Skinny Spicy Margarita
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Kick up your margarita this summer with this easy Skinny Spicy Margarita made with tequila, freshly squeezed lime and orange juicy and jalapeno pepper to spice it up. It’s naturally sweetened with honey! It’s a classic margarita that’s lightened up and turned a little bit sassy.
This is the best drink on when it’s hot – it’s so refreshing and has that nice kick of spicy heat! If you love margaritas, you will love this skinny margarita made with fresh citrus. Serve it with some chips and salsa for a fun happy hour on the deck.

What is a Skinny Margarita?
It’s just like a regular margarita with tequila but made with less sugar. Instead of using triple sec, this skinny marg has fresh orange juice and lime plus a touch of honey for sweetness. It’s definitely lightened up!
But that doesn’t meet it’s lightened up on the tequila – it’s just as potent as a classic margarita, so keep that in mind.
This is a skinny jalapeno margarita which is a delicious lightened up twist on my classic spicy margarita. The flavors all work great together for a refreshing cold cocktail you will love.

Ingredients for Skinny Margarita Recipe
- Crushed ice – If you don’t have crushed ice, crush whole ice cubes in a blender.
- Silver tequila – This type of tequila has a crisp, clean flavor.
- Lime juice – Fresh limes are best! I use about six to seven fresh limes which is enough for the drink and for garnishing.
- Orange juice – Use fresh squeezed and skip the carton orange juice.
- Jalapeno pepper – Remove the seeds and slice it into thin rings.
- Honey – Or you can use the same amount of agave nectar.
- Tajin – This is a Mexican seasoning made with salt, peppers, and lime. It’s great for garnishing the rim of the glasses! You can also use salt for garnish, if you prefer.
Prep tip: Roll the oranges and limes on your cutting board before slicing and squeezing them. This will release the juice so it’s easier to extract!
Products Needed
- Margarita glasses or Short Ball Glasses
- Shallow plate
- Jigger
- Cocktail shaker





How to Make Skinny Jalapeno Margaritas
Salt: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Dip the rim of the glasses in the tajin (or salt, if using).
Shake: Combine crushed ice, tequila, lime, orange juice, sliced jalapenos, and honey in a cocktail shaker. Secure the lid and shake it to mix the drink.
Garnish: Pour the margaritas over ice in the glasses. Garnish the rims with lime slices, orange slice, and sliced jalapenos.
Can you make it without jalapeno?
Yes, if you prefer it not spicy just omit the jalapeno and make skinny margaritas!
Can you make a big batch for a party?
Yes, you can double, triple or quadruple this skinny spicy margarita recipe for a crowd! Before your guests arrive (like an hour or so ahead) mix the tequila, lime juice, and orange juice in a pitcher. Refrigerate it until you are ready to serve the drinks.
You can season the glass rims ahead of time and then once your guests arrive, add the sliced jalapenos to the pitcher. Stir well and then pour the drinks into the glasses.
You can add the jalapenos sooner to the mixture in the pitcher, but the longer the peppers sit in the drink the more your drinks will taste like jalapenos (and be spicier!). So, I like to wait until just before serving to add the peppers.

Variations
- Want an even more refreshing drink? Top each skinny margarita off with some lime-flavored sparkling water or plain soda water.
- Other add-ins: You can add other fresh fruit to put a spin on your jalapeno margarita. Fresh peaches, strawberries, watermelon, berries, mango, and cucumbers will all work in this drink. Muddle your fruit in a bowl first and then add them to the shaker with the rest of the ingredients.
- Other garnishes: Try adding fresh herbs as garnish like cilantro, basil, or fresh mint!
I’ll be sipping on these skinny spicy margaritas all summer long! Won’t you join me? If you love a sassy, spicy cocktail you will love these lightened-up jalapeno margaritas.
More Drinks You’ll Love
- If you love lime and mint you need to try a Mojito! Or, try my fruity spins on that drink and make Strawberry Mojitos or Blackberry Mojitos!
- A Paloma is another Mexican drink that’s so refreshing!
- A really easy summer drink is a Tom Collins – it’s a combo of gin and lemon with a touch of sugar for sweetness. It’s finished with club soda for a fizzy finish.
- Want another tasty drink without all the calories? Check out this Skinny Margarita.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

Skinny Jalapeno Margarita
Ingredients
- ½ cup crushed ice
- 4 ounces silver tequila (½ cup)
- ½ cup fresh-squeezed lime juice about 4 limes + more for garnish
- ¼ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice about 1 orange
- ½ large green jalapeno pepper de-seeded and sliced into thin rings + more for garnish
- 3 Tablespoons honey more or less depending on your preference
- Tajin for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Sprinkle Tajin into a shallow plate, making sure it’s wide enough to fit the diameter of your margarita glass.
- Take a lime wedge and rub the rim of each glass.
- Dip the rim of the glass into the Tajin, moving in a circular motion to stick the Tajin to the rim.
- Pour crushed ice into each glass and set aside until ready to serve.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ½ cup crushed ice, tequila, lime juice, orange juice, jalapeno slices, and honey. Close the shaker and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds.
- Strain the margarita into each glass. Garnish with limes, orange slices, and jalapeno slices. Enjoy!
Tips
- Want an even more refreshing drink? Top each skinny margarita off with some lime-flavored sparkling water or plain soda water.
- Other add-ins: You can add other fresh fruit to put a spin on your jalapeno margarita. Fresh peaches, strawberries, watermelon, berries, mango, and cucumbers will all work in this drink. Muddle your fruit in a bowl first and then add them to the shaker with the rest of the ingredients.
- Other garnishes: Try adding fresh herbs as garnish like cilantro, basil, or fresh mint!
Leave a Comment