Reality TV. First, it gave us the bum dance. Then it gave us the touchdown. Then, in 2008, it gave us the Skinny Margarita. And though we’ve left those first two well and truly in the past, this marvellous marg has gone on to enjoy great success in its post-TV life.
This cocktail menu heavyweight had its first purposeful namedrop on the first season of The Real Housewives of New York when Bethenny Frankel ordered what she called “the skinny girl’s Margarita.” The self-titled ‘natural foods chef’ went on to spell out the ingredients while filming sparking a cocktail shaker frenzy.
Later admitting it was a strategic business move, Bethenny launched her brand of successful Skinny Girl snacks, lifestyle products, and of course, the infamous Margarita mix. The ‘skinny’ label continued to influence the bars it met as the concept worked its way into more drinks than just the tequila-based original, usually as a reduced sugar alternative.
Compared to the steadfast original, which balances sour lime with sugar syrup, the lighter variation either swaps sugar syrup for a slimmer splash of agave syrup or simply removes any syrup altogether. Triple sec quantities also vary depending on how 'skinny' the mixer wants it to be.
The reduced sweetness in this Margarita makes a tangy sharp cocktail, well-suited to a sour-loving palate and any food with a good amount of zing. Pair with a salad or a jam-packed burrito with the lot.
