Keto-Friendly Margarita

Looking for your next delicious mixed drink? This is a wonderfully refreshing keto-friendly margarita perfect for any occasion!

WHAT IS A MARGARITA?

A traditional margarita is a cocktail consisting of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice often served with salt on the rim of the glass. The drink is served shaken with ice (on the rocks), blended with ice (frozen margarita), or without ice (straight up).

The drink is traditionally served in the eponymous margarita glass, a variant of a cocktail glass. However, margaritas are served in just about any glass available.

Many margaritas served in the United States today come from a pre-made mix or powder. This is especially true for large venues that may serve the drink such as concert venues and sports arenas.

Normally, these mixes are chock full of sugar, making them unacceptable for anyone pursuing a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle. The good news is, this recipe cuts out all of the sugar and added ingredients!

KETO-FRIENDLY MARGARITA INGREDIENTS

Before you try to make this keto-friendly margarita, you’ll need to make sure you have the following ingredients on hand.

• 3 oz white tequila
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 1/2 medium Key limes
• 1 tbsp powdered erythritol
• 3/4 cup crushed ice​
• kosher salt for rim (optional)

After you have these, you’re set and ready to go!

HOW TO MAKE A KETO-FRIENDLY MARGARITA

Begin by juicing your limes. In a cocktail shaker or other closed-lid container, combine tequila, crushed ice, lime juice, vodka, and powdered erythritol.

Shake well.

Divide mixture evenly between two glasses. If you want a salted rim, run a wedge of lime around the outside of the glass before filling, and dip in a plate of kosher salt.

Sit back, relax, and drink up!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN KETO AND KETO-FRIENDLY?

There is often some confusion as to the difference in the term “keto” versus “keto-friendly.” While the two terms are often used interchangeably by those on keto, they actually mean two different things.

KETO DEFINITION

Used alone, keto (or ketogenic) references a food, recipe, or way of eating that is high in fat, has a moderate amount of protein, and a low (usually five or less) amount of carbs.

Common keto foods/ingredients are heavy cream, butter, avocado, and almond flour. These follow the high fat, low-carb equation mentioned above.

Generally, those eating a keto diet aim for 20g (sometimes 30g) of carbohydrates or less daily. However, they try to make 70% of their calories come from fat.

KETO-FRIENDLY DEFINITION

Keto-friendly, on the other hand, is a food or ingredient that is able to be consumed while on the keto diet. These foods/ingredients are very low in carbohydrates (3g or less) and generally have little to no fat or protein.

Some common keto-friendly products include Zevia, monk fruit sweetener, and unsweetened almond milk.

Just because an ingredient is keto-friendly, that doesn’t make it “truly keto.” It just means it is safe to eat because the carb count is low enough.

CAN I BLEND THIS KETO-FRIENDLY MARGARITA?

You sure can! The recipe calls for mixing the margarita ingredients with crushed ice. However, you can easily blend the ingredients together instead to make a frozen margarita. Easy and simple!

WHAT SHOULD I DRINK A MARGARITA WITH?

Keto-friendly margaritas are a great mixed drink to add to any meal. They lend themselves to more Mexican-inspired dishes but can pair well with just about anything.

Here are a few recipe ideas for you to get you started

• Keto Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms
• Keto Jalapeno Popper Baked Chicken Spaghetti
• Keto Bacon Wrapped Scallops
• Keto Mississippi Roast
• Keto Avocado Chicken Posole

For more ideas, you can check out our recipe index.

TOOLS TO MAKE A KETO-FRIENDLY MARGARITA

Click on the links to see the items used in making this recipe. You can also find these products linked in the recipe below.

• Cocktail Shaker – If you’re a fan of mixed drinks, chances are you already have a cocktail shaker. Shakers are used by drink professionals and amateurs alike and would make a great addition to your kitchen arsenal. The shaker gives you a great vessel to shake the mixture in to get everything nice and combined, all while being easy to pour into your serving glass.

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