you’re craving a crisp and refreshing cocktail without all the sugar, this Skinny Margarita recipe is calling your name. Made with just four simple ingredients, this naturally sweetened, low-calorie margarita is the perfect guilt-free sipper for summer (or anytime!). It’s bold, citrusy, and easy to whip up for a casual happy hour or a full-blown fiesta.
What is a Skinny Margarita?
A skinny margarita is a lighter, healthier take on the traditional classic margarita on the rocks or classic frozen margarita. Instead of sugary mixers or high-calorie orange liqueurs like triple sec or Grand Marnier, this easy skinny margarita gets its fresh flavor from real citrus juice — lime and orange — and just a touch of agave nectar for balance.
And did you know? Tequila is one of the lowest-calorie spirits out there, with just 69 calories per ounce when made from 100% agave. Cheers to that!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally low in sugar and calories – No artificial sweeteners or sugary mixers needed.
- Bright, zesty flavor – The combo of lime and orange juice makes it so refreshing.
- Simple ingredients – You probably have everything on hand already!
- Perfect for parties – Easily scale this recipe to make a skinny margarita pitcher.
- Customizable – Float a splash of Grand Marnier for a skinny Cadillac Margarita twist.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This skinny margarita recipe is made with simple, real ingredients — no sugary mixers or artificial flavors here.
- Tequila: Look for a good-quality tequila blanco that’s 100% agave. This gives your skinny margarita a clean, crisp flavor. For a Cadillac margarita, consider upgrading to a top-shelf reposado or añejo — these are aged tequilas that offer richer, smoother flavors and are typically meant for sipping. The 19 Best Sipping Tequilas.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must. Bottled lime juice just doesn’t have the same punch. Roll the lime on the counter before juicing to get the most juice out of it.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Adds a natural sweetness and replaces high-calorie orange liqueur. Use freshly squeezed juice for the brightest flavor.
- Agave Nectar: This natural sweetener blends beautifully with citrus. It’s optional, and you can add more or less depending on your sweetness preference.
- Orange Liqueur (Optional): For a Cadillac Margarita, you can float a splash of Grand Marnier or triple sec over the top. Just note that this will add more calories and sugar, so it won’t technically be “skinny.”
The full list of ingredients with exact quantities is included in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Skinny Margaritas
Step 1: Prep the glass. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in coarse salt. Fill with ice.
Step 2: Shake it up. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the lime juice, orange juice, tequila, and agave nectar. Shake well to chill and blend.
Step 3: Strain and garnish. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime or orange wheel.
Step 4: Cadillac Margarita (optional). If making a Cadillac Skinny Margarita, float 1 ounce of Grand Marnier over the top or serve it on the side.
Serving & Topping Suggestions
This easy skinny margarita is best served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass, but you can also:
- Garnish with lime wedges, orange wheels, or even a slice of jalapeño for heat.
- Add a splash of sparkling water for a bubbly twist.
- Serve in mini glasses for a margarita flight at your next gathering.
Skinny Margarita Expert Tips & Tricks
Top Shelf Tequila. Most margaritas are made with tequila blanco, which is aged for less than two months. If you’re making a Cadillac margarita, take it up a notch with a smooth añejo tequila — aged and full of character.
Control the sweetness. Agave nectar is optional. If you like a more tart margarita, you can skip it entirely.
Use fresh citrus. Bottled juices just don’t compare. Fresh juice = the freshest flavor.
Juicing hack: Roll your citrus on the counter to release juices, and always juice at room temperature for max yield.
Storage Instructions
This margarita is best enjoyed freshly shaken, but if you’re prepping ahead for a party:
- Make the pitcher mix without ice and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Stir well before serving and pour over fresh ice.
- Do not store once it’s been mixed with ice — it’ll dilute the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Skinny Margarita typically includes tequila, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, and a bit of agave nectar. It skips the sugary mixers and orange liqueurs for a naturally low-calorie option.
A regular margarita often contains triple sec or Grand Marnier, sweet and sour mix, and more sugar overall. A skinny margarita uses fresh citrus juice and minimal sweetener, which makes it lighter and lower in calories.
A Cadillac margarita is similar to a classic margarita on the rocks, but with premium ingredients such as top-shelf tequila and orange liqueur.
Instead of using an orange-liqueur like triple sec, Cointreau or Grand-Marnier, a skinny margarita uses fresh orange juice and a small amount of agave nectar.
More Muy Bueno Margaritas
If you tried this Skinny Margarita or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Skinny Margarita
Ingredients
Skinny Margarita
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce fresh orange juice
- 2 ounces tequila blanco, (100% agave)
- 1 teaspoon agave nectar, (optional, to taste)
Cadillac Margarita
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, (per margarita)
Pitcher of Skinny Margaritas (10 drinks)
- 10 ounces tequila blanco
- 5 ounces fresh lime juice, (about 5 limes)
- 5 ounces fresh orange juice, (about 3 medium oranges)
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar
Instructions
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip in coarse salt. Fill the glass with ice.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, fresh lime juice, orange juice, and tequila, and agave nectar. Shake to combine.
- Strain the cocktail over prepared glasses and garnish with a lime or orange wheel.
- Optional Cadillac Margarita: Float 1 ounce of Grand Marnier on top or serve it on the side for that signature “Cadillac” touch.
Pitcher of Skinny Margaritas
- Combine ingredients well and serve over ice. Don’t forget to garnish rims of glasses with coarse salt lime and orange slices.
Video
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed juice for best results — no bottled stuff!
- Tequila tip: Choose a smooth blanco for a crisp, clean flavor or opt for a reposado or añejo for a richer twist.
- Make it bubbly: Add a splash of sparkling water if you like your margarita fizzy.
- Juicing shortcuts: A hand-held citrus press makes juicing quick and easy. Roll citrus on the counter to loosen the juice before cutting.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Jenna Sparks
This skinny margarita is my go-to cocktail.