Skinny Margarita Recipe: Cocktail
Margaritas have been a beloved cocktail for decades. They originated in Mexico in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until the ’70s that they gained popularity in the United States. According to legend, a socialite by the name of Margarita Sames created the drink for guests at her Acapulco vacation home in 1948.
From there, its popularity grew as tourists traveled to Mexico and discovered this refreshing cocktail. Today, margaritas are one of the most popular cocktails around the world.
They are often associated with warm weather, tropical vacations and fun times with friends. With so many variations and flavors available, it’s no wonder why they remain so popular.
Skinny Margarita Recipe Trend
In recent years, more people have become health conscious and are looking for ways to reduce their caloric intake while still enjoying their favorite cocktails. The “skinny” trend emerged as a way to offer healthier alternatives to classic drinks like margaritas. A traditional margarita can pack up to 500 calories per serving due to its high sugar content from simple syrup or sweet & sour mix.
The skinny version typically replaces those high-calorie ingredients with fresh lime juice and agave nectar or another natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract. Additionally, many people believe that using fresh ingredients yields a better-tasting drink overall.
By replacing processed mixers with fresh squeezed juice and purees, you get an authentic taste without any added artificial flavors or preservatives. Overall, the “skinny” trend offers a way for health-conscious individuals to enjoy their favorite drinks while staying true to their dietary goals.
Ingredients
Servers: 1
Taster’s Guide Tip 111: Skinny Margarita
When making a Margarita, using freshly squeezed lime juice and orange juice can make a significant difference in the flavor of your drink. The bright and tangy flavors of fresh citrus juice elevate the taste and freshness of the Margarita. Avoid using bottled lime or orange juice as they often lack the vibrant taste of freshly squeezed juice. Take the extra step to squeeze your own citrus fruits for the best results.
Directions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the tequila, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, and agave nectar to the shaker.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
- Rim a rocks glass with salt (optional) by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it into salt.
- Fill the glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared rocks glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Serve the Skinny Margarita and enjoy!
Preparation Trips
Shaking vs. blending
When it comes to making the perfect skinny margarita, the method of preparation makes all the difference. Some prefer their margaritas shaken while others like them blended. Shaking a margarita with ice in a cocktail shaker will result in a frothy and refreshing drink with a softer texture, whereas blending it will create a smoother consistency that is perfect for those who prefer their drinks on the thicker side.
The shaking technique is recommended for those who like their margaritas to pack a punch as it results in fewer air pockets which means less dilution and more alcohol content. However, if you don’t want your drink to be too strong, blending might be your best bet as its smooth texture allows for more juice and other ingredients to be mixed in without overpowering the tequila.
Salt rim or no salt rim?
The salt rim debate has been ongoing for years – should you add salt or not? Well, it all depends on personal preference!
The salted rim adds an extra kick of flavor that helps balance out the sweetness of the drink while also enhancing the tequila’s natural flavors. However, keep in mind that too much salt may make your drink taste overly salty and unbalanced.
If you do opt for a salted rim, make sure to coat only half of your glass’s rim since having too much salt can be overwhelming and ruin your experience altogether! To achieve this look simply rub half of lime around only half of the glass’s edge and dip into coarse sea or kosher salt.
Ice: crushed or cubed?
Another important factor when preparing skinny margaritas is choosing between crushed or cubed ice. Crushed ice melts faster than cubed ice which can dilute your drink quickly so if you’re planning on sipping for a while, it is recommended to use cubed ice. Cubed ice is perfect for those who want their drinks to stay cold without being watered down.
It melts slower than crushed ice, which means that you can enjoy your drink for a longer period of time without losing its full flavor. However, if you prefer your drink extra cold and don’t mind the dilution, then crushed ice could be the perfect option for you!
Skinny Margarita Recipe: Variations
Adding fresh fruit (strawberries, watermelon)
One of the best ways to add some extra flavor to your skinny margarita is to add fresh fruit. Ripe strawberries and juicy watermelon are perfect options for adding a burst of sweetness without relying on sugary mixes or syrups.
To make a strawberry skinny margarita, simply blend a handful of fresh strawberries with your other ingredients before shaking or blending. For a more tropical twist, try using ripe chunks of watermelon instead.
Spicing it up with jalapeño or chili powder
If you’re looking for something with a little more kick, try adding some jalapeño slices or chili powder to your margarita recipe. For a jalapeño skinny margarita, muddle several slices of fresh jalapeño in the bottom of your shaker before adding the other ingredients.
This will infuse your drink with some spicy heat that pairs perfectly with tequila and lime. Alternatively, you can rim your glass with chili powder instead of salt for an extra punch.
Using different types of citrus (grapefruit, blood orange)
While lime juice is an essential ingredient in any good margarita recipe, there’s no reason not to experiment with other citrus fruits as well. Grapefruit juice adds a tangy bitterness that balances well against sweet agave nectar, while blood orange juice brings an extra layer of sweetness and complexity to the mix.
To make a grapefruit or blood orange skinny margarita, simply substitute some (or all) of the lime juice in your recipe for fresh grapefruit or blood orange juice instead. You can also mix and match different citrus fruits until you find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
Tips and tricks
How to make a large batch for a party
Margaritas are the perfect cocktail for a summer party, and making them in bulk will save you time and ensure that your guests don’t have to wait too long for their drinks. To make a large batch of skinny margaritas, you’ll need to do some math first.
A standard recipe calls for 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of lime juice, and 1 oz of orange liqueur per serving. Multiply those amounts by the number of guests you’ll be serving, then mix everything together in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
If you’re worried about the margaritas getting watered down as they sit out on the counter or in the sun, consider freezing some extra lime juice in ice cube trays beforehand so that you can add them to the pitcher when needed. You can also freeze slices of lime or other fruit to use as garnishes.
How to make it ahead of time without sacrificing flavor
If you’re hosting a party but don’t want to be stuck behind the bar all night, there are ways to prep your skinny margaritas ahead of time without sacrificing flavor. One option is to mix up your tequila and citrus juice (lime, grapefruit, or whatever else you prefer) ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
When it’s time for guests to arrive, fill glasses with ice and pour in your pre-mixed margarita base. Then add a splash of orange liqueur, shake well (or stir), and garnish with fresh fruit or herbs.
This method will ensure that your cocktails taste just as fresh as if they were made on demand. Another option is to create “margarita kits” for each guest with all the ingredients they need to make their own drinks.
This can be a fun and interactive way to get everyone involved in the party, and it also takes some of the pressure off you as the host. Just make sure you label everything clearly and provide instructions for assembly.
Conclusion
Recap of the benefits of a skinny margarita recipe
To recap, a skinny margarita is not only lower in calories and sugar, but it also allows you to taste the natural flavors of tequila and fresh lime juice without the artificial sweetness that can sometimes be overwhelming in a regular margarita. By using fresh ingredients and making some simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious and refreshing cocktail without the guilt or hangover. Plus, with so many variations to try out – from adding fresh fruit to spicing it up with jalapeno or chili powder – you can customize your skinny margarita recipe to your liking and keep things interesting.
Encouragement to try making one at home
Making your own skinny margarita at home is quick, easy, and cost-effective. Plus, you can impress your friends with your bartending skills!
With just a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment like a shaker or blender, you can whip up a batch of delicious cocktails in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tequilas or citrus fruits to find your perfect balance of flavors.
And if you’re hosting a party or get-together, consider making a large batch ahead of time so that everyone can enjoy their drinks without waiting for each one to be made individually. So go ahead and give it a try!
With this recipe under your belt, you’ll never have to order an overly sugary margarita again. Cheers!