Celebrated on May 5, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the unlikely victory of the Mexican Army over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Today, it’s a day of celebration in the U.S. and Mexico, with traditional food, dancing and parades. And what better way to celebrate than with an ice cold Margarita?
Of course there’s nothing wrong with sipping on a little sugar, but the amount in sweet alcoholic drinks can undermine the work you’ve done to keep your smile sparkling. The bacteria in your mouth love to feed on sugary drinks and release acid that’s strong enough to cause cavities. So as you celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year, consider a Margarita without the sugar but with all the flavor!
Classic margaritas are loaded with sugar! With the addition of Triple Sec or Cointreau – orange liqueur with 16 grams of sugar per oz. – the sweet factor of a Margarita shoots through the roof. Margaritas made with sweet and sour mix are even worse, as 1/4 cup of sweet and sour mix has at least 17 grams of sugar, sometimes more.
So before you hang up your sombrero, try this recipe for a sugar-free margarita. It’s still tasty, and your teeth will thank you!
• 1 jigger (1.5 oz) tequila
• 2 tablespoons (1 oz) fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) water
• 1/4 teaspoon orange extract
• 1 Tablespoon’s worth artificial sweetener
• Ice – small handful
• Margarita salt or kosher salt
Preparation: Wet the rim of the glass and dip into a small plate of salt. Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake well. Serve it over ice, strained into the glass or for a frothy treat, blended in a blender.
Remember to drink responsibly.