Sugar Free Keto Margaritas

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Look no further for the BEST keto margarita recipe! With 4 simple ingredients, these easy sugar-free cocktails have that classic margarita flavor without the extra carbs.

Close up shot of a keto margarita with a slice of lime floating in it.

I have very strong opinions about many things, but perhaps none are as strong as what makes a really good, classic margarita. And I do believe I have perfected the keto margarita!

It actually doesn’t take much at all, because the best margaritas are very simple with no fancy frills or added ingredients. Just fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of orange flavor. And some sweetener, if you are so inclined.

If you prefer yours blended instead of on the rocks, or without a salted rim, I can forgive you and look past it. However, if you tell me that you like sour mix instead of fresh lime or you like agave for sweetness, I might just punch you in the eye.

Yes, that is how strongly I feel about my margaritas. I am a purist and I will accept nothing less.

This recipe was first published in 2014. I have simply updated the post and photos!

A keto margarita stands on a metal tray with orange flowers in the background.

What makes the best keto margaritas?

Just ask my husband. Thankfully, I’ve never had to punch him in the eye as he likes the classic cocktail as much as I do.

But he has seen my frustration at trying to find a bar or a restaurant that can make a good margarita. Many places don’t even know what’s in their cocktails. They assure me that it’s fresh lime juice, when it’s actually bottled lime. Or even worse, when it’s made with sour mix. Blech!

This classic cocktail should contain nothing more than lime juice, tequila, and a little bit of Triple Sec. But orange liqueur contains sugar, so what is a keto margarita lover to do?

I have an ingenious work-around for you, in the form of orange extract. It gives these cocktails great flavor without the added sugars. Salud!

A sugar-free margarita on the rocks, on a metal tray with a green napkin.

Ingredients

This keto margarita recipe takes 4 simple ingredients:

Fresh lime juice – don’t you dare use bottled lime!
Tequila – I prefer white tequila in my margaritas
Orange extract – Just a touch for that classic flavor
Keto sweetener – Totally optional, and I prefer mine unsweetened

From there, you can choose to make it the classic way, over crushed ice with a salted rim. Or you can blend it up in blender and serve it with a straw.

Image of a sugar-free margarita with sliced limes.

How to make sugar free margaritas

On the rocks:

Squeeze the limes: You want about 2 ounces or ¼ cup of fresh lime juice for two keto margaritas.
Stir in the tequila and orange extract
Sweeten to taste – you can do as little or as much as you like!
Salt the rim – Run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass and then roll it around in a shallow dish of salt.
Add crushed ice – You will need about 1 cup of crushed ice for two margaritas.
Pour the margarita over.
Enjoy!

Frozen:

You can also use the same recipe above for a frozen keto margarita. Just make sure you have a good strong blender!

Add 2 cups crushed ice to a blender
Add the lime juice, tequila, orange extract, and sweetener
Blend until slushy
Pour into cocktail glasses – with or without a salted rim!

A keto sugar free margarita on a tray with a green napkin, and a lime cut in half.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a different sweetener?

You can use any sweetener you like here! I do recommend using something that dissolves well, so powdered and liquid sweeteners work best.

What about making keto margaritas in advance?

If you want to make a pitcher of margaritas for a party or get together, make several batches of the basic mix. Don’t pour over ice or blend until ready to serve. The margarita mix will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can you make different flavors?

Absolutely! Add some berries to the mix, or play with extracts. You may find that you need to sweeten those versions a bit more to offset the fruit. And it will change the carb count, of course.

What orange extract works best?

This one from Native Vanilla works well!

Can you make virgin Keto Margaritas?

It’s not a true margarita, of course, but you can make this same drink without tequila. I recommend using a bit more lime juice, and a few ounces of sparkling water to make up the difference.

Two keto margaritas in cocktail glasses on a pewter tray, with sliced limes and a dish of salt.

More refreshing Keto Cocktail Recipes

Keto Margarita Recipe

Look no further for the BEST keto margarita recipe! With 4 simple ingredients, these easy sugar-free cocktails have that classic margarita flavor without the extra carbs.

4.76 from 25 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Beverage

Keyword: keto margaritas

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: margaritas

Calories: 106kcal

Ingredients

3 ounces good tequila white
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 ounces)
¼ teaspoon orange extract
1 tablespoon powdered Swerve Sweetener optional
Crushed ice
Kosher salt for rimming optional

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker or a measuring cup, combine tequila, lime juice, orange extract and sweetener, if using.
Fill two margarita glasses or old-fashioned glasses halfway with crushed ice.
Divide mixture evenly between glasses.
If you like a salted rim, run a wedge of lime around the outside of the glass before filling with ice and dip in a plate of kosher salt.

Video

Nutrition Facts

Keto Margarita Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 margarita)

Calories 106

% Daily Value*

Carbohydrates 2.6g1%

Fiber 0.1g0%

Protein 0.1g0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Comments

4.76 from 25 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Sugar Free Keto Margaritas

What makes the best keto margaritas?

Ingredients