This Keto Margarita is a low-carb, low-calorie dream! Using a sugar-free simple syrup makes this skinny keto alcoholic drink under 2 net carbs and about 100 calories each– perfect for Taco Tuesday!
Skinny Keto Margarita
Starting a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to give up your happy hour margarita! This skinny margarita recipe is keto friendly and sugar-free, so you can enjoy one (or several) with some Instant Pot Carnitas with Keto Coleslaw or this Shrimp Fajita Skillet without worrying about your carbs!
This recipe uses no margarita mix and no erythritol, perfect for people who are sensitive to sugar alcohols! There is no aftertaste and no cooling effect… Just a delicious restaurant quality keto cocktail! Instead of triple sec, we get a hint of orange by using an orange-flavored soda water. This makes this sparkling margarita even more refreshing in warm weather!
You can serve this margarita over ice or blend with ice for a low-carb frozen margarita worthy of a day at the pool. Easily multiply this recipe for a large pitcher for your next party and become everyone’s favorite host!
Keto Margarita Recipe:
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need. For exact measurements, keep scrolling to the printable recipe card!
- Tequila – Silver tequila (also known as tequila blanco) is best for margaritas.
- Lime juice – I prefer freshly squeezed lime juice, but you can use the bottled version as well.
- Simple syrup – I made a keto simple syrup using Organic Monk Fruit Liquid Sweetener mixed in water. I’ll include notes about other options below.
- Orange sparkling water/soda water – May also use lime, plain, or other flavors. It just adds a hint of that citrus flavor that would normally come from triple sec.
- Ice – You’ll need some for the shaker and some for the glass (whether you’re serving on the rocks or blended frozen)
- Optional garnishes – I used lime wedges and pink Himalayan salt on the rim. Orange wedges, kosher salt mixed with citrus zest, or a mixture of salt and monkfruit blend sweetener would all work as well.
Sugar Free Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is usually a 1:1 mixture of sugar and water. Using sugar substitutes can be tricky as some have side effects, some don’t dissolve well, and some can be expensive. Using the Monk Fruit Liquid by Now provides a perfect alternative!
This liquid monk fruit is 0-calorie, 0-carb, and 0-sugar. I’ve experienced no cooling effect or aftertaste. While it’s not exactly cheap, you only need 1 tablespoon for just over a cup of simple syrup, so a small 2 ounce bottle is enough about 4.5 cups of simple syrup (or over 60 margaritas)!
You can try this method with other liquid sweeteners, but be aware that not all liquid sweeteners have the same level of sweetness! You may want to try adding 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach a reasonable level of sweetness for your syrup. Some brands may require less, some brands may require more.
How to store simple syrup
This sugar-free simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for several months. Shake before using to make sure it’s well-incorporated.
Can I use a monkfruit + erythritol blend to make keto simple syrup?
Sort of, yes. One issue with the monkfruit blend is that it does not dissolve perfectly. While it looks dissolved in hot water, the crystallization process begins as soon as the mixture starts to reach room temperature. Crystallization happens quickly when put into the refrigerator, and the sweetener even separates when you try to blend it with ice.
One trick to avoid this is to add just a pinch of xanthan gum to your simple syrup while still warm. Stir this in, and it should prevent the crystallization process from occurring. If you prefer the taste of monk fruit + erythritol over the drops, this is your best bet for a sugar-free simple syrup. If using this method, you can use classic or powdered monk fruit.
How to make a keto-friendly margarita
This margarita is super easy and just takes a minute to prepare! First, you’ll want to prep your glass — Wet the rim (I like to use a lime wedge for this) and dip the outside edges of the rim in your pink Himalayan salt. This salt really helps the sweetness in the margarita pop against the tangy lime! Fill glass with ice (unless you plan to blend it… In that case, I like to fill the glass, dump that ice into the blender, THEN salt the rim).
Next, fill your shaker with ice, and pour in the tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. Give a good shake until the tumbler is extremely cold. Strain and pour the mixture into your prepared glass and top with orange sparkling water.
Note: I served these in a 12.1 ounce double old fashioned glass. If serving in a smaller margarita-specific glass, feel free to serve without ice.
What to serve with a skinny margarita
To me, margaritas go with just about everything! For brunch, pair with Steak and Eggs, Keto Shrimp and Grits, or a Chorizo Breakfast Scramble. A laid-back summer pool party with Blackberry Brie Bites, a Charcuterie Board, and Key Lime Stuffed Strawberries can all be put together with little notice or effort, too.
If a happy hour with bar food is more your style, try serving with Keto Wings and Fries (don’t forget to serve with Jalapeno Ranch) or Keto Pretzel Bites with Cheese Sauce! Keto Nachos with Avocado Bacon Dip come together super easily and would be perfect to add to the happy hour menu as well!
Naturally, margaritas complement Mexican cuisine perfectly! Instant Pot Tacos, Easy Keto Taco Cups, and Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas would all be amazing washed down with a skinny keto margarita.
More Keto Mexican Food:
- Pollo Con Queso – Under 3 net carbs per serving
- Cream Cheese Sausage Balls with Chorizo – Only 1 net carb each
- Keto Chimichangas – Just 6.6 net carbs per chimichanga
Want more? Check out this list of 40+ Keto Mexican Food Recipes!
Keto Margarita
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces tequila
- 3/4 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce keto simple syrup
- 2-2.5 ounces orange sparkling water
- Ice
- Optional garnish: Lime or orange wedge & Pink Himalayan salt
Instructions
- Cut a slice in the lime wedge and rub around the rim of the glass. Dip the glass into pink Himalayan salt. Fill cup with ice and place lime wedge on the glass.
- Fill a shaker with ice, then pour in tequila, lime juice, and keto simple syrup. Shake vigorously until very cold.
- Using the shaker filter, pour the contents into the glass. Top with sparkling water.
Notes
- 9 ounces tequila
- 4.5 ounces lime juice
- 3 ounces keto simple syrup
- 15 ounces soda water
