How to Make Your Very Own Low-Carb, Freshly-Squeezed Margarita

Image courtesy of Rebelle Kitchen

There’s been a lot of talk recently in the One Drop HQ office about ice and salt. It is February in New York, after all. It also just so happens to be… National Margarita Day.

Another random, national “holiday?” Sure. One to be celebrated? Absolutely for sure.

In the spirit of all things low-carb, salt, and ice, we’re here today to point you in the right direction and help make sure you can fully appreciate this day, the low-carb, PWD-friendly way. 

Why Margs?

Margaritas are a treat. But they’re also simple. Many of us living with diabetes (if and when consuming alcohol) will usually opt for the uber low-carb option of an alcohol mixed with water, club soda, La Croix -- anything that will keep blood sugars at bay. Not to mention, all those pre-made mixes and syrups are quite simply unhealthy for anyone.

So what to do when you want to treat yourself? Easy. Enter the Margarita. Or, “Marg,” as we like to the call it in the utmost endearing of terms.

The Marg (the real, fresh, no-sour-mix kind) is a staple here at One Drop. Its base is tequila - one of the best (if not the best) alcohol options out there. Yes, it’s “healthier” than red wine.

All of that is not to say that tequila is “healthy.” No alcohol is healthy, plain and simple.

But if you’re going to get spirited, tequila’s the way to go. Tequila has 0 carbs. It is extremely low in sugar. It has 69 calories per ounce (a typical cocktail drink has about 1.5oz or 2oz).

The next time you’re in a treat-yourself mood or if you’re ready to take part in today’s National Margarita Festivities, here’s how it’s done.

Fresh Margarita Recipe

Low-carb. Skinny. However you like to describe it: freshly-made, no-sugar-added margaritas are the best squeeze. They’re easy to make, won’t raise blood sugar, and taste like a tropical oasis.

Here’s how to make your own piece of paradise. 

Ingredients:

• ice
• 1.5 oz tequila
• 2 tbs orange liquid sweetener
• 1 to 1 ¼ oz lime juice (depending on how sour the batch of juice is)

Instructions:

1. Juice your limes, either with a juicer or by hand. 
2. Add ice, tequila, freshly-squeezed lime juice, and orange sweetener to a cocktail shaker and shake well.
3. Strain and pour mix over ice cubes in a glass.

Total time: 10 minutes

Carbs: 0

Sugar: 0

Calories: 90

Garnishes and Pro-Tips

👉 To really spice things up, add muddled jalapenos and/or habaneros to your mix before adding to your shaker! 🌶

👉 Use a lime wedge for on the rim of your glass for garnish. And if you need more (or less) lime, simply change up your lime juice dose next time!

👉 If you're out & about this National Margarita Day, ask your server if they use freshly-squeezed lime juice to make margaritas. If they do, then just make sure to ask for no agave, sugar, or honey in yours, and you'll be good to go!

👉 If they don't use fresh lime juice, that means they're using a pre-made sour mix (with lots of added sugars). Head to the next spot on your trail or opt for a club soda-mixed drink instead. 

Cheers!