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Margaritas

TEQUILA

Turn up the zest with bold and refreshing tequila cocktails — from tangy margaritas to spicy surprises. Every recipe comes with the classic version and a lighter version with lower sugar, carbs, and calories, giving you all the flavor and balance you crave.

Tequila Sunrise

2 oz Tequila 3 oz Pineapple Juice .5 oz Grenadine (Sink) Garnish w/ Pineapple Slice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~240 Carbs: ~27–28g Sugar: ~25–26g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 3 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice (or light pineapple juice) 0.5 oz Sugar-Free Grenadine (or splash of pomegranate juice for color) Garnish: Pineapple slice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~165 Carbs: ~8–9g Sugar: ~7–8g Result: With fresh/light pineapple juice and sugar-free grenadine, you cut ~75 calories and nearly 18g sugar/carbs, while keeping the sunrise look and tropical flavor intact.

Classic Margarita

3 oz Silver Tequila 2 oz Triple Sec 1.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice Salted Rim Garnish w/ Lime Wheel Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~340 Carbs: ~27–28g Sugar: ~25–26g 💛 Healthier Version Ingredients: 3 oz Silver Tequila 1 oz Sugar-Free Triple Sec (or 1 oz fresh orange juice + monk fruit syrup for flavor) 1.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice Salted Rim Garnish: Lime wheel Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~200 Carbs: ~6–7g Sugar: ~5–6g Result: By swapping regular triple sec for a sugar-free version (or a fresh orange juice + monk fruit combo), you cut ~140 calories and 20g sugar/carbs while keeping that perfect sweet-tart balance.

Paloma

2 oz Blanco Tequila 2 oz Grapefruit Juice .5 oz Agave Syrup .5 oz Lime Juice 2 tsp Kosher Salt Top with Club Soda Garnish w/ Lime Slice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~240 Carbs: ~24–25g Sugar: ~22–23g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Blanco Tequila 2 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice (or light grapefruit juice) 0.25 oz Agave Syrup or 0.25 oz Low-Sugar Simple Syrup (monk fruit, stevia, or allulose) 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice 2 tsp Kosher Salt (rim) Top with Club Soda Garnish: Lime slice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~165 Carbs: ~7–8g Sugar: ~6–7g Result: By swapping fresh or light grapefruit juice and cutting the agave with a low-sugar syrup, you save ~75 calories and about 16g sugar/carbs while keeping the Paloma’s refreshing citrus fizz.

DCC Cadillac Margarita 

2 oz Reposado Tequila 2 oz Grand Marnier 1oz Lemon Juice 1 oz Lime Juice .5 oz Agave Nectar .5 oz orange Juice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~400 Carbs: ~34–35g Sugar: ~32–33g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Reposado Tequila 1 oz Sugar-Free Orange Liqueur (or 1 oz fresh orange juice + monk fruit syrup) 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice 0.25 oz Agave Nectar or Low-Sugar Simple Syrup 0.25 oz Fresh Orange Juice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~220 Carbs: ~9–10g Sugar: ~8–9g Result: By swapping out the heavy pour of Grand Marnier for a lighter sugar-free orange liqueur (or juice + monk fruit) and trimming the agave/orange juice, you cut ~180 calories and over 20g sugar/carbs — while keeping the Cadillac’s rich citrus profile.

Hot Honey  Mango Margarita

2 oz Tequila 1oz Triple Sec 1 oz Mango Nectar .5 oz Lemon Juice .5 oz Lime Juice Garnish w Lime Wedge & Mango Chunks Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~280 Carbs: ~28–29g Sugar: ~26–27g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 1 oz Sugar-Free Triple Sec (or 0.5 oz fresh orange juice + monk fruit syrup) 1 oz Fresh Mango Purée (unsweetened, blended mango + splash water) 0.5 oz Lemon Juice 0.5 oz Lime Juice Garnish: Lime wedge & fresh mango chunks Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~185 Carbs: ~8–9g Sugar: ~7–8g Result: Swapping bottled nectar for fresh mango purée and using sugar-free triple sec saves ~95 calories and nearly 20g sugar/carbs, while keeping that bold mango-citrus flavor.

Mezcal Margarita

1 oz tequila 1 oz mezcal 1 oz lime juice 0.5 oz agave syrup Instructions: Shake and strain into rocks glass. Garnish with lime. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~200 Carbs: ~14g Sugar: ~13g 💛 Healthier Version Ingredients: 1 oz Tequila 1 oz Mezcal 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice 0.25 oz Agave Syrup or 0.25 oz Low-Sugar Simple Syrup (monk fruit, stevia, or allulose) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~150 Carbs: ~4–5g Sugar: ~3–4g ✅ Result: By trimming the agave or replacing it with a low-sugar syrup, you save ~50 calories and 9g sugar/carbs — while keeping the smoky-sour balance of this cocktail.

Bloody Maria

2 oz tequila 4 oz tomato juice 0.5 oz lime juice Hot sauce, Worcestershire, salt, pepper Instructions: Roll ingredients together. Serve over ice with celery stick. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~160 Carbs: ~10–11g Sugar: ~8–9g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 4 oz Low-Sodium, No-Sugar-Added Tomato Juice (or fresh-pressed tomato juice) 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice Dash Hot Sauce (check label for sugar-free) Dash Low-Sugar Worcestershire Sauce (or coconut aminos for a lighter option) Pinch of Salt & Pepper Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~120 Carbs: ~5–6g Sugar: ~3–4g Result: By using no-sugar-added tomato juice and lighter condiments, you cut ~40 calories and about 5g sugar/carbs while keeping all the savory, spicy character that makes a Bloody Maria so satisfying.

Tequila Sour

2 oz tequila 0.75 oz lemon juice 0.5 oz simple syrup Egg white (optional) Instructions: Dry shake if using egg, then wet shake. Strain into coupe. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~185 (with egg white) / ~170 (without) Carbs: ~9g Sugar: ~8g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 0.5 oz Low-Sugar Simple Syrup (monk fruit, stevia, or allulose) Egg White (optional, adds texture but no sugar) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~140 (with egg white) / ~125 (without) Carbs: ~2–3g Sugar: ~1–2g Result: Swapping in a low-sugar syrup cuts ~40–45 calories and about 6–7g sugar/carbs while keeping the balance of tart lemon, smooth tequila, and frothy texture.

Lemon Basil Tequila Spritz

2 oz tequila 0.5 oz lemon juice Basil leaves Club soda Instructions: Muddle basil and lemon, shake with tequila. Top with soda. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~135 Carbs: ~1–2g Sugar: ~0–1g Healthier Version (This cocktail is already naturally light and low-sugar — no swaps needed!) Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice Basil Leaves (muddled) Club Soda to top Optional: a drop of monk fruit syrup if you prefer just a touch of sweetness Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~135 Carbs: ~1–2g Sugar: ~0–1g Result: The Tequila Basil Spritz is a built-in healthier cocktail option — crisp, botanical, hydrating, and perfect for mindful sipping.

Tequila Honey Bee

2 oz tequila 0.75 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey & water) 0.75 oz lemon juice Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~200 Carbs: ~16g Sugar: ~15g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 0.75 oz Light Honey Syrup (made 1:2 ratio — 1 part honey, 2 parts water — or blended with monk fruit to reduce sugar) 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~150 Carbs: ~7–8g Sugar: ~6–7g Result: By diluting honey into a lighter syrup (or blending with monk fruit/stevia), you cut ~50 calories and ~8g sugar/carbs while keeping that warm honey-citrus flavor.

Strawberry Margarita

2 oz tequila 1 oz strawberry puree 0.5 oz lime juice 0.5 oz triple sec Instructions: Shake and strain over ice. Garnish with a fresh strawberry. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~250 Carbs: ~25–26g Sugar: ~23–24g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 1 oz Unsweetened Strawberry Purée (fresh blended strawberries) 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice 0.5 oz Sugar-Free Triple Sec (or 0.25 oz fresh orange juice + monk fruit syrup) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~165 Carbs: ~7–8g Sugar: ~6–7g Result: By using fresh strawberry purée instead of sweetened, and sugar-free triple sec, you save ~85 calories and ~17g sugar/carbs while keeping the fruity, tangy margarita flavor.

Blueberry Basil Margarita

2 oz tequila 0.5 oz lime juice 0.5 oz simple syrup Blueberries & basil Instructions: Muddle fruit and herbs, shake with rest. Strain into rocks glass. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~175 Carbs: ~10g Sugar: ~9g 💛 Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice 0.5 oz Low-Sugar Simple Syrup (monk fruit, stevia, or allulose) Blueberries & Basil (muddled) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~135 Carbs: ~2–3g Sugar: ~1–2g ✅ Result: Swapping in a low-sugar syrup cuts ~40 calories and 7–8g sugar/carbs, while still letting the blueberries and basil shine.

Cilantro Lime Tequila Fizz

2 oz tequila 0.5 oz lime juice Cilantro sprigs Club soda Instructions: Muddle cilantro and lime, add tequila. Shake and top with soda. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~135 Carbs: ~1–2g Sugar: ~0–1g Healthier Version (Already a naturally low-calorie cocktail — no swaps needed!) Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice Cilantro Sprigs (muddled) Club Soda to top Optional: add a splash of low-sugar agave syrup if you like a touch of sweetness Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~135 (without sweetener) / ~150 (with light agave) Carbs: ~1–2g Sugar: ~0–1g (without sweetener) Result: The Cilantro Tequila Spritz is already a built-in healthier cocktail — crisp, fresh, hydrating, and perfect for mindful sipping.

Green Apple Margarita

2 oz tequila 1 oz sour apple liqueur 0.5 oz lime juice Instructions: Shake with ice, strain over fresh ice. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~210 Carbs: ~18–19g Sugar: ~17–18g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 1 oz Sugar-Free Sour Apple Liqueur (if available) or blend 1 oz fresh green apple juice with ½ tsp monk fruit syrup 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~150 Carbs: ~5–6g Sugar: ~4–5g Result: By swapping the neon-green sour apple liqueur for sugar-free or fresh apple juice + monk fruit, you cut ~60 calories and 12–13g sugar/carbs while keeping that crisp apple-tart flavor.

Chocolate Tequila Espresso

1.5 oz tequila 0.5 oz chocolate liqueur 1 oz espresso Instructions: Shake with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with espresso beans. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~175 Carbs: ~11–12g Sugar: ~10–11g Healthier Version Ingredients: 1.5 oz Tequila 0.5 oz Sugar-Free Chocolate Liqueur (or 0.5 oz unsweetened cacao syrup + monk fruit sweetener) 1 oz Fresh Espresso Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~130 Carbs: ~3–4g Sugar: ~2–3g Result: By swapping in sugar-free chocolate liqueur or unsweetened cacao syrup, you cut ~45 calories and 8g sugar/carbs while keeping the smooth balance of tequila, espresso, and chocolate.

Blood Orange Margarita

2 oz tequila 1 oz blood orange juice 0.5 oz lime juice 0.5 oz triple sec Instructions: Shake and strain into a salted rocks glass. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~210 Carbs: ~17–18g Sugar: ~16–17g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 1 oz Fresh Blood Orange Juice (naturally less sugar than bottled) 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice 0.5 oz Sugar-Free Triple Sec (or 0.25 oz fresh orange juice + monk fruit syrup) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~150 Carbs: ~5–6g Sugar: ~4–5g Result: By swapping bottled juice and regular triple sec for fresh fruit + sugar-free triple sec, you cut ~60 calories and 11–12g sugar/carbs, while keeping that gorgeous blood orange color and flavor.

Hibiscus Margarita

2 oz tequila 1 oz hibiscus tea concentrate 0.5 oz lime juice 0.5 oz agave syrup Instructions: Shake with ice, strain over ice. Garnish with edible flower. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~200 Carbs: ~18–19g Sugar: ~17–18g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 1 oz Unsweetened Hibiscus Tea Concentrate (or brew hibiscus tea and reduce) 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice 0.25 oz Agave Syrup or 0.25 oz Low-Sugar Simple Syrup (monk fruit, stevia, or allulose) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~145 Carbs: ~5–6g Sugar: ~4–5g Result: By using unsweetened hibiscus tea and trimming or swapping the sweetener, you cut ~55 calories and 12–13g sugar/carbs, while keeping the bold floral-tart flavor.

Smoky Chili Margarita

2 oz tequila 0.5 oz mezcal 1 oz lime juice 0.5 oz chili syrup Instructions: Shake and strain into rocks glass. Garnish with chili rim. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~195 Carbs: ~14g Sugar: ~13g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 0.5 oz Mezcal 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice 0.5 oz Low-Sugar Chili Syrup (homemade with monk fruit or allulose + chili flakes/peppers) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~145 Carbs: ~3–4g Sugar: ~2–3g Result: By swapping in a low-sugar chili syrup, you cut ~50 calories and 10–11g sugar/carbs, while keeping the smoky, tangy, and spicy flavor that makes this drink a standout.

Banana Tequila Cream

1.5 oz tequila 1 oz banana liqueur 0.5 oz cream Instructions: Shake with ice and strain into coupe. Garnish with banana chip. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~210 Carbs: ~16–17g Sugar: ~15–16g Healthier Version Ingredients: 1.5 oz Tequila 1 oz Sugar-Free Banana Liqueur (or blend ½ a small ripe banana with water + monk fruit syrup for a fresh purée) 0.5 oz Light Cream or Unsweetened Almond Milk Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~150 Carbs: ~5–6g Sugar: ~4–5g Result: By replacing banana liqueur with sugar-free or fresh banana purée and swapping cream for lighter dairy or almond milk, you cut ~60 calories and 11–12g sugar/carbs while keeping the creamy tropical banana flavor.

Grilled Pineapple Tequila Smash

2 oz tequila 2 chunks grilled pineapple 0.75 oz lime juice 0.5 oz agave syrup Instructions: Muddle grilled pineapple. Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with charred pineapple. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~190 Carbs: ~15g Sugar: ~14g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila 2 chunks Grilled Pineapple (muddled) 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice 0.25 oz Agave Syrup or 0.25 oz Low-Sugar Simple Syrup (monk fruit, stevia, or allulose) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~145 Carbs: ~6–7g Sugar: ~5–6g Result: By trimming the agave syrup or swapping it for a low-sugar sweetener, you cut ~45 calories and ~8–9g sugar/carbs — while keeping the charred pineapple flavor front and center.

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