When I’m craving a cocktail, a margarita is almost always my go-to! But traditional margaritas can be loaded with sugar and calories, which is why I created this Low-Calorie Cranberry Margarita—all the flavor, none of the guilt. It’s tart, crisp, and perfectly refreshing for any occasion.
Why I Made This Recipe
I love a good margarita, but after bartending at Applebee’s for years, I know how calorically dense those massive chain-restaurant margs can be! This homemade version keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant while skipping the excessive sugar and artificial mixers. Plus, it’s a great cocktail for sharing—whether it’s a girls’ night in or a casual backyard gathering, this drink is made for a good time.
3 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Less than 200 calories per drink – A restaurant margarita can easily clock in at 400+ calories, but this version keeps it light without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect sweet-tart balance – The cranberry juice adds a refreshing tartness, perfectly complemented by the smooth tequila and citrusy triple sec.
- Easy to make & batch-friendly – This recipe serves 4, but you can easily double or triple it if you’re hosting a group!
Discover how you can track your alcohol macros!
Other low-cal drink recipes you may love:
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“FHM Cranberry Margarita”
- Prep
- 5 mins
- Total
- 5 mins
Ingredients
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
Instructions
-
Begin by preparing your glass. Run a slice of lime
around the rim of the glass, then dip it into a plate
of sea salt to coat the rim.
-
Fill the glass with ice to chill it while you prepare the drink.
-
In a cocktail shaker, combine cranberry juice,
tequila, and triple sec.
-
Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about
15-20 seconds until well chilled.
-
Strain the Margarita mixture into your prepared
glass filled with ice.
-
Top with cranberry flavored seltzer.
-
Garnish with a slice of lime on the rim. Enjoy!
Tami’s notes
Adjust the amount of Triple Sec to your preference if
you like your Margaritas a bit stronger or milder.
You can use fresh cranberry juice or store-bought, but
make sure it’s 100% cranberry juice with no added
sugar.
Nutrition
Per serving: Calories 193kcalProtein 0gCarbs 34.3gFat 0g
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary with the brands and amounts you use.
