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Are you guys ready for Cinco De Mayo recipe numero dos?!
You didn’t think I would let Cinco De Mayo pass without a Margarita, did ya?
This Skinny Orange Lime Margarita was a happy accident. Recently, I have been craving margaritas. It’s probably due to the green grass and the thought of warmer weather-margaritas scream long, warm summer days-(and because of Cinco de Mayo, duh!)! I actually wanted to share a skinny lime margarita recipe with you, but when making a margarita I accidentally added a little too much orange juice. Rather than just a splash, I added an entire shot. This quickly turned into my current favorite margarita!
Of course, I love these Fresh Raspberry Margaritas for something a little more adventurous. But for a more classic, simple margarita this Skinny Orange Lime Margarita is the way to go. These margaritas are even Paul-approved, which is saying a lot, because he is not a huge fan of margaritas.
What’s so great about Skinny Orange Lime Margaritas is that they have a little additional freshly squeezed orange juice that helps to sweeten the deal, so you don’t need quite as much sweetener as you would if you were to use all lime juice. We use just a little agave nectar, a natural sweetener. It’s neutral in flavor and it works great in cold drinks because it’s highly soluble. Plus agave nectar is tequila’s cousin (they’re from the same plant).
Skinny Orange Lime Margaritas have plenty of tang from the lime, with a forefront of sweet orange. They are rimmed with a sugar/salt/lime zest mix that is the perfect balance. Picture it: a sweltering hot evening in August, the air so thick you can slice it. It’s Friday night, right after a long week, and all you want to do is relax with an ice cold, freshly made margarita. <<- That, my friends, sounds like the ultimate Friday night.
I have already begun to enjoy my margaritas during the chilly spring weather in preparation for Cinco De Mayo. They’re so good served with some enchiladas (recipe coming soon). But really, let’s be honest, margaritas are best sipped on a hot summer day.
Friends, I get it, you want convenience; you want that margarita so bad that you are willing to dump a little bottled margarita mix in your glass with some ice cubes, add a shot of tequila and call it a day. I see you! STOP IT RIGHT NOW! I believe in you, you can make your own margarita in no time! I promise, it will taste way better than the stuff in that bottle! See, we can add a little sophistication to our cocktails. AND you won’t have a sugar hangover in the morning! This Skinny Orange Lime Margarita won’t disappoint.
Cheers!
Skinny Orange Lime Margarita
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink, Cocktail
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Skinny Orange Lime Margarita is an EASY margarita recipe with fresh ingredients, without all of the sugar; it is sweetened with agave nectar. There is a hint of tangy lime with orange at the forefront. The glass is rimmed with a salt/sugar/lime zest mixture that is well balanced. This margarita is simple and refreshing.
Ingredients
- FOR THE RIM:
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 2 teaspoons raw sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt/Himalayan salt (don’t use table salt; it’s too salty)
- 1 ounce good quality silver tequila
- FOR THE MARGARITA:
- 1 to 2 ounces good quality silver tequila
- 1.5 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce agave nectar
- 4–6 ice cubes
- 1 orange slice, and lime slice, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- FOR THE RIM:
- In a spice grinder or coffee grinder that’s dedicated for spices, or a small food processor combine the lime zest, sugar, and salt. Pulse a few times until the mixture is mostly fine, yet still has quite a bit of texture.
- Transfer the salt and sugar mixture to a small saucer. To a separate saucer add the shot of tequila. Turn your serving glass upside down and dip the rim of the glass into the tequila. Hold it upside down for 5 to 10 seconds. Then immediately dip the still wet edge into the salt/sugar mixture, and rotate it a little. Place the glass right side up, and set aside until you are ready to pour your margarita. Repeat this process for as many margaritas as you are making.
- FOR THE MARGARITA:
- To a cocktail shaker add the tequila, orange juice, lime juice, agave nectar, and ice cubes. Put the lid on tight and shake until most of the ice cubes have melted.
- Strain the mixture into your rimmed serving glass. Add a large cocktail cube (highly recommended). Garnish the rim with a slice of orange and lime slices/wedges, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
To make one drink you will need about 1 large lime, and 1/2 a large orange. Plus more for garnish.
The amount for the salt/sugar mixture for the rim of the glass makes enough for several drinks. If you don’t use it up in one evening store it in a small resealable bag at room temperature for a few days to use up on future margaritas.
I highly, highly recommend using oversized cocktail ice cubes.They keep your drink cold without watering it down too quickly. Plus they look fun. We have a similar one as this ice cube tray.
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