Don't touch bottled margarita mixer! It could mean the difference between a 150-calorie margarita and a 400+-calorie margarita. They are so easy to make - you'll never want to use a pre-made mix again. And you'll be able to taste the difference.

Simple margarita:

• 1 oz. tequila blanco
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice (from 2-3 limes)
• 1/4 to 1/2 oz. agave nectar (Can you use honey instead? Honey is much thicker than agave, so it has a tendency to seize up in a cocktail instead of mix in. To use honey in cocktails, make a honey syrup.)
• 2 oz. water (replace 1 oz. with another oz. of lime juice if you want a brighter flavor)

Squeeze lime juice, measure, then pour into a large glass. Add water, agave, tequila, and stir well, making sure agave is dissolved. Pour into a smaller glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

Notice we skipped the salt rim. A rim of salt on a margarita can provide almost 100% of your daily recommended sodium intake.

To change things up, add an ounce of fruit puree, which also adds another 15-40 calories.