How to Order a Low-Carb Margarita at a Bar? We thought bars were for enjoying a great deal of good Music, drinks, and the company of friends. While this might be alright for a certain age group where reckless drinking can be fun; however, there is a certain group that is rather ‘health-conscious’. For them, it is recommended that they understand that there is a specific ‘low Carb’ margarita when visiting the bar. But is it as simple as it sounds? Quite so, but there is a certain basic ‘know-how’ about how to do so at the bar. So, let’s dive immediately into how to order a low-carb margarita at a bar:
While the Low-Carb diet has grown quite popular in recent times due to the health benefits it offers, however, when it comes to Alcohol-based beverages, it can be quite confusing, often breaking your regular diet plan. To start with, you need to know that there are certain beverages, like Beer, that are high in Carbs, as it consists of Starch as a prime ingredient. Generally speaking, 12-ounce (355-ml) serving consists of 3–12 grams of carbs. Also, it has much to do with other factors like the regular and the light variety.
Likewise, the mixed drinks are also high in carbs, as they comprise various ingredients like Sugar, juices, and other Carbs mixed for added flavors.
Type of alcohol | Serving size | Carb content |
Regular beer | 12 oz (355 ml) can | 12 grams |
Margarita | 1 cup (240 ml) | 13 grams |
Bloody Mary | 1 cup (240 ml) | 10 grams |
Hard lemonade | 11-oz (325-ml) bottle | 34 grams |
Daiquiri | 6.8-oz (200 ml) can | 33 grams |
Whiskey sour | 3.5 fl oz (104 ml) | 14 grams |
Piña colada | 4.5 fl oz (133 ml) | 32 grams |
Tequila sunrise | 6.8-oz (200 ml) can | 24 grams |
Alcohol is a rich source of empty calories, meaning that it includes many calories without vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that your body requires. Hence, this only potentially contributes to nutritional deficiencies but may also be the main cause of weight gain over time.
Alcohol is the second most calorie-dense nutrient after fat — packing 7 calories per gram. Hence even a single serving of alcohol into your diet daily can add hundreds of extra calories while contributing no micronutrients. So, you see, you need to take care of what you order at the bar, as it is only going to increase your waistline.
The amount of calories in your margarita can differ widely according to how it is prepared and the kind of ingredients used. Below is the chart that summarizes the calorie counts you might expect based on the margarita you choose:
Homemade Margarita | Restaurant Margarita (Applebee’s) | Frozen Margarita | Lower Calorie Margarita | Strawberry Margarita | |
Serving Size | 4 oz | 1 drink | 4 oz | 4 oz | 4 oz |
Calories | 248 | 300 | 248 | 174 | 275 |
Total Carbohydrates | 15 g | 41 g | 15 g | 11.4 g | 21.5 g |
Total Sugar | 13 g | 31 g | 13 g | 8 g | 17 g |
Added Sugar | 12.5 g | 31 g | 12.5 g | 7.5 g | 12.5 g |
Ingredients | 1 oz (29.6 mL) Cointreau, 2 oz (59 mL) tequila, 1 oz (29.6 mL) fresh lime juice, poured over ice | Restaurants typically mix a premade, sweet-and-sour margarita mix with tequila. | 1 oz (29.6 mL) Cointreau, 2 oz (59 mL) tequila, 1 oz (29.6 mL) fresh lime juice, blended with ice | Tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and orange juice (optional). Ratios vary according to taste and preference. | 1 oz (29.6 mL) Cointreau, 2 oz (59 mL) tequila, 1 oz (29.6 mL) fresh lime juice, ½ cup sliced strawberries |
Crafting Your Keto Margarita: Tips and Techniques
One does not need to worry about occasionally indulging in a margarita. However, there are certain ways to make a healthier version if you wish.
First, it is recommended to make a margarita from scratch at home. This will ensure fewer calories and less sugar versus a premade mix.
Likewise, homemade margaritas are also healthier than restaurant margaritas, as the restaurant portions tend to be much larger. This also depends on the restaurant, as they may utilize a premade mix that is high in added sugars.
Reducing the amount of sugar in your margarita is yet another way to ensure a healthier version. For this, try replacing an ounce (29.6 mL) of orange liqueur with a teaspoon (5 mL) of light agave nectar and an ounce (29.6 mL) of orange juice. That totals about 5 grams of sugar.
Using light agave nectar or honey instead of orange liqueur is yet another option, and skipping the orange juice altogether. This saves another three grams of sugar.
Remember that agave nectar and honey have about the same number of calories and grams of sugar. If you want to skip the sugar altogether, you can replace the orange liqueur or agave with another sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Otherwise, you can make a fruit-flavored drink, like a strawberry margarita, using real strawberries to sweeten the drink. As you know, fruit is naturally sweet and comprises vitamins, minerals, and some fiber. Now, it is recommended to use fresh or frozen fruit and skip the agave and honey altogether.
Lastly, use less tequila than the standard two ounces (59 mL), as it will reduce the number of calories from alcohol and your subsequent alcohol intake.
Navigating the Bar Scene with Confidence
A keto or skinny margarita is one of the best options to order at the bar, as you will still get the delicious flavors without all the added calories. However, there is a slight trade-off, as most recipes include a higher proportion of tequila, making them more potent and making you drunk faster.
Here are some tips on how to order a keto margarita at the bar without appearing silly:
- As for tequila on the rocks, instead of a lime wedge, ask for an orange wedge if you prefer more sweetness. You can also ask the bartender for tequila reposado as it contains more sugar, so beware, instead of the traditional silver or blanco tequilas that are usually used in the regular recipe.
- You need to be specific and ask your bartender to use less or “light to none” agave or simple syrup when they mix your drink.
- Also, ask the bartender to replace the agave or simple syrup with an orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, or Cointreau. Remember, liqueurs can slightly elevate the sugar and carb content. However, you are avoiding the additional sugar from syrups.
- Also, instead of a liqueur, you can opt for orange extract; just make sure which brand your bartender is using to avoid the ‘hidden’ carbs.
- Tequila on the rocks with a shot of lime juice is yet another option. Just make sure to ask for an orange wedge to balance the sourness.
- Swap the Sprite or Sierra Mist for seltzer or sparkling mineral water to help keep the carb content low.An orange wedge can also add to the orange taste you so desire when ordering a keto margarita and add some sweetness to your drink.
Exploring the Keto Margarita
Julio Bermejo developed the ‘original’ skinny margarita at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, California.
This is how the drink was named after the restaurant and became known as Tommy’s Margarita. However, later Julio sweetened his version of the margarita by adding some agave syrup instead of orange liqueur, hence adding to a lighter calorific load in the drink.
Most die-hard margarita fans and bartenders will probably argue that the skinny margarita is not authentic. However, we honestly do not mind the option and like to check our calorie intake.
Skinny margaritas are a part of the cleaner and healthier food habits that swept through California around the turn of the previous millennium.
The main key to a great-tasting margarita is balance. For this, the Lime juice can be balanced out by a sweetening agent, and that’s what the orange liqueur offers in the original recipe or the agave syrup in the skinny version.
Bear in mind while agave might be marketed as ‘healthy,’ it is still a form of sugar. Hence remember to consume in basic moderation to avoid disturbing your keto-diet attempts.
Generally, a traditional skinny margarita served on the rocks will include between eight and fourteen grams of carbohydrates. The regular skinny recipe comprises tequila, lime or lemon juice, agave nectar, and Sprite or Sierra Mist to top it off.
Likewise, eliminating the agave nectar, sweeteners, or simple syrup can help reduce carbs to around six to ten grams. Also, the addition of a half ounce of simple syrup or orange liqueur will make sure to push the carbs back to about twelve to fourteen grams.
Some of the major advantages of the keto margarita for those on a low-carb journey are as below:
- Low-Carb Diets Reduce Your Appetite
- Low-Carb Diets Lead to More Weight Loss at First
- A Greater Proportion of Fat Loss Comes From Your Abdominal cavity.
- Triglycerides Tend to Drop Drastically
- Increased Levels of ‘Good’ HDL Cholesterol
How to Order a Low-Carb Margarita at a Bar?: Conclusion
What is a keto margarita? Well, now we know exactly what this is all about. Now, you know what to order at the bar when you are on a Keto diet. It is important to know what is in your drink when ordering one. While this is not exactly ‘Rocket Science’, this can easily be understood and put to practice. After all, it is a real downer when you have had a successful run with your Keto diet, but now just because you need to grab a few drinks at the bar, you do not want to put on the extra-Calories. Hence, knowing exactly what to ‘yell’ out to the bartender when you need a drink in the middle of the party. What has been your best party experience when you have been trying on the Low-carb Margarita at the bar? Share your experience with us.
How to Order a Low-Carb Margarita at a Bar? FAQ's
Question 1. How can I order a low-carb margarita at a bar without feeling awkward?
Answer: Ask for Skinny Margarita.
Question 2. What is the difference between a traditional margarita and a keto margarita?
Answer: A regular Margarita has more sugar from sweetened lime juice and orange liqueur. On the other hand, a Skinny Margarita utilizes natural sweeteners, fresh juice, and little to no orange liqueur to reduce the calorie count.
Question 3. Are there any specific variations of keto margaritas that I can try?
Answer: Some variations of Keto Margaritas that you can opt for are:
- Mexican Mule.
- Tequila Sunrise.
- Naked and Famous.
- Tequila Old Fashioned
Question 4. What makes a margarita “low carb”?
Answer: Margarita made using tequila is zero carb, and the lime juice makes them low carb.
Question 5. Can I request a specific type of tequila or other spirits for a low-carb margarita?
Answer: To keep your carb content minimal, opt for zero-carb or low-carb mixers like sugar-free tonic water, club soda or carbonated water, or certain powdered flavor packets. You can order a shot of tequila with a side lime wedge to keep your calories and carbs to a minimum.
Question 6. How can I replace sugary mixers and syrups in my margarita order?
Answer: Replace any sugary mixer with seltzer is a wonderful way to slim down a mixed drink and remove excessive extra sugar.
Question 7. Are there any specific keywords or phrases to use when ordering a low-carb margarita?
Answer: Skinny Margarita.
Question 8. Can I customize the salt rim and garnishes to align with a low-carb preference?
Answer: You can use Kosher Salt as it is not coarse enough and will not dissolve easily.
Question 9. Are low-carb margaritas typically more expensive than traditional ones?
Answer: Yes.