Classic and Skinny Margaritas

Raise a glass to these vibrant Classic and Skinny Margaritas! The Classic Margarita delivers a zesty, refreshing blend of tequila, lime, and a hint of orange liqueur, perfectly balanced without excessive sweetness. The Skinny Margarita swaps in orange juice and agave nectar for a lighter twist with just 15 fewer calories. Both are quick to whip up, ideal for a solo sip or scaling up for a party pitcher. Rim with salt for that authentic touch and enjoy the bright, citrusy vibes!

Instructions

1. 1

   Chill cocktail glass or tumbler in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Prepare salt rim: Place coarse salt in a small dish. Rub the rim of the chilled glass with a lime wedge, then press the rim into the salt to coat evenly.

3. 3

   For Classic Margarita: Add 45 ml tequila, 30 ml lime juice, and 15 ml Cointreau to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously 15 times to chill.

4. 4

   For Skinny Margarita: Add 60 ml tequila, 45 ml lime juice, 30 ml orange juice, and 1 tsp agave nectar to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously 15 times to chill.

5. 5

   Strain the chosen margarita into the prepared glass. Add ice to the glass if desired.

6. 6

   Serve immediately with an extra lime wedge on the side.

Recipe Notes

• Triple Sec – Cointreau is the gold standard for its smooth orange flavor, but any quality Triple Sec will work. Avoid overly sweet or low-quality brands to maintain balance.

• Agave nectar – A natural sweetener with about half the calories of honey, found in most large supermarkets. Substitute with honey if unavailable, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering sweetness.

• Big batch – Scale up using the recipe scaler and mix in a jug. Store in the fridge without ice to prevent dilution. Use reusable ice cubes for serving to keep drinks cold without melting.

• Skinny Margarita – Only 148 calories with 11g carbs due to orange juice. It’s a lighter option but still packs bold flavor. Fresh orange juice enhances the taste over bottled.

• Tequila – Use a good-quality blanco or reposado tequila for the best flavor. Avoid overly cheap tequilas, which can make the drink harsh.

• Lime juice – Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, most authentic flavor. Bottled juice can taste flat or artificial.

• Serving tip – For a fun twist, try a chili-salt rim by mixing a pinch of chili powder with the coarse salt. It adds a spicy kick that complements the drink.

• Storage – Prepared margaritas (without ice) can be stored in a sealed jug in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake or stir before serving. Do not freeze, as it may affect the texture.

• Glassware – Use a traditional margarita glass for a classic look, or a tumbler for a casual vibe. Chilling the glass enhances the experience.

• Nutrition – Values are for the Classic Margarita. Skinny Margarita has slightly higher carbs due to orange juice but fewer calories overall.