Is the song going through your head right now? It is in mine! On my recent trip to Mexico I realized how much I like tequila. After all, when we got to our hotel room there was a big bottle of tequila waiting with the instructions for us to finish it all before we left.  We didn’t do that, but we did drink a few glasses while we were there. I found that I really enjoy tequila, I mean I’ve always loved margaritas, but the taste of tequila itself is really mellow and smooth.Besides it’s delicious taste, I’ve learned that it’s also very good for you. That came as somewhat of a surprise. We brought back a few bottles of tequila with us, and I set out to make a healthy margarita with it.

I have a love/hate relationship with margaritas. I love the taste of a margarita but I hate the unhealthy qualities of most of them. Many are made with mixes that contain sugar, as well as weird chemicals I can’t even name. My goal was to make a margarita with healthy ingredients that tasted good too. I succeeded because my SO and Jacs both LOVED them. I’d like to share my findings about the healthiness of tequila with you, as well as the recipe for my healthy margarita.

Tequila comes from the agave plant and contains agavins, which is a type of natural sugar that may help control weight. Tests showed that consuming agavins lead to eating less overall and produced a hormone that kept the stomach fuller for a longer time. Consuming agavins also helps produce insulin and lowered blood sugar levels, which could really help people who suffer from diabetes. Also, agavins in tequila lower triglycerides in the blood.

In addition, people suffering from IBS and Crohn’s disease could benefit from tequila. The problem is that drug delivery to the colon can be challenging since stomach acids often destroy drugs before they reach the intestine. Scientists in Mexico have found that certain tequila compounds can be used as drug carriers, resisting destruction by stomach acids. Fructans in the agave plant may boost the body’s absorption of calcium, protecting against osteoporosis. Additionally, fructans are associated with a 50% boost in levels of a protein associated with the buildup of new bone tissue. Pretty cool, huh?!!

So now that you know how good tequila is for you, I’m sure you’re more than ready for my healthy margarita recipe, right? Here we go!

Valerie’s Healthy Margarita

• 2 ounces GOOD tequila
• 1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce organic agave nectar
• 8-10 ice cubes

First, juice your limes. I utilized my assistant, Jacqueline, for this endeavor. She used my electric juicer.

Next measure out your tequila and agave nectar. I put them in a measuring cup and stirred them together with a spoon to combine.

Take a cocktail shaker (I used two cups that fit on the end of each other), put the ice cubes, tequila/agave mixture, and lime juice into one of the cups and shake well. Then, pour the mixture into a chilled (I put the glasses into the fridge for five minutes), salt rimmed glass and garnish with a fresh lime wedge. This cocktail weighs in at 160 calories, versus 300 for a traditional margarita, and it’s full of healthy ingredients, nothing processed or fake about this drink.

I’d love it if you’d try my healthy margarita, I think you’ll really like it because it’s delicious- cold, smooth, and sweet but not too sweet- the perfect margarita! Or just drink your tequila straight because it’s super healthy for you. However, remember to have one shot of tequila not 6 because nothing is healthy in excess. Moderation is the key to healthy eating, and drinking! Drinking tequila in moderation will help you live a life of vitality- with Valerie! 🙂