Skinny Margaritas bring the flavor, not the extra sugar

While many people like to enjoy a libation, sometimes the “extra” in the glass can make them regret those sips. Although over-indulging with liquor is never a good look, some people have concern with that extra spoonful of sugar. Even if Mary Poppins said that that sweetness can help the medicine go down, it doesn’t have to be the only option in the cocktail glass. With Skinny Margaritas, the flavor not the sugar has everyone shaking up another refreshing cocktail.

A classic sour cocktail, a margarita has a handful of ingredients. A liquor, a sweetener and an acid. When combined in the right balance, it makes for a refreshing beverage.

But, when the balance gets out of whack, the reality is that sugar can over power not just the flavor but also the calories count. Instead of a simple indulgence, it becomes a glass full of regret.

Although there have been companies that have touted their “skinnygirl” cocktails, crafting a lower sugar option is not that hard. Basically, Skinny Margaritas look to replace the sugar with other alternatives. From juice to sugar replacements, there are many ways to enjoy a taste of the classic cocktail without that unwanted extra.

While a sweet component is part of any margarita, the sweetness can come in different forms. One swap for traditional simple syrup is agave.

In this recipe from Jose Cuervo, there is a hint of sweetness, but the cocktail is more about highlighting the other flavors. Although just a garnish, the rosemary and mint brighten the flavor and have many people forgetting about the extra sugar.

Cuervo Agave Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Jose Cuervo Tradicional Plata*
• 1-2 oz. of agave nectar (as needed)
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• Chili salt for the rim of your glass
• Lime for garnish
• Rosemary for garnish
• Mint for garnish

Preparation:

• Add tequila, agave and lime juice to shaker with ice. Shake vigorously.
• Run lime wedge along the rim of glass and dip in chili salt.
• Pour into glass over ice. Garnish with rosemary and mint. Enjoy!

Another option is to substitute a sugar alternative. In this Homemade Orange Liqueur Margarita, the Purecane brings the sweetness. For people looking to recreate that taste without the sugar, this recipe is one to consider.

Homemade Orange Liqueur Margarita

Ingredients:

Orange Liqueur Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup fresh squeeze orange juice, strained (3-4 oranges)
• ⅓ cup Purecane Spoonable Canister
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 cup vodka

Classic Margarita Ingredients:

• 4 oz blanco tequila
• 2 oz Purecane Orange Liqueur
• 1 ½ oz fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Purecane Spoonable Canister , garnish
• Optional: 2 lime wedges, garnish

Directions

• Combine water and Purecane Spoonable Canister in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sweetener has dissolved. Add orange juice and simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Once cooled, add vodka, stir and set aside.
• Run a lime wedge around the rim of 2 glasses and dip into Purecane Spoonable Canister.
• Combine the tequila, Orange Liqueur, and lime juice in a shaker. Fill with ice and shake until chilled.
• Fill each glass with ice and strain the margarita into each, garnish with lime wedges and enjoy!

Do you know some skinny margaritas that need to be sipped? What is the best margarita that you’ve enjoyed recently?