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Craving a margarita but watching your calories? This single serving skinny margarita recipe is the answer! It’s quick, refreshing, and has all the classic margarita flavor with fewer calories and sugar. Perfect for a lighter take on a classic cocktail!
Craving more delicious single serving cocktails? Explore our cocktail collection featuring refreshing classics! Try our zesty Moscow Mule, icy-cool Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri, vibrant Tequila Sunrise, bubbly Aperol Spritz, and the iconic Mint Julep.
Why You’ll Love This Margarita Recipe
- Easy to make: No complicated bartending skills needed for this tasty margarita.
- Delicious flavor: Sweet agave and tart lime create a perfect flavor balance.
- Customizable: Switch up the ingredients to match your preferences.
- Perfect portion: This recipe makes just enough for one, so there are no leftovers.
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Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving skinny margarita recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Tequila: Use high-quality tequila for a smoother taste. Blanco or silver tequila is usually recommended for margaritas. For a non-alcoholic version, consider a tequila-flavored syrup.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the best flavor. In a pinch, store-bought lime juice can be used.
- Agave Nectar: Adds a natural sweetness. If unavailable, you can substitute with simple syrup or honey.
- Salt (optional): Sea salt is commonly used for rimming, but kosher salt can also work. For a unique twist, try a flavored salt
Recipe Variations
Experiment with the following variations to put your own twist on this classic cocktail.
- Fruit-Infused Margarita: Blend in fresh fruits like strawberries or mango for a fruity twist.
- Spicy Margarita: Muddle a slice of jalapeno in your shaker before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Herbal Margarita: Add a sprig of fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro for a refreshing change.
How To Make A Skinny Margarita
- Combine tequila, lime juice, and sweetener: In a cocktail shaker or glass, mix the tequila and lime juice. In a separate cup, stir together agave nectar and water until dissolved. Add this mixture to the shaker or glass.
- Add ice and shake: Fill your shaker or glass with ice. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
- Enjoy: Pour your margarita into a serving glass and enjoy immediately!
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Expert Tips
- Tequila Purchase: Look for the small, individual bottles of tequila often sold at liquor stores or on airplanes. This eliminates the need for a larger, potentially unused, bottle.
- No Triple Sec: Many margarita recipes call for triple sec, a liqueur with a high sugar content. To keep sugar levels down, this recipe skips it. While you can add a splash of orange juice for flavor, it’s not necessary.
- Sweetness from Agave: The agave nectar gives this margarita a sweet touch. If you prefer an orange flavor, feel free to add some orange juice to taste.
- Adaptable Recipe: This is a base recipe that can be adjusted to your preferences. If it’s too sweet for your liking, add more lime. If too tart, increase the agave.
Serving Suggestions
Consider enjoying your margarita with any of these sides:
- Pico de Gallo and Chips: A classic combination that brings out the best in your margarita.
- Shrimp Tacos: The zesty flavours in the margarita complement seafood beautifully.
- Cheese and Crackers: A good cheese and cracker platter always works well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you wish to make.
The agave nectar adds a natural sweetness to the cocktail. Adjust the quantity based on your personal preference.
You can replace tequila with a non-alcoholic tequila-flavored syrup or use lime sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
A skinny margarita refers to a lighter, low-calorie variant of the traditional margarita. Instead of incorporating a premade margarita mix or a sweet and sour mix, skinny margaritas utilize lime juice and agave nectar for a more natural, lower calorie sweetness. Additionally, some recipes might include a dash of orange juice as an alternative to using liqueurs like Cointreau or Grand-Marnier.
To salt the rim of your glass, start by gliding a lime wedge around the edge. Afterward, dip the wet rim into a plate filled with coarse Kosher salt or margarita salt. This method ensures a well-coated, evenly salted rim.
Related: 8 Healthy Single Serving Meals
If you’ve tried this single serve margarita recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Skinny Margarita For One
Equipment
- cocktail shaker or glass
Ingredients
- 1 ounce tequila
- 1 ounce lime juice
- ½ ounce agave nectar
- ½ ounce water
- ¾ cup crushed or cubed ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker or a wide glass, combine the tequila and the lime juice. In a separate cup, whisk together the agave nectar and water. Add to the shaker or glass.
- Add the ice and shake or stir for 30 seconds.
- Pour into glass and serve immediately.
Notes
- Tequila Purchase: Look for the small, individual bottles of tequila often sold at liquor stores or on airplanes. This eliminates the need for a larger, potentially unused, bottle.
- No Triple Sec: Many margarita recipes call for triple sec, a liqueur with a high sugar content. To keep sugar levels down, this recipe skips it. While you can add a splash of orange juice for flavor, it’s not necessary.
- Sweetness from Agave: The agave nectar gives this margarita a sweet touch. If you prefer an orange flavor, feel free to add some orange juice to taste.
- Adaptable Recipe: This is a base recipe that can be adjusted to your preferences. If it’s too sweet for your liking, add more lime. If too tart, increase the agave.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
EXACTLY how I make mine instead of that syrupy concoction they sell. And I’m so glad I found your site! Your desserts for one are just what I need!!!
Thank you so much, Dawn!
Could I substitute honey for the agave nectar?
Yes.
This is PERFECT! I love margaritas, but sometimes I’ll be drinking a glass of wine and my husband will mention he reallyyyy wants a margarita (they’re his faves!). During those times, I don’t want to make an entire pitcher, but this margarita recipe is the perfect solution! I never use mixes either!
This is the perfect margarita recipe! And I love that it’s small batch!
My husband offered to make me something , so since this is Cinco de Mayo, I decided on this recipe and its delicious! I’m not a fan of the syrupy mixes and love the lime flavor!
What a great husband! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Janice. I’m not a fan of the sugary-sweet mixes either and love the fresh taste of this one.