Low Carb and Sugar Free Margaritas
1 c water*
1/2 - 3/4 c natural sweetener(s) of your choice
Zest of 1 orange or 2 teaspoons dried
1/2 t xanthan gum
1 c fresh lime juice
1 1/2 c tequila
lime slices
ice
salt
In a saucepan, place the water and sweetener with the orange zest. Sprinkle xanthan gum over lightly while whisking briskly. Don't use a stick blender - I did once and it got really thick. And don't use too much xanthan or you'll end up with... pudding. Most recently I only used about 1/4 of a teaspoon and found that's about right for me.
If you know you really like your margaritas a little sweeter, add a little more natural sweetener and taste test. I used to use just less than cup total of a mixture of 2-3 natural sweeteners to get the best flavor.
Heat over medium low to medium (gently) until it thickens. Remove it from heat, strain through a wire colander to remove the bits of orange; and let it cool while you juice enough limes to equal 1 cup.
You can cheat and use store bought lime juice - it won't taste quite as fresh, but no one will probably notice or care. I've done both.
Mix the sweetened mixture with lime juice and tequila. Chill.
Salt the rims of your margarita glasses and use as is, or pour over crushed ice.
For a frozen, place a cup of mixture in the blender with some ice and pour into your glass. Garnish with a lime slice or an unbrella.
*Everything can be adjusted to your taste. Add more sweetener, more lime, more water or less tequila to get the taste you like.
*Notes:
I have jotted down in pen at the bottom of my piece of paper that I had scribbled this recipe, that I used 'more water'. So again, as thick and 'strong' (use more/less tequila if wanted) as you need/want the imitation triple sec (the orange mixture you cook on the stove) to be is up to you. But remember it will be very liquidy once you add that tequila and the ice gets all melty.
I have some old paper drink umbrellas on hand from... must be years ago... because I barely remember buying them. But I just checked and there are OODLES of them on Amazon.
