So you’re making margaritas? Agave nectar for margaritas allows you to create a lighter, lower-calorie drink.
Light agave nectar, or agave syrup, is a natural sweetener that is native to Mexico – like tequila. The plant extract is already used in any good tequila and is added to a variety of different food, drinks, and desserts all over the world to provide a sweeter taste.
Lime juice and agave nectar complement each other and the tequila in the drink, while the orange juice or orange liquor element in margarita recipes helps to balance the popular drink.
When you use agave nectar, enjoy as many as you like – without ruining your diet. The skinny version is as good as the original – but with a lot fewer calories to support a healthier lifestyle.
Best Agave Nectars
Best Agave Nectar for Margaritas
Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Raw Blue Agave Nectar
Wholesome Sweeteners offers some of the best agave nectar we’ve tasted, and thousands of reviews on Amazon agree with us. It’s sweet without being over the top, and it worked wonderfully in every one of our favorite margarita recipes. Plus, it’s organic, non-GMO, and Fair Trade certified.
Thickest Agave Nectar
Madhava Organic Amber Agave
Madhava Amber Agave is so pure that they suggest using half the amount that you normally would in your cocktail recipes. Mix up your favorite classic cocktail with top-shelf tequila and a rimmed glass of lime juice and salt, and you’re good to go. Madhava uses sustainably harvested agave from only the best organic farms.
Budget Friendly Amber Agave
NOW Food Certified Organic Amber Agave Nectar
NOW Foods is a popular brand that many people recognize and respect. Their quality is evident in their organic amber agave nectar. The next time you’re hosting a dinner party or gathering of friends, mix up a pitcher of skinny margaritas that will impress and not kill the calorie budget.
Best Light Agave Nectar
Tres Agave Organic Mixer Agave Nectar
Tres Agave makes an award-winning agave nectar that goes perfectly with the tequila, lime, and orange liqueur in a margarita. It’s low in calories, mixes seamlessly, and offers the perfect amount of sweetness without all the added sugar. Grab a bottle of this for your next Cinco de Mayo celebration.
The Best Agave Margarita Recipe
Making an agave margarita is easier than you think – and with just four ingredients, there’s no reason why you can’t make it at home. There is no bad time to drink a margarita!
But how do you make the perfect agave margarita?
Agave Margarita Ingredients:
- Agave nectar
- Fresh lime juice (any lime juice works, but the fresher, the better)
- Good silver tequila
- Fresh orange juice (or triple sec*)
- Cocktail shaker
Tools
- Margarita glasses
- Cubed ice cubes
- Crushed ice cubes
- Kosher salt for garnish
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Strainer to pour
- Small dish to dip the glass in
*triple sec has more calories than orange juice
Agave Margarita Method:
Some people like their margarita served with ice or straight in a chilled glass. A good host will ask how their guests want their margaritas and serve to order.
To make the perfect margarita recipe, follow these tips:
- Fill your margarita glass with crushed ice to chill the glasses.
- Add ice to a shaker. Squeeze in fresh lime juice. More lime = more tart flavor. Fill a shot glass or thimble measure with tequila, and add it to your shaker.
- Fill the thimble measure with fresh orange juice and pour it into the shaker.
- Finally, add agave nectar to taste – a glass shaker will make this easier to measure by eye.
- Close the shaker and shake vigorously. Always shake vigorously; never stir!
- Empty margarita glasses of ice, shake it dry, then use a lime wedge to moisten the rim of your glass.
- Dip your glass into a small dish of kosher salt to salt the rim. Not everyone likes a salted rim. To play it safe, only put lime & salt garnish on about half of the rim.
- Strain the drink and pour it into your glasses.
- Serve immediately with an optional lime wedge or lime slice garnish.
Want a refreshing frozen margarita?
The method and recipe are the same, just add the cocktail to crushed ice in a blender and serve once “slushy” and combined. Replace salt garnish with tajin to make a spicy version of the drink.
Alternatives to Agave Nectar for Margaritas
Agave syrup is now relatively easy to get hold of; however, it’s not available everywhere and can be expensive depending on where you live. If you’re looking for a natural sweetener that won’t alter the tastes of your favorite cocktails, agave nectar is the best of a few options.
Margarita with Maple Syrup
Like agave nectar, maple syrup is a natural substance found in the Maple Tree native to Canada.
Margarita with High Fructose Corn Syrup
While possible, we don’t recommend making any drinks with high fructose corn syrup if you’re hoping for a healthier option.
Margarita with Honey
Honey is another natural sweetener that will make your drinking experience better.
If you opt for honey-based recipes, you might find you need a heavier salt garnish to counteract the sometimes overpowering sweetness.
Remember, if you’re making cocktails at home, they can be a lot stronger than in your local bar – so pace yourselves, stay hydrated, and stay safe!
