Skinnygirl Margarita is a pre-made, ready-to-serve margarita cocktail made by Skinnygirl Cocktails. The Skinnygirl brand was created by Bethenny Frankel, who rose to fame on The Real Housewives of New York City. Frankel wanted to create low-calorie cocktails made with natural ingredients that women could feel good about drinking. Skinnygirl Margaritas first launched in 2011 and quickly became popular for their convenience and lighter calorie content compared to traditional margaritas.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in Skinnygirl Margarita are:
- Tequila – Made from the blue agave plant, tequila is the key ingredient that makes a margarita a margarita.
- Triple sec – An orange liqueur that adds sweetness.
- Lime juice – Adds tartness and that classic margarita flavor.
- Natural flavors – Likely a blend of citrus, fruit, and sugar.
- Preservatives – Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate help extend shelf life.
- Purified water – Thins out the margarita to reduce calories.
- Sucralose – An artificial sweetener that adds sweetness without added calories.
- Yellow 5 – A food coloring agent that gives the margarita its bright yellow hue.
The exact ratios of the ingredients are not disclosed, but we know that tequila is the primary spirit. Skinnygirl does not contain any added sugars or corn syrup like some margarita mixes do. It relies on sucralose and natural flavors to provide sweetness instead.
Nutrition Information
Here are the nutrition facts for a 5oz serving of Skinnygirl Margarita:
| Serving Size | 5 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
As you can see, a serving of Skinnygirl Margarita contains only 100 calories and 0g of sugar. This is significantly less than a traditional margarita which can clock in between 200-300 calories per serving. Skinnygirl achieves this calorie reduction by avoiding high-calorie ingredients like sugary margarita mixes, sweet and sour mix, and heavy cream.
Preparation
One of the benefits of Skinnygirl Margarita is how quick and easy it is to prepare. There’s no messy mixing or juicing required. To make a Skinnygirl Margarita, simply:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour 5oz (or other desired amount) of Skinnygirl Margarita mix over ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
And that’s it – you have a restaurant-quality margarita in seconds! The lime juice is already mixed in so there is no need to add additional fresh lime. You can adjust the strength of the margarita by adding more or less mix.
For a frozen version, blend 5oz of mix with 1 cup of ice in a blender. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a lime if desired.
Taste
So how does Skinnygirl Margarita taste? Here are some tasting notes:
- Crisp, tart lime flavor upfront.
- Mild tequila flavor without harsh burn of some margaritas.
- Pleasant sweetness, but not overly sugary.
- Smooth, easy drinking texture.
- Well balanced flavor – no single flavor dominates.
- Has a fresh, citrusy aroma.
- Finishes clean without heavy aftertaste.
Overall, Skinnygirl Margarita has a light, refreshing taste that’s less syrupy sweet than many commercial margarita mixes. The lime flavor really shines through beautifully. It’s a nicely balanced margarita that isn’t too boozy tasting but still offers a hint of tequila flavor. The sweetness level is just right for pleasing most palates without overdoing it on the artificial sweeteners. It goes down very smoothly without any harsh alcohol bite.
How it Compares to Fresh Margaritas
Of course, there are some tradeoffs when choosing a ready-made cocktail instead of using freshly squeezed ingredients. Here’s how Skinnygirl Margaritas compare to a margarita made with fresh lime juice:
| Characteristic | Skinnygirl | Fresh |
|---|---|---|
| Tartness | Mild | Bright, punchy |
| Sweetness | Medium | Variable depending on recipe |
| Texture | Thin, smooth | Silky, pulpy |
| Flavor intensity | Medium | Strong |
| Convenience | Very convenient | Time consuming prep |
As you can see, the fresh version has bolder, more vivid flavor while the Skinnygirl has a more subtle, muted flavor profile. But what you lose in flavor intensity you gain in convenience. Ultimately it comes down to personal priorities and situation as to which option is preferable.
Where to Buy
Skinnygirl Margarita is sold in a 750mL glass bottle as well as smaller 200mL single-serve bottles. It’s available for purchase at most major retailers that sell liquor and cocktails, including:
- Liquor stores
- Grocery stores
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club
- Convenience stores
- Drug stores
- Online retailers like Drizly and Minibar Delivery
Skinnygirl Margaritas typically retail between $5-10 per 750mL bottle depending on location. The single-serve 200mL bottles are around $2-3 each. You can often find them sold in multi-packs for added value.
Skinnygirl also makes other cocktails like sangria, mojito, pina colada, and white peach margarita. You may be able to find a variety pack to sample multiple flavors. Be sure to check your local retailers and take advantage of any coupons or promotionals.
Tips for Serving
To take your Skinnygirl Margaritas to the next level, here are some serving tips:
Glassware
Serve in traditional margarita glasses, either on the rocks or straight up. For frozen margaritas, use a hurricane or margarita glass. Salt or sugar the rim if desired.
Garnishes
Garnish with lime or lemon wedges or wheels. Other fun garnishes include orange slices, olives, jalapeños, or fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries.
Additions
For an extra flavor boost, you can add a splash of 100% agave tequila or orange liqueur like Cointreau. For spicy margaritas, add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder.
Enhancers
Consider flavored syrups, fruit purees, or fresh herbs to customize your margarita. Great add-ins include strawberry or mango puree, hibiscus syrup, basil, cilantro, or rosemary.
Ice
Always fill the glass generously with ice to achieve proper dilution and chilling. Use fresh ice rather than old melting cubes.
Blending
For thick, icy blended margaritas, blend with 1 cup ice per 5oz of mix until smooth and frothy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skinnygirl Margarita gluten-free?
Yes, Skinnygirl Margarita is certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
Does Skinnygirl Margarita have preservatives?
Yes, it contains potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate as preservatives to extend shelf life.
Is sucralose bad for you?
There is some controversy around sucralose. While the FDA has approved it as safe for consumption in moderation, some health advocates argue against consuming artificial sweeteners like sucralose. The choice comes down to personal dietary preferences.
Does Skinnygirl Margarita contain alcohol?
Yes, the primary alcohol is tequila which gives it the classic margarita flavor.
What is the alcohol content of Skinnygirl Margarita?
It contains 13.9% alcohol by volume, which is standard for a ready-to-drink margarita cocktail.
Does Skinnygirl Margarita need to be refrigerated?
Yes, for best quality it should be stored in the refrigerator after opening. Unopened bottles can be stored at room temperature.
How long is Skinnygirl Margarita good for after opening?
It will maintain peak quality for about 3-4 weeks after opening when properly refrigerated.
Is there caffeine in Skinnygirl Margarita?
No, Skinnygirl Margarita does not contain any caffeine.
Is Skinnygirl Margarita vegan?
No, Skinnygirl Margarita is not considered vegan because carmine color is used. However, the product is dairy-free.
Conclusion
Skinnygirl Margarita is a pre-mixed, convenient alternative to making margaritas from scratch. It provides a lighter, cleaner take on the classic cocktail thanks to its reduced sugar and calorie content. The ingredients are relatively simple and natural compared to syrupy bottled mixes. While fresh margaritas have bolder flavor, Skinnygirl offers solid flavor in a portable RTD package. With so many flavor options now available, it’s easy to find a few Skinnygirl varieties to satisfy any margarita craving.