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.
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!
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!
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.
How to make sugar free margaritas
On the rocks:
- Squeeze the limes: You want about 2 ounces or 1/4 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use any sweetener you like here! I do recommend using something that dissolves well, so powdered and liquid sweeteners work best.
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.
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.
This one from Native Vanilla works well!
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.
More refreshing Keto Cocktail Recipes
- Sugar-Free Blueberry Mojitos
- Keto Coffee Liqueur
- Keto French 75
- Rhubarb Fizz Cocktail
- Keto Eggnog
- Cranberry Mimosas
- Keto Irish Cream
Keto Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces (85.05 g) good tequila, white
- 1/4 cup (60.5 g) freshly squeezed lime juice, (2 ounces)
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) orange extract
- 1 tbsp powdered Swerve Sweetener, optional
- Crushed ice
- Kosher salt for rimming, optional
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
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Tequila is my go-to for an occasional cocktail and I love your margarita recipe.
I use 1 drop of wild orange essential oil and love the flavor it adds.
This recipe is outstanding!!! The orange extract is an excellent substitute !! Did not think it would work but it did!!
What a great idea for the hot weather approaching. Thanks for the reminder. I even have everything I need!
I make my own margarita mix with six individual size packages of crystal lite lemonade mix, 2 cups of lemon juice, and the balance of a two liter bottle filled with water. Keep that in the frig for use as needed.
This was sooo much better than I was expecting! Thanks Carolyn!
Finally collected all of the right ingredients and oh do they make a difference. This tasted amazing!!!! This just might be my new summer go-to cocktail! Thank you, Carolyn!
Was not sure of this recipe, but glad I gave it a try, fabulous and will continue making them this way forever!!! Yum
Thank you for this margarita recipe
Ok. I’m going to get in trouble with these. Spot on! So strong (is there any other way to have a margarita?), easy and quick, and tastes better than anything in a restaurant. I think your recommendation of using a REALLY good tequila is key.
Also do you think the carb count is strictly the lime juice? Just planning for when I may want more than 1 or 2 or 3… 🙂
Love all of your recipes Carolyn!!! Don’t know why it took me so long to try these!
These are the best!
I never knew why I got an upset stomach and headaches from beloved margaritas. I thought it was the tequila. But no, it’s the sugar (high fructose corn syrup) and acidic acid in the premixes! Yuck!
We love all your recipes for my specialized diet (due to health reasons)
I can use most of your recipes as is or with slight modifications.
Your site is my #1 go to for recipes. Thank you!
Ah, interesting. I bet a lot of people have that issue!
a bit strong. BUT.. the more I drank. hahaha
???????????? right there with you…oh boy..these are strong. The limes on my lime tree are extra tart too. We can get used to anything ????????
Easy was to have great Margarita that is sugar free! My husband and I really enjoy your recipe.
We make your virgin margarita & think it’s super tasty & bubbly! I know it’s not the same, but can tell this is the ultimate party drink!
Made these this past weekend and everyone loved them! Great taste and loved the added flavor from the orange extract. Will definitely make again!
So glad to hear it!