Mike's Sugar-free Spicy Margarita [Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free]
Spicy Keto Margarita
Keto | Low-carb | Sugar-free | Dairy-free | Nut-free | Gluten-free | Soy-free
Finally, a cocktail for us Keto folks (and believe me… literally no one would even know it). I made sure this margarita checked all the boxes: tangy, spicy, sweet, and salty. And absolutely zero sugar! My spicy summer margarita is definitely a showstopper. (If you missed it, this drink SOLD OUT at my charity fundraiser in July, so trust me…it’s good!) If you rather not add any heat, simply leave the peppers out completely when making the simple syrup, or feel free to infuse the syrup with lemon or lime peels instead.
*And don’t forget to read through the PRO TIPS for this recipe below!*
INGREDIENTS:
Serrano Sugar-free Simple Syrup (Makes about 8 oz of syrup)
1 cup (6 oz) - Granulated allulose
¾ cup (6 fl. oz) - Water
¼ to ½ - Serrano pepper (or jalapeño - see PRO TIPS), thinly sliced
Spicy Margarita (Makes one 8 oz drink)
2 oz - Blanco tequila
1-½ Tbsp (¾ oz) - Serrano sugar-free syrup (from above)
1-½ Tbsp (¾ oz) - Fresh lime juice (from about one lime)
3 dashes of Angostura orange bitters (see PRO TIPS)
Ice
Optional, for garnish: Tajin seasoning, lime wedge, jalapeño slice
Live shot from my Charity Extravaganza!
PRO TIPS:
I love using serrano chili pepper in this, as it’s much more spicy than your average jalapeno. So if you like a super spicy marg, this is the way to go. For a slightly less spicy version, use a sliced jalapeno instead. You can always remove the seeds of the chili peppers before adding it, to reduce the spice level as well. And again, spicy is definitely not necessary. You can leave the peppers out when making the simple syrup.
Do you need to use allulose as the sweetener for this? No. Any granulated sweetener works, however I highly recommend allulose for its taste and texture (and the fact that it won’t separate or crystallize in the syrup). Unfortunately, it is not yet sold in Europe or Canada, so any sweeter that you like will work.
Find orange bitters in your local liquor store (or sometimes the beverage aisle at the grocery store). If you can’t find it, another option would be orange liqueur (which is actually typical in a standard margarita. However, orange liqueur is full of sugar.). You can also just use a splash of orange juice as another “healthier” option, or add orange peels to the simple syrup. Or just leave it out!
Use Kosher salt for rimming the glass if you don't have Tajin (chile-lime seasoning).
For a twist on a classic, use Mezcal instead of tequila. It gives a beautifully complex and smoky flavor that pairs so well with the lime and syrup.
You can generally use the simple syrup in this recipe as a stand-alone in any way you can imagine, from sweetening your coffee to your cocktails!
For a complete happy hour snack, try these with my Restaurant-style White Queso on page 155 of my latest cookbook, New Comfort Cooking. GRAB YOUR COPY NOW :)
Click HERE to watch the cocktail video on Youtube!
DIRECTIONS:
FOR THE SYRUP Start by combining the allulose, water, and sliced serrano in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Continuously whisk together just until the liquid becomes clear, then bring to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to let the serrano really infuse through.
Pour the syrup through a strainer into a small container or squeeze bottle, and let it cool before mixing with a drink. I would recommend you store this syrup, sealed, for up to one month in the fridge.
FOR THE MARGARITA If garnishing, prepare your glass by adding a teaspoon of Tajin to a small dish. Slice a small lime wedge and run the lime around the rim of the glass, then swirl the rim in the Tajin, and VIOLA! Add ice to the glass.
Next, combine the tequila, Serrano syrup, lime juice, and orange bitters in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain the drink into the glass and enjoy a perfect summer margarita! Don't have a shaker?Just combine everything into a glass with ice, and stir.
