How Many Calories Are in a Skinny Margarita?

When it comes to cocktails, the margarita reigns as one of the most beloved drinks out there. Its mix of tangy lime, refreshing tequila, and a touch of sweetness makes it the perfect sipper for everything from Taco Tuesday to summer pool parties. But, let’s be real—traditional margaritas can pack a serious punch when it comes to calories. So, if you’re trying to keep things on the lighter side but still want to enjoy a classic margarita, the “skinny margarita” is the way to go.

But how many calories are actually in a skinny margarita, you ask? Well, I’m glad you did, because that’s what we’re digging into today! I’ll also share some tips to help you make the best version of this drink at home—without sabotaging your diet. So, pour yourself a glass (of water or tequila, I don’t judge), and let’s dive in.

What Is a Skinny Margarita?

First things first: What exactly makes a margarita “skinny”? Traditionally, margaritas are made with tequila, lime juice, triple sec (or another orange-flavored liqueur), and often a fair bit of simple syrup or agave nectar to add sweetness. It’s this last ingredient that can really bump up the calories, and we all know alcohol, especially mixed drinks, can sneak in some hefty calorie counts.

A “skinny” margarita, on the other hand, is a lighter, lower-calorie version of the traditional margarita. The key differences typically involve:

• Less (or no) added sugar: Skinny margaritas often replace the sugary syrups with fresh lime juice, a splash of orange juice, or even a zero-calorie sweetener.
• No triple sec or Cointreau: Some recipes skip these high-calorie liqueurs altogether and use a lower-calorie option like fresh orange juice or even a splash of sparkling water.
• Tequila is the star: Since tequila is naturally lower in calories compared to sugary mixers, it’s usually the only alcoholic ingredient in a skinny margarita.

So, if you’re looking to cut down on calories without sacrificing the margarita taste, the skinny margarita is your best bet. Now, let’s talk numbers—because you came here for the deets!

Calories in a Skinny Margarita

On average, a skinny margarita contains around 100 to 150 calories per serving. This is significantly lower than a traditional margarita, which can pack 200–300 calories depending on the recipe and portion size. The exact calorie count depends on several factors, like:

• The type of sweetener used: If you’re using agave nectar or simple syrup, the calories will be higher than if you’re using stevia or leaving out sweeteners altogether.
• Portion size: Standard margarita servings are typically about 4 ounces, but if you’re getting a large one, obviously, the calorie count will go up.
• The brand of tequila: Tequila itself has about 64 calories per ounce, but flavored tequilas or premium brands might bump that up a little.

Here’s a rough breakdown of how calories stack up in a typical skinny margarita:

1. Tequila (1.5 ounces): ~96 calories
2. Fresh lime juice (1 ounce): ~8 calories
3. Low-calorie sweetener (like Stevia or Agave Nectar): ~5 calories
4. Sparkling water or soda water (optional): ~0 calories
5. Ice: 0 calories

That’s right, my friend—when made with fresh ingredients and low-cal sweeteners, a skinny margarita is usually hovering around 100-150 calories. Not too shabby, right?

But, of course, there are ways you can tinker with the recipe to make it even lower calorie (or slightly higher if you’re feeling fancy). Let’s break down some of the best tips for cutting calories while still keeping that fresh, crisp margarita flavor you know and love.

How to Make the Ultimate Low-Cal Skinny Margarita

Alright, if you’re ready to put on your bartender hat (don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it), here’s a simple yet perfect recipe for a low-calorie, delicious margarita. This one uses fresh lime juice, tequila, and a hint of sweetness without overdoing it on sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces of 100% agave tequila (you want a clean, good-quality tequila here for that smooth taste)
• 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice (no pre-bottled stuff, please! Fresh lime juice is the secret)
• 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed orange juice (or you can swap this for a splash of orange-flavored sparkling water if you want zero sugar)
• 1/4 teaspoon of stevia or monk fruit sweetener (you can also try agave nectar for a touch of natural sweetness, but this will add a few more calories)
• A pinch of sea salt (optional, but gives it that authentic margarita feel)
• Ice cubes (obviously, you gotta chill it!)

Directions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Pour in your tequila, lime juice, orange juice, and sweetener.
3. Close the shaker, and shake it like you’re trying to impress your friends.
4. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice, and garnish with a lime wedge (because, hey, we’re not savages).
5. Optionally, add a pinch of salt around the rim of your glass for a classic margarita touch.

That’s it! You’ve got yourself a fresh, delicious skinny margarita that’s around 100-120 calories depending on your exact measurements. No fuss, no stress, just good vibes and a lower calorie count!

How to Make Your Skinny Margarita Even Better (Without the Calories)

Want to make your margarita feel a little extra without adding the extra calories? Here are some easy tweaks you can try:

• Flavored Tequilas: Opt for a flavored tequila, like grapefruit or jalapeño, to add a fun twist to your margarita. These flavored tequilas can offer more flavor without adding sugar or extra calories.
• Herbs & Spices: Fresh herbs like mint or basil can bring a whole new level of flavor to your skinny margarita. You could even muddle a few mint leaves in the shaker for a refreshing, garden-fresh vibe.
• Fruit Additions: For a burst of fruitiness without the sugar, try muddling in fresh fruit like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Just be careful not to overdo it with sugary fruits like mango or pineapple, as those can add a lot of sugar to your drink.
• Seltzer or Sparkling Water: Instead of soda or tonic water, go for sparkling water to keep things calorie-free while adding a little fizz. You could even try a flavored sparkling water to add some extra zing to your drink.
• Rim it Right: Skip the sugar rim and go for a salted rim instead! It’s a margarita classic and doesn’t add any calories, unlike sugary options.

Comparing the Calories: Skinny Margarita vs. Regular Margarita

If you’re a margarita lover but you’ve been wondering how a regular margarita stacks up against the skinny version, let’s do a little comparison. A traditional margarita (the kind you get at most bars or restaurants) is made with tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup or agave nectar. Here’s how the calories add up in the traditional version:

• Tequila (1.5 ounces): ~96 calories
• Lime juice (1 ounce): ~8 calories
• Triple sec (1 ounce): ~100 calories
• Simple syrup (0.5 ounce): ~50 calories
• Ice: 0 calories

All together, a regular margarita could have anywhere from 250 to 300 calories, depending on the proportions and whether the bartender adds more sweetener. So, when you compare the regular margarita to the skinny version, you’re saving a solid 100–200 calories by switching to the lighter option.

Final Thoughts: Can You Have Your Margarita and Drink It Too?

If you’re trying to cut back on calories but still want to enjoy your favorite cocktail, the skinny margarita is a game-changer. With only 100–150 calories per serving, it’s a refreshing, flavorful option that won’t weigh you down like a traditional margarita can. Plus, you can easily make it even lighter by experimenting with fresh ingredients and swapping out sugary mixers.