The Sparkling Margarita
I was about to write a blog post about a super healthy dinner option for us all, but then I asked myself, “what does the world need more? A super healthy dinner, or a basic AMAZING margarita recipe?” And I think you know what won. But seriously, I get asked ALL THE TIME for where my margarita recipe is, and I decided that now was a good time to give it a permanent home, so you’re welcome!
There are many iterations of this margarita on the interwebz, and it can be called many many things - NorCal Margarita, Low Sugar Margarita, No Sugar Margarita, etc. but we call it the Sparkling Margarita or Sparkling Marg for short around here. This is my drink of choice honestly. More than wine, more than hard cider, more than any other cocktail, I’ll ask for this if ever I’m in the drinking mood. Wow, I know that makes me sound like I’m a crazy drinker - I’m really not! During normal times (not COVID times). I would say we would have 1-2 drinks on the weekends while making dinner - put on a little music, sip this Sparkling Margarita and pretend like we’re cool parents.
What I’ve found over the years as my drinking behaviors have shifted (College Jess with her abundance of Smirnoff Ices, to post kiddo Jess who can barely tolerate one glass of wine), is that what really affects me and makes me feel like crap, oftentimes more than whatever alcohol I’m consuming, is the amount of sugar I’m also consuming with it. Wines high in sugar, or cocktails that have tons of mixers usually end up leaving my stomach a mess, and are a surefire way to lead me to a headache in the morning, no matter how much alcohol is actually in it! Anyone else??
The things we learn from experience, right?! This recipe is a simple mix of tequila (we prefer reposed), fresh squeezed lime juice, and sparkling water (we highly highly highly suggest using Topo Chico here if you can get your hands on it). It’s simple, tasty, and tart - just the way we like it!
The Sparkling Margarita
Ingredients:
2 shots of tequila (we recommend reposado)
the fresh squeezed juice of one lime (I actually prefer using 1.5 to 2 limes here because I like more tart)
Sparkling Water of choice (we recommend Too Chico)
ice
optional flaked salt for the rim
Directions:
If you want a salted rim, take a slice of lime and rub it around the rim of your cup, then dip the rim into a plate of flaked salt.
In a medium glass, pour in your shots of tequila.
Add the juice of your lime(s).
Add ice.
Top off your drink with sparkling water.
ENJOY!