The BEST Skinny Spicy Margarita Recipe (low carb, keto)
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This delicious skinny spicy margarita recipe is sugar-free and low carb! A refreshing twist on the classic cocktail features zesty lime, tequila and a hint of jalapeño for a flavorful kick.
Let’s make a delicious and healthy skinny spicy margarita! There’s nothing like a refreshing margarita on a hot summer day. We’ll be sipping on these by the pool this summer!
Why you’ll love this Skinny Spicy Margarita
This skinny spicy margarita is a lighter and healthier version of the classic margarita. It contains fewer calories, net carbs and zero sugar, making it great for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. The spicy sweet rim on the glass of this margarita is the crowning touch!
Ingredients and Substutions
Blanco tequila – Use your preferred tequila. A blanco will offer the purest and freshest agave flavors in your margarita.
Lime juice – Fresh lime juice is preferred. Bottled lime juice doesn’t taste as good.
Jalapeño pepper – To make the margarita less spicy, remove the jalapeño seeds.
Orange extract – Enhances the flavor of the lime juice. Orange extract can be found in most grocery stores.
Liquid Stevia – You can use sugar-free simple syrup or your preferred sweetener. Or you can leave it out if you don’t want any sweetness in your marg!
Chili lime seasoning – I like to use Tajin or Trader Joe’s chili lime seasoning.
Orange sparkling water – La Croix or any brand. You can use plain or your favorite flavor of sparkling water.
How to Make a Spicy Skinny Margarita
Step 1
Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour tequila, lime juice, jalapeño slices, orange extract, and liquid stevia into the shaker. Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well combined, and the outside of the shaker becomes frosted.
Step 2
To prepare the glass, take a small plate and pour a small amount of keto honey onto it. On another small plate, sprinkle a generous amount of Tajin seasoning. Next, take the rim of the glass and dip it into the honey, ensuring an even coating. Then, roll the rim in the Tajin.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to assemble the margarita. Fill the prepared glass with ice, then strain the margarita from the shaker into the glass. Top off the margarita with sparkling water for a sparkling twist, and garnish the drink with a lime wedge. Enjoy your refreshing, spicy margarita!
Variations
Get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your perfect skinny spicy margarita! Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- Fresh herbs – Cilantro, basil or mint- can add flavor and a delightful aroma to your drink. Muddle a few leaves of your chosen herb with the other ingredients in the cocktail shaker to release their flavors.
- Berries – Muddle a handful of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries or blackberries with the other ingredients to complement the jalapeño flavor, making it spicy and sweet! Strawberry is my personal favorite.
- Lemon juice – Lemon juice provides a tangy flavor that perfectly complements the spicy kick of jalapeños and the tartness of lime juice.
Pro Tips
- Large batch – Make a big batch of margaritas for gatherings. Scale up the recipe and prepare a large pitcher of skinny spicy margaritas in advance.
- Adjust the spice level to taste – Remove the seeds and white membrane from the jalapeño slices before muddling if you prefer a milder spice. Add more jalapeño slices or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Chill your glassware – Before pouring your margarita, chill the glasses in the freezer for a few minutes. Then, you’ll keep your margarita colder for longer.
- Adjust the sweetness – Experiment with liquid sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit drops if you prefer your margarita sweeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tequila low carb?
Yes, tequila has zero carbs but should still be enjoyed in moderation and concerning your goals. Flavored or infused tequila may have added sugars or carbohydrates, so checking the label is always a good idea.
Can I make a frozen skinny spicy margarita?
Yep! Put all the margarita ingredients (including the sparkling water) in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth! Then, rim your glass with keto honey and tajin and garnish with lime.
More refreshing drinks to try!
If you love down-home southern cooking, Check out my Southern Keto cookbooks! I’ve written 3 cookbooks, and each book has over 100 recipes in it. As always, they use easy-to-find ingredients.
The BEST Skinny Spicy Margarita Recipe (low carb, keto)
Ingredients
- Ice
- 3 ounces blanco tequila
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 jalapeño pepper sliced
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 5 drops liquid stevia
- Keto Honey
- Tajin or Trader Joes Chili Lime seasoning
- 2 ounces orange sparkling water
- 1 lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, lime juice, jalapeño slices, orange extract and liquid stevia. Cover and shake vigorously to mix, about 30 seconds, and the outside of the cocktail shaker starts to frost.
- Pour about a tablespoon of keto honey on a small plate. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of Tajin on a small plate. Press the rim of the glass into the honey and roll it from side to side—next, the rim into the Tajin.
- Fill the glass with ice. Strain the margarita into the glass, top it off with the sparkling water and garnish with a lime wedge.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is included as a courtesy and is calculated to the best of my ability, using my preferred brands. I recommend calculation your own macros, as they can widely vary depending on the brands of ingredients you use.
Author: Natasha Newton (Natasha's Southern Flavor)
Natasha is the founder of Natasha’s Southern Flavor. She has a passion for sharing delicious family friendly low-carb recipes that are easy to make and use readily accessible ingredients. Natasha has published three bestselling cookbooks. Her books and recipes have been featured by CNET, Delish, Mindbodygreen, Parade and Women’s Health. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, two adult children, and three furbabies.
Read more about Natasha here.