Looking for a delicious and refreshing cocktail that won't derail your healthy lifestyle? Look no further than a sugar-free and low carb margarita!
This classic drink is typically made with tequila, lime juice, and a sweetener such as triple sec or simple syrup. However, traditional sweeteners can be high in sugar and carbs, making them a no-go for those following a low-sugar or keto diet. That's where sugar-free margaritas come in! By swapping in sugar-free alternatives for the sweeteners, you can still enjoy all the flavor and fun of a margarita without the added sugar and carbs. Whether you're looking to cut back on sugar or just looking for a tasty cocktail, a sugar-free margarita is a great choice. So grab your shaker and let's get mixing!
I came across a saying the other day that said, "I want to booze and still lose" which summed up perfectly my weekends. So, to continue enjoying a Margarita or two without the horrors of the bathroom scales afterwards, I have replaced the sugary, yet lovely, Triple Sec or Cointreau with orange extract. This really cuts down on the sugar and the carbs.
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HOW MANY CARBS IN A MARGARITA?
The number of carbs in a margarita can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used. Traditional margarita recipes typically contain about 10-15 grams of carbs per serving. However, this can vary based on factors such as the type of tequila used, the amount of sweetener added, and whether any fruit juices or mixers are included. If you're looking to enjoy a lower-carb version of a margarita, you can try using sugar-free sweeteners, reducing the amount of sweetener used, or opting for a skinny or light margarita recipe that uses lower-carb mixers or substitutes. Keep in mind that alcohol can also affect blood sugar levels, so it's important to drink in moderation and to always drink responsibly.
CAN YOU DRINK ALCOHOL ON A KETO DIET?
Yes, you can drink alcohol on a keto diet, but it's important to choose your drinks wisely and drink in moderation. Some alcoholic beverages, such as beer and sugary cocktails, can be high in carbs and may kick you out of ketosis. However, there are many low-carb and keto-friendly drink options available.
Hard liquor, such as vodka, gin, and tequila, are generally low in carbs and can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet. You can also mix them with sugar-free mixers like club soda, diet tonic water, or diet soda to keep your carb count low. Dry wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, can also be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet, as they typically contain fewer than 5 grams of carbs per glass.
It's important to keep in mind that alcohol can slow down weight loss and affect blood sugar levels, so it's best to enjoy alcohol in moderation and monitor how it affects your body. Additionally, drinking on an empty stomach can lead to a quicker absorption of alcohol, so it's recommended to eat a meal or snack before drinking. Always drink responsibly and be aware of your alcohol tolerance.
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients for a keto margarita can vary but we have kept it simple with just 4 ingredients.
- Tequila - Blanco or silver tequila is a great agave tequila. More on this is below.
- Orange Extract - this replaces the traditional Tripe Sec liquor and gives the orange flavor without the sugar. We use an easy homemade recipe.
- Lime Juice - We press our own fresh lime juice rather than anything artificial out of a bottle.
- Sweetener - This helps reduce the sharpness of the margarita, but when I serve this recipe on the rocks, I omit it as I don't like too sweet a drink. We use allulose or powdered monkfruit as it dissolves well and quick.
WHAT TEQUILA SHOULD BE USED IN A SUGAR FREE MARGARITA?
When making a sugar-free margarita, it's important to choose a tequila that is made from 100% agave, as these tequilas are generally free of added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Blanco (or silver) tequila is a great choice for margaritas, as it is clear and unaged, with a strong agave flavor that pairs well with the lime and other ingredients. Reposado and Anejo tequilas are also options, but they are aged and have a more complex flavor profile that may not be as well suited for a classic margarita.
Ultimately, the tequila you choose will depend on your personal taste preferences and the recipe you're using. Some popular brands of 100% agave tequila include Casamigos, Don Julio, Patrón, and Milagro. Be sure to check the label to make sure the tequila you choose is made from 100% agave and doesn't contain any added sugars or sweeteners.
HOW TO MAKE A LOW CARB MARGARITA
Gather all your ingredients, ice and you are ready to mix!
Dip the rim of a glass in lime juice
Then dip the glass into a plate of salt
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and mix
Pour in the prepared glass over ice
SERVE A KETO MARGARITA OVER ICE OR FROZEN?
Whether to serve a margarita frozen or over ice is a matter of personal preference. Both options are popular and delicious, and each has its own unique characteristics.
Frozen margaritas are typically made by blending ice, tequila, lime juice, and sweetener (if desired) until smooth and slushy. The result is a cold, refreshing drink with a smooth and creamy texture. Frozen margaritas can be served in a variety of glasses, including traditional margarita glasses, stemmed glasses, or even mason jars.
On the other hand, a margarita served over ice is typically made by shaking or stirring the ingredients together in a shaker or mixing glass and then pouring the mixture over ice in a rocks glass. This results in a slightly diluted drink with a crisp and refreshing flavor. Margaritas served over ice are often garnished with a wedge of lime and a salt rim.
Ultimately, the choice between frozen or on the rocks is a matter of personal preference. If you're looking for a cold and refreshing drink with a creamy texture, a frozen margarita may be the way to go. If you prefer a slightly less sweet drink with a crisp and refreshing flavor, a margarita served over ice may be more your style.
MORE KETO COCKTAILS TO TRY
Barbados Rum Punch (there's no such thing as a Caribbean rum punch! Each island has it's own version)
Or enjoy the flavor of a keto margarita recipe in our no churn margarita ice cream recipe.
Low Carb Margarita
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon orange extract
- 1 tablespoon allulose or powdered monkfruit
Decoration
- ¼ cup crushed ice
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your glass. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and then dip it into a small dish of salt. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, orange extract and allulose if you are using it.
- Add a handful of ice to the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
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