Skinny Grapefruit Margarita Recipe

4.6 from 5 votes
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Skinny Grapefruit Margarita Recipe adds sweet and sassy flavors to the classic cocktail, with bursts of lemon, grapefruit, and lime. Made it with flavored seltzer and sweetened with just a bit of honey or agave, this is a refreshing and light cocktail with less than 200 calories. These citrus-loaded margaritas are perfect whether you make individual servings or pour everything together in a pitcher for a party.

I have to say, if there is one cocktail that is universally liked by all, it is the margarita. That classic combination of lime and tequila is always a hit at any fiesta. And it’s actually the drink of choice for my husband when he wants a cocktail to wind down after a long day.

Now, when it comes to margs, it pays to have some homemade margarita mix on hand if you’re going to be imbibing frequently. It’s a simple concoction of sugar, water, lime juice, and orange juice, heated and mixed until the sugar is dissolved.

It saves time in the long run and tastes better than the bottled stuff you’ll grab at the liquor store. Plus it has way less sugar, none of that high fructose corn syrup, and no neon green food coloring, a few things we can all use a little less of without sacrificing our favorite drink to go along with our tacos and nachos. Heck, I’d drink one with BBQ Chicken Tostadas too, especially if you add some Mango Avocado Salsa on top.

And if you like the tartness of a margarita recipe and maybe want to cut down on the sugar just a bit, then these citrus-loaded Skinny Grapefruit Margaritas are for you.

Light Grapefruit Margarita in a pitcher filling a glass with this cocktail recipe

Skinny Grapefruit Margaritas

Save the calories for the tacos when you make these skinny margaritas with refreshing citrus flavors. Grapefruit, lemon, and lime come together with tequila in a tart and tangy cocktail that’s bubbly and not too sweet. Whether you make grapefruit margaritas in individual glasses or one big pitcher for a crowd, it’s sure to be a fiesta when you party with these drinks. You’ll love this sassy and sweetly sour margarita worthy of any celebration!

Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full quantities and details.
But don’t skip my PRO TIPS below!

What You’ll Need

  • Limes
  • Lemon
  • Grapefruit
  • Honey – can also use agave nectar or simple syrup
  • Tequila
  •  Lemon-lime seltzer water
  • Grapefruit seltzer water

This handheld citrus juicer is a great affordable and small option to keep in your kitchen. I use mine regularly. However, if you are going to be making large batches of cocktails or citrus juice, and want the easiest, most effective tool, this Gourmia Large Citrus Juicer is the way to go. I own it and love it.

Directions

For individual cocktails:

  1. In a measuring cup or cocktail shaker, combine lime juice, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, honey, and tequila.
  2. Shake or stir well until fully combined, then divide between the glasses.
  3. Fill the glasses with ice, then top with lemon-lime and grapefruit seltzer.

For big batch margaritas in a pitcher:

  1. Combine lime juice, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, honey, and tequila in the pitcher. Stir until fully combined
  2. Top with lemon-lime and grapefruit seltzer.
  3. Serve in sugar-rimmed glasses over ice.
Low Calorie Grapefruit Margarita in a jar with coarse sugar on the rim

Brianne’s pro recipe tips

  • This recipe calls for flavored seltzer water, but you can also use lemon and grapefruit soda, such as those by San Pellegrino. You will likely not need the additional honey or another sweetener.
  • If using seltzer, you can sweeten with honey, as per this recipe, or use agave nectar or simple syrup. It calls for 1/4 cup but you can adjust to taste. This amount gives the perfect tart, bright flavor. Anything more would have been too cloying, but anything less will give you a super acidic citrus drink that is less than pleasant.
  • For the freshest flavors, squeezing your own lime, lemon, and grapefruit juice is recommended.
  • While many people like a salted rim, for this recipe, try using You can also use some sparkling sugar or regular granulated sugar for rimming the glasses.
  • To rim your glass, place sugar on a plate. Run a wet finger along the rim of the glasses or rub with a lime wedge, then turn them upside down on the plate and twist them into the sugar, coating them. Set aside until ready to use.
A pitcher of skinny grapefruit margaritas

FAQs

Are margaritas gluten free?

Gluten Free Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. This information is solely based on my research and personal experience, and I provide it as a courtesy to my readers. Please consult your doctor or medical professional for any questions as it relates to your needs, particularly if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy or intolerance. Products, manufacturing facilities, and ingredients change frequently, so you should always contact the manufacturer for the latest information. 

Since all of the other ingredients are gluten free, it comes down to the tequila. Made the traditional way from the blue agave plant, tequila is naturally gluten free. However, some cheaper brands known as “mixto” may get their sugars from other sources, so while it isn’t likely they contain gluten, it is possible. Be sure to look for labels that say “100% agave”. If it says “mixto” or just “tequila”, then you must assume it is “mixto” and there is the possibility of getting glutened.

Can you make keto margaritas?

While the citrus juices contribute some carbs, most comes from the honey. So try swapping that out with a keto simple syrup.

How do you serve margaritas?

  • Grab some mason jars or margarita glasses and pour individual cocktails.
  • Mix the entire batch in a pitcher or beverage dispenser jar and let everyone serve themselves.
  • Traditional margaritas are served with salt on the rim, but I recommend sugar for this recipe for just a hint of extra sweetness. You can use any granulated sugar, but sparkling sugar works the best and has the prettiest appearance.
  • Before pouring, rub the rim of your glasses with a wet finger or a lime wedge and roll the rim in a small bowl of sugar, or purchase a rimmer dish to make it easier.
Filling a glass from a pitcher of Skinny Grapefruit Margaritas

What do you eat with skinny margaritas?

Any of your favorite Easy Gluten-Free Cinco de Mayo Food would be even better when you pour yourself a Skinny Grapefruit Margarita. And they are also refreshing for a summer barbecue. But I’d definitely recommend mixing some up when you have any of these dishes for dinner:

A pair of Skinny Grapefruit Margaritas

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More cocktails you’ll love

Skinny Grapefruit Margarita Recipe

A pair of Skinny Grapefruit Margaritas with lemon and lime wedges.
4.6 from 5 votes

Skinny Grapefruit Margarita Recipe

Grapefruit Margaritas can be made in glasses or in a pitcher – either way they're perfect for a party! Made with fresh lime, lemon, and grapefruit juice, seltzer, and a bit of honey or agave, these skinny cocktails have less than 200 calories each.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • sparkling sugar or regular granulated sugar for rimming the glasses
  • 2 limes (you'll need the juice of two limes)
  • 1/2 lemon (you'll need the juice of half a lemon)
  • 1 grapefruit (you'll need the juice of a grapefruit)
  • 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar or simple syrup (or adjust to taste)
  • 4 shots tequila
  • 3 cups Lemon-lime seltzer water (or 2 cans)
  • 3 cups Grapefruit seltzer water (or 2 cans)

Instructions

  • Place sugar on a plate. Run a wet finger along the rim of the glasses or rub with a lime wedge, then turn them upside down on the plate and twist them into the sugar, coating them. Set aside until ready to use.
  • If making four individual drinks, in a measuring cup or cocktail shaker, combine lime juice, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, honey and tequila. Shake or stir well until fully combined, then divide between the glasses. Fill the glasses with ice, then top with lemon-lime and grapefruit seltzer (about 3/4 cup or a half a can of each type per glass).
  • If making in a pitcher, combine lime juice, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, honey and tequila in the pitcher. Stir until fully combined, then top with lemon-lime and grapefruit seltzer. Serve in sugar-rimmed glasses over ice.
Nutrition Facts
Skinny Grapefruit Margarita Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 drink)
Calories 195
% Daily Value*
Sodium 151mg6%
Potassium 106mg3%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Sugar 24g27%
Vitamin C 18.2mg22%
Calcium 40mg4%
Iron 0.3mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Enjoy!

Some earlier photos of these Citrus-Loaded Margaritas originally posted on Apr 23, 2015 by Kim, formerly of the Feed Me, Seymour blog.

Citrus Loaded Margaritas in mason jars
Two glasses of this citrus loaded margarita recipe

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6 Comments
  1. BBQ CHICKEN TOSTADAS - Resouri

    […] adults can sip on a Skinny Grapefruit Margarita and maybe the kids would enjoy Mango Lava Flow Smoothies. BBQ Chicken Tostadas Prep Time […]

  2. 5 stars
    Great recipe! I will definitely try to cook such Margarita.
    It remains only to wait for my parents to take our children to themselves on the weekend. And my husband and I will be able to enjoy Margarita and talk about all sorts of topics 🙂

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