Whether you’re watching your alcohol intake during lockdown, taking a month off drinking altogether, or are just looking for a refreshing substitute to enjoy between alcoholic drinks, this healthy ‘margarita’ is delicious and easy to make. A traditional margarita contains simple syrup (sugar) and triple sec (an orange-flavoured liqueur), and so freshly squeezed orange juice plus a little bit of stevia is the healthiest swap to make this drink lower in sugar and alcohol-free.
The most important (and time-consuming) part of making this drink is squeezing your own lime juice. It’s well worth it though, as bottled varieties have a completely different flavour — and it’s not good! If you don’t like things too spicy, be sure to remove the jalapeno seeds — or consider halving the amount.
Makes two margaritas. Each drink is approximately 349 kilojoules (83 calories).
Ingredients
2 cups ice cubes
1 cup fresh orange juice, pulp-free
¾ cup fresh lime juice
½ fresh jalapeno, sliced
2-3 tsp stevia
To serve
Lime wedges
Salt (optional)
Method
- Start by running a lime wedge around the rims of two short glasses, then dipping each of them into a shallow plate lined with salt. (This step is optional and can be avoided if you’re trying to keep your sodium down.)
- Add half the ice, plus all the lime and orange juices, to a large cocktail shaker.
- Finally, add the stevia and jalapeno slices, adjusting according to your tastes.
- Shake well, until it’s ice-cold, then pour into the salt-rimmed glasses.
- Top up each glass with the remaining ice.
- Add lime wedges and enjoy!