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This Skinny Margarita is light, crisp, and naturally sweetened with agave nectar. Made with tequila and fresh lime juice, it’s a simple, refreshing drink that’s perfect anytime.

A skinny margarita in a margarita glass garnished with a lime next to two lime halves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple: Easy to make with no special bartending skills needed.
  • Balanced Flavor: Sweet agave and tart lime create a fresh, smooth taste.
  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking.
  • Perfect for One: Makes just the right amount with no leftovers.

There’s something about this skinny margarita that feels instantly refreshing—the bright burst of lime, the smoothness of good tequila, and just enough agave to round it out without weighing it down.

Every sip tastes clean and crisp, never too sweet, making it the perfect drink when you want something simple, light, and full of fresh flavor. I love how it always feels like a little moment of celebration and I’m excited to share my recipe with you.

Looking for more single serving cocktails? Try our Moscow Mule, Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri, Tequila Sunrise, Aperol Spritz, or Mint Julep.

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Ingredients

a blue bottle of tequila, lime wedges, agave nectar, and a margarita glass filled with crushed ice on a silver tray with a blue and an orange napkin on the tray.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving skinny margarita recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Tequila: Use a good-quality blanco or silver tequila for the best flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, use a tequila-flavored syrup.
  • Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is best, but bottled lime juice can be used if needed.
  • Agave Nectar: Adds natural sweetness. Simple syrup or honey can be used as substitutes.
  • Salt (optional): Use sea salt or kosher salt for rimming the glass. Flavored salts are a fun option too.

Recipe Variations

Try these simple ways to change up your cocktail:

  • Fruit Margarita: Blend in fresh strawberries, mango, or other fruits.
  • Spicy Margarita: Muddle a jalapeño slice before adding the other ingredients.
  • Herbal Margarita: Shake with a sprig of basil or cilantro for a fresh flavor.

How To Make A Skinny Margarita

  1. Mix the ingredients: In a shaker or glass, combine tequila and lime juice. In a separate cup, stir agave nectar with a little water until dissolved, then add it to the shaker.
  2. Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker or glass with ice and shake for about 30 seconds until chilled.
  3. Serve: Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

  • Tequila: Buy small, individual bottles to avoid purchasing a full-sized bottle you may not use.
  • No Triple Sec: This recipe skips triple sec to keep sugar low. If you want a hint of orange flavor, add a splash of orange juice.
  • Sweetness: Agave nectar adds natural sweetness. Adjust with orange juice if you prefer more citrus flavor.
  • Adjust to Taste: Add more lime juice if it’s too sweet, or more agave if it’s too tart.

What To Serve With A Margarita

Pair your margarita with one of these easy, flavorful dishes:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of glass should I use for a margarita?

A traditional margarita glass is great, but a short rocks glass works just as well.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just double the ingredients to make two drinks instead of one.

How do I salt a margarita glass?

Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip the rim into a plate of coarse kosher salt or margarita salt to coat it evenly.

If you’ve tried this Margarita For One 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.

If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because you’re worth it

Skinny Margarita

4.88 from 8 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
This skinny margarita is light, refreshing, and made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar for natural sweetness. It’s an easy, flavorful cocktail you can adjust to your taste.

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
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Instructions 

  • In a shaker or glass, combine tequila and lime juice. In a separate cup, stir agave nectar with a little water until dissolved, then add it to the shaker.
  • Fill the shaker or glass with ice and shake for about 30 seconds until chilled.
  • Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Tequila: Buy small, individual bottles to avoid purchasing a full-sized bottle you may not use.
  • No Triple Sec: This recipe skips triple sec to keep sugar low. If you want a hint of orange flavor, add a splash of orange juice.
  • Sweetness: Agave nectar adds natural sweetness. Adjust with orange juice if you prefer more citrus flavor.
  • Adjust to Taste: Add more lime juice if it’s too sweet, or more agave if it’s too tart.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 116kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Sodium: 2mg, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin C: 8.5mg

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.

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Iโ€™m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 10+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, Iโ€™m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad youโ€™re here!

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4.88 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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18 Comments

  1. Dawn says:

    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!!!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you so much, Dawn!

  2. Nancy Fish says:

    Could I substitute honey for the agave nectar?

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Yes.

  3. Sues says:

    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!

  4. Tayler Ross says:

    This is the perfect margarita recipe! And I love that it’s small batch!

  5. Janice says:

    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!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      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.