When the temperatures increase up above 80 degrees, heavy libations with lots of liquors give way to easier-to-drink summertime cocktails. The kinds that instantly cool you off while packing a powerful punch.
I’m talking about daiquiris, sours and of course, margaritas!
Most margaritas are saccharine syrups, and most flavored margaritas are even worse, but if you go with the “skinny” version, you’ll get all the flavor without all the sugary sweet.
Everyone that knows me knows I’m a big fan of tequila. I’ve tried sipping it and have been known to throw back a couple of shots, but my favorite way to drink it is in a margarita!
Sadly, my beloved drink has been maimed and beaten into a drink that tastes similar to a 7-Eleven Lime Blast Slurpee, through no fault of its own. Tipping the calorie scale when compared to most cocktails, margaritas are what I would call a caloric nightmare and just not worth it.
A 10-ounce regular margarita can run upwards of 700 calories!
The high calorie count paired with the fact that pre-prepared cocktails are generally made with high fructose corn syrup, yellow dye #5, and preservatives convinced Bethenny Frankel, founder of Skinnygirl Cocktails (and Real Housewives of New York City), that she needed to create a low-calorie, all-natural prepared margarita. And she did just that!
With only 110 calories and 4g of sugar in one four-ounce serving of Skinnygirl Margarita, you can get your margarita fix without consuming all those calories.
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There’s a reason this is the one that started it all. Made from premium Blue Agave Silver Tequila, lightly sweetened with agave nectar, with a refreshingly light taste, the original Skinnygirl Margarita is STILL delicious and low-calorie. Serve in a fun glass rimmed with salt, and you and your girlfriends are good go to!
If your favorite bar or restaurant doesn’t serve Skinnygirl brand pre-made margaritas, you can still order a “skinny” margarita. Because of their popularity, I haven’t met a bartender that doesn’t know how to make one, or if you prefer to stay in, you can create one in the comfort of your own home with this recipe:
Skinny Margarita
1. Combine:
- 1-1/2 ounces of tequila (silver tequila 65-70 calories, standard tequila 95-105 calories)
- A splash of Triple Sec – Cointreau brand (25 calories) 1 oz = 80 calories
- 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice – squeeze 2-3 wedges (10 calories)
2. Pour above ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes or stir all together to mix and chill.
3. Rub a cut lime around the rim of a glass and dip the rim into a plate of salt until it’s coated in crystals (optional).
4. Pour into the glass, serve on the rocks, garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!
If you’re looking for a twist on your margarita, try this:
Pomegranate Margarita
Besides ranking high as an antioxidant, pomegranate is delicious, tart and sweet at the same time. Margaritas are fun for entertaining and a great way to refresh thirsty guests at your next BBQ or picnic.
1. Combine:
- 32 ounces pomegranate juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 1/4 cup orange flavored liquor
2. Place in a freezer and mix every 20 minutes for up to 1 hour until the mixture has a slushy frozen texture (or freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s directions).
3. Serve frozen or chilled over ice.
Looking for even more delicious margarita recipes? Check out Kim Haasarud’s book, 101 Margaritas (available on Amazon.com, $10.85).
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The Margarita. It’s the drink that puts the “happy” in happy hour. A beguiling elixir of tequila, citrus, and sweetness that’s guaranteed to go down easy—and put a smile on your face.
Cheers to summer, being skinny and margies!
Photo credits: feministjulie, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Amazon
