Margaritas are a popular cocktail typically made with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Skinnygirl margaritas are a lower calorie, pre-made version marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional margaritas. But are they really better for you?
Nutrition Facts
First, let’s look at the nutrition facts for Skinnygirl margaritas compared to a traditional margarita:
| Nutrition Facts | Skinnygirl Margarita (8 oz) | Traditional Margarita (8 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | 168 |
| Carbs | 2g | 14g |
| Sugar | 0g | 10g |
| Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
| Alcohol | 12% ABV | 12% ABV |
As you can see, Skinnygirl margaritas are significantly lower in calories, carbs, and sugar compared to a traditional margarita made with orange liqueur and lime juice. They have about 100 calories per 8 oz serving compared to 168 calories for a regular margarita.
Ingredients
What makes Skinnygirl margaritas lower in calories? Let’s look at the ingredients:
Skinnygirl Margarita Ingredients:
- Tequila
- Purified water
- Natural flavors
- Sucralose (artificial sweetener)
- Potassium sorbate (preservative)
- Sodium benzoate (preservative)
- Acesulfame potassium (artificial sweetener)
- Yellow 5 (food coloring)
Traditional Margarita Ingredients:
- Tequila
- Orange liqueur (triple sec)
- Fresh lime juice
- Simple syrup
- Salt
The main differences are that Skinnygirl contains artificial sweeteners instead of sugar, no orange liqueur, and natural flavors instead of real juice. This explains why it’s so much lower in calories and carbs. However, the tradeoff is that it relies on artificial ingredients for flavor.
Alcohol Content
Skinnygirl and traditional margaritas typically have similar alcohol content, around 12% ABV (alcohol by volume). Some brands may vary between 10-15% ABV.
So Skinnygirl margaritas will have very similar effects to regular margaritas in terms of intoxication. The calorie and carb differences mainly come from the other ingredients, not the tequila itself.
Taste
Of course, an important factor is the taste! Here is how Skinnygirl margaritas compare flavor-wise:
- Don’t have fresh, crisp lime flavor – more artificial tasting
- Lack depth of flavor from Cointreau or triple sec liqueur
- Sweetness comes from artificial sweeteners, which some dislike
- Watery, thinner texture than fresh margaritas
- On the positive side, some enjoy the lighter, fruitier taste
Many people feel Skinnygirl margaritas don’t taste as good as a traditional margarita made with fresh ingredients. They often taste more artificial due to the lack of real lime juice and reliance on “natural flavors.” However, some people enjoy the lighter, sweeter, fruitier flavor profile.
Flavors
Skinnygirl makes a few different flavor varieties of their margarita mix:
- Classic Margarita – Their standard “skinny” margarita recipe
- Strawberry Margarita – Strawberry flavored version
- Peach Margarita – With peach flavor
- Mango Margarita – Mango flavored margarita
- Pineapple Margarita – Pineapple flavored
The flavored versions contain additional natural flavors and coloring to achieve each fruit flavor. But the base is still a lower calorie margarita mix using artificial sweeteners.
Margarita Alternatives
If you want a margarita with fresh lime flavor but fewer calories, here are some alternatives:
Skinny Margarita
Make a “skinny” margarita using real lime juice and orange liqueur but less sugar syrup. This cuts calories but keeps fresh ingredients.
Margarita on the Rocks
A margarita on the rocks uses less orange liqueur and syrup than blended frozen margaritas, reducing calories and sugar.
Margarita Spritzer
Add soda water to a margarita to dilute it and cut calories. The result is a lighter, fizzier margarita cocktail.
Tequila Soda Lime
Muddle lime wedges with tequila and soda water for a simple lower cal “margarita” without added sugars.
Skinnygirl Mojito
Try other Skinnygirl low cal cocktails like their mojito made with rum, lime, mint and stevia instead of sugar.
Nutritional Pros
What are the nutritional advantages of Skinnygirl margaritas? Here are some of the health benefits they tout:
- Much lower in calories and sugar than traditional margaritas
- Only 100 calories per serving compared to over 150 for standard margaritas
- Zero grams of sugar due to artificial sweeteners
- Lower carb at only 2g net carbs per serving
- No fat
- Gluten-free
- No high fructose corn syrup
For people watching their weight or managing diabetes, the carb and calorie difference can be significant. The artificial sweeteners remove grams of sugar found in regular margaritas made with syrups.
Nutritional Cons
However, there are some nutritional downsides to consider as well:
- Highly processed food product with artificial ingredients
- Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium are controversial
- Lacks real lime juice, a source of vitamin C
- No nutritional benefits from real orange liqueur made with citrus
- Preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate
- Artificial “natural flavors” instead of real juice
While lower in calories and sugar, highly processed diet foods like Skinnygirl margarita mix often use chemical additives to replace real ingredients. Some people avoid artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Verdict
So, is Skinnygirl margarita actually healthy? Here’s the final verdict:
Pros:
- Significantly fewer calories and carbs than full-sugar margaritas
- Lower sugar good for weight loss or diabetes diets
- Convenient pre-mixed cocktail
- Various flavors available
Cons:
- Lacks fresh lime juice and orange liqueur flavors
- Artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors
- Highly processed convenience product
- Not a whole food product
While Skinnygirl margaritas are lower in calories and sugar, they lack real juice and rely on artificial ingredients. A skinny margarita with less sugar or margarita on the rocks may be a fresher option. But the pre-mixed Skinnygirl version offers a convenient lower calorie cocktail alternative.
The Bottom Line
Skinnygirl margaritas are significantly lower in calories, carbs, and sugar compared to traditional margaritas. However, they use artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors and cheap spirits to achieve this “skinny” nutrition profile. Many find they lack the fresh lime and orange flavor of a margarita made with quality ingredients. But they provide a lower calorie, mass-produced cocktail option.
Drinking a Skinnygirl margarita is certainly better for your waistline than a heavy restaurant-style blended margarita. But real fruit juices and liqueurs provide more overall nutrition. Ultimately, moderation and balance are key – Skinnygirl margaritas can be an occasional lower calorie cocktail option when you want to watch your sugar and carb intake.