Skinny Margarita Recipe (Sugar-Free!)

By Erin AlvarezUpdated Oct 31, 2023, Published May 03, 2020

Reader Rating

Total Time 5

Servings 1

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If you love a well-made cocktail, you have to try this 3-ingredient Skinny Margarita recipe! Made with tequila, cointreau and lime juice, it’s incredibly refreshing and sugar-free too, making it an easy go-to drink.

glass filled with ice lime juice and a lime wedge

I have no idea why it’s taken me so long to share this recipe to the blog, but it’s finally here! If you don’t already know, margaritas are my go-to cocktail, and THIS is my go-to recipe.

Some are too sweet, some are too strong, but this skinny margarita recipe is just perfect and I strongly urge you to try it because it’s my absolute favorite way to make a delicious margarita at home!

Let’s also note that my loaded nachos and bacon guacamole pair perfectly with this drink (just saying!).

Why you’ll love this cocktail

It’s made with just 3 easy-to-find ingredients
It’s both light and refreshing and made with just the good stuff
You just need 5 minutes (or less!) to whip up this drink

Ingredient notes

Tequila: Tequila is the main ingredient, so there’s no substitution there. There are different kinds of tequila, including blanco, resposado, añejo, extra añejo, and joven. I tend to prefer blanco, and if you’re new to tequila, I recommend that as a good starting point.

Cointreau: Some skinny margarita recipes call for orange juice, but I prefer cointreau. Cointreau is orange-flavored triple sec and it adds a better flavor than orange juice or regular triple sec, in my opinion.

Lime juice: You can’t make a margarita without lime juice! Make sure to use fresh limes rather than limes that have been sitting in the fridge for awhile–you can taste a difference!

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Run a lime wedge along the edge of your glass, then dip it in salt to salt the rim. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.

Step 2: Add the tequila and cointreau to a cocktail shaker.

Step 3: Use a citrus squeezer (or your hands) to add the lime juice to the cocktail shaker.

Step 4: Shake the cocktail shaker for 10-15 seconds, then pour the drink over ice.

FAQs

What makes this margarita “skinny”?

Most margarita recipes are loaded with sugar, but not this one! Instead, it uses liquor and lime juice to create a delicious drink that doesn’t need anything else. Seriously, you won’t even miss the simple syrup!

Is there a specific brand of tequila you recommend?

Yes! Something I’ve learned over the years is that, as tempting as it is to get the “cheap stuff”, you end up feeling much better the next day if you purchase middle-tier alcohol.

So with that said, my two favorite brands of tequila are Espolòn and Casamigos. Espolòn is what I use most frequently because it’s high-quality and affordable.

Is Cointreau the same thing as triple sec, and can I use them interchangeably?

Great question! I talked about Cointreau above in the Ingredient Notes, but basically Cointreau is an orange-flavored triple sec, so they are kind of the same thing. Personally, I think Cointreau provides a more smooth, crisp flavor than other brands of triple sec, which is why I’m so obsessed with it and recommend it for margaritas.

Do I have to use a cocktail shaker?

Nope! It helps, but it’s not absolutely necessary. If you don’t own a cocktail shaker, you have two options: 1) add everything to a blender and blend on low for 5 seconds, or 2) add everything to a cup and stir quickly with a spoon.

More tasty tequila cocktails

If you made and enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below!

5 from 3 votes