Orange, lemon, lime, and a dash of chili powder give these Skinny Spicy Citrus Margaritas a unique flavor that’s sure to be a hit at happy hour. The spicy chili lime salted rim gives this fun twist on a classic cocktail the signature look it deserves!
While one could argue that margaritas are a great choice in any season, warm spring and summer nights are made for margs. Sitting outside with friends at night and sipping on margaritas is a favorite pastime during warm weather nights, but as a registered dietitian, I am also mindful of the amount of added sugar found in many margarita mixes.
For this reason, I created my own healthier version of classic margarita mixes that does not skimp on flavor. This Skinny Spicy Citrus Margarita contains freshly-squeezed orange and lime juices, light tequila, triple sec, and a spicy salted lime rim for maximum flavor…without the added sugar.
Enjoy happy hour with this skinny cocktail!
While it may be easier to mix tequila, triple sec, and premade margarita mix together and call it a day, the high sugar amounts of mixes are sure to bring on the headaches and sluggish feelings. I prefer to use fresh lime juice as a base and a small amount of orange juice to cut the tangy and tart taste. The combination of these juices provides a smooth and refreshing mixer with only naturally occurring sugar.
To make Spicy Citrus Margaritas, mix together 1.5 ounces of tequila with one ounce of triple sec. Add 1.5 ounces of lime juice, 1 ounce of fresh orange juice, and shake well. Pour over ice in a glass with a rim salted with kosher salt, lime zest, and chili powder. Spicy, tangy, and refreshing!
Loving this Spicy Citrus Margarita recipe? Try another of my favorite cocktails, like this Boozy Blackberry Lemonade or my Homemade Bloody Mary Mix with fresh seasonal tomatoes.
Cocktails shouldn’t be guilt-inducing. Use fresh seasonal produce and ditch the sugar to imbibe on the healthier side!
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz light tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 lime slice
- 1 orange slice
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- In a cocktail mixer, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and orange juice. Shake well and pour over ice in a glass with a salted rim.
- Spicy salted rim: mix together salt, lime zest, and chili powder in small bowl and then pour onto a plate. Wet the rim of the glass with a lime or orange and press wet rim down on salt mixture.
Notes
Home Chef Tip: Margarita can be made up to three days ahead of time and chilled until outdoor picnic or party.

We hope you love these Spicy Citrus Margaritas from SoFabFood Home Chef, Kristina from Fork in the Road, as much as we do. If you enjoyed this skinny cocktail, be sure to stop by our Cocktail Section to find more like it. For daily recipe inspiration, like us on Facebook and follow us on Pinterest. Enjoy!
Disclosure: Message intended for our readers 21+ only. Please drink responsibly!
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