From my many years in Southern California, this was a favorite neighborhood skinny margarita recipe long before “skinny margaritas” became a thing. It’s a fresh lemon-lime margarita that skips the sugary mix and lets the tequila do what it’s meant to do: shine.It’s a pitcher-perfect skinny margarita for a summer barbecue or a Saturday sunset, and it takes about five minutes to pull together.
NICKEL NOTES
- Fresh Flavor Profile: The recipe features a “lemon-lime twist” that uses equal parts lemon and lime juice (0.5 oz each) to give the cocktail more punch and a cleaner taste compared to traditional syrupy versions.
- Simple 1:1 Ratio: For a single serving, it combines 1 oz of tequila with 1 oz of orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau), making it easy to scale up for pitchers during group gatherings.
- Quick Preparation: The drink can be assembled in about five minutes by stirring the ingredients together and serving over ice in a salt-rimmed glass with a fresh lime garnish.
While I can’t claim the original recipe, I do add a small lemon-lime twist that gives it a little extra punch. If you love a proper margarita but could do without the syrupy sweetness of bottled mixes, this one is for you.
Just don’t let your cat wander too close to the glass. If you’ve ever seen a cat encounter catnip, you’ll understand why the idea of a tipsy kitty should be avoided at all costs.
A quick note on preparation: Moe and I certainly appreciate a good sipping tequila, but at home we’re just as likely to reach for something reliable like Don Julio or Cuervo Gold for mixing. The same goes for the orange liqueur. Cointreau or Grand Marnier will elevate things nicely, but Triple sec works perfectly well.
One small warning: with two forms of alcohol, these skinny margs can sneak up on you. Adjust the ratios if you prefer a lighter pour.
What You Will Need
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 oz. Tequila, brand of your choosing
- 1 oz. Orange-flavored liqueur (Triple sec, Cointreau, etc.)
- .5 oz Lime juice, from concentrate or freshly squeezed
- .5 oz Lemon juice, from concentrate or freshly squeezed
- Ice
- Fresh lime, for garnish
- Kosher or flaky sea salt, for the rim
EQUIPMENT:
- Bartender’s jigger or measuring cup (ounces labeled)
- Large pitcher or mixing glass
- Cocktail glass, such as margarita, old-fashioned, or highball
Cooking Instructions
- For a single serving, use the jigger or measuring cup to combine tequila, orange liqueur, and lemon-lime juices in a mixing glass or pitcher. Stir well.
- If you like a salted rim, pour a thin layer of salt onto a small saucer. Dampen the rim of your cocktail glass with water or lime juice and dip it into the salt.
- Add ice cubes to the glass and pour the margarita mixture over.
- Finish with a slice of fresh lime on the rim and enjoy.
- For a group, simply multiply the ingredients (for example ×4) and mix in a large pitcher over ice. Pour into glasses and garnish as above.
Five minutes to make. Best enjoyed somewhere near a sunset.
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