Skinny Mocktail Margarita Recipe

Margaritas can bring back memories of sunny college spring breaks, summer parties in the backyard, Cinco de Mayo fiestas, and dining at lively Mexican restaurants with friends. The combination of tangy lime, sweet orange, and that signature salty rim creates a festive drink that’s perfect for celebrating warm weather and good times. 

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This margarita mocktail is a healthier, non-alcoholic version that’s still refreshing and flavorful. With natural ingredients and fewer calories, it’s an invigorating twist on the classic margarita that everyone can enjoy.

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For a more authentic presentation, serve in salt-rimmed glasses. To salt the rim, quarter a lime and slice it widthwise. Rub the lime all the way around your glass. Place kosher or sea salt with larger crystals in a plate slightly larger than the glass. Turn the glass over and rub the top of the glass gently in the salt. Place it upwards to dry. 

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Try garnishes like a lime wedge or a sprig of fresh mint.
• For a low sodium version, skip the salt.
• For a frozen margarita, blend all the ingredients with a cup of ice for slushy texture.
• For a bubbly, fizzy finish, swap unsweetened sparkling water instead of water.
• For a tropical flavor, substitute coconut water for regular water. Garnish with a slice of coconut if desired.
• To avoid added sugars, try adding ¼ cup pineapple juice and skipping the honey or agave syrup.
• To add spicy heat, rim the top of the glass with chili pepper or add a few slices of fresh jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Serve on its own or with a light snack such as toasted pita chips and salsa or ceviche with corn salsa.

Recipe for Skinny Mocktail Margarita

Makes 4 servings (8 ounces/1 cup per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1½ cup of fresh lime juice (or about 6 limes)
• ½ cup of fresh orange juice (or 1 large orange) 
• 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup
• 2 cups of cold water
• Ice cubes
• Optional: sea salt for rimming the glass

Instructions:

1. Prepare a margarita glass by running a lime around the top rim of the glass.
2. Dip the rim in a plate of sea salt to coat the top of the glass.
3. In a large pitcher, combine the lime juice, orange juice, honey/agave, and cold water. Stir well until everything is mixed and the honey/agave has dissolved.
4. Fill each glass with ice cubes.
5. Pour the margarita mixture over the ice and place a lime wedge on the edge of the glass.

Nutrition information: 100 calories; 0 grams of fat; 0 grams of cholesterol; 10 mg of sodium; 25 grams of carbohydrates; 18 grams of sugar; 2 grams of fiber; 0.5 grams of protein

Reviewed by Natalie Stein, MS, MPH, CDCES