How many calories are in a regular margarita?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

The calorie content in a typical margarita varies, but most fall between 200 and 300 calories per serving. This number depends on the recipe, serving size, and ingredients, such as the amount of sugary mixers versus fresh lime juice.

Quick Summary

A standard margarita's calorie count changes based on ingredients, preparation, and portion size. Homemade recipes often have fewer calories than large restaurant or frozen versions that use sugary mixes; the tequila is not the highest source of calories.

Key Points

Classic Margarita Calories: A standard, homemade 4-ounce margarita typically contains 220-250 calories.
Restaurant Margaritas: Large, sugary margaritas served at restaurants can contain over 400-700+ calories due to larger portions and pre-made mixes.
Calorie Culprits: The highest calorie contributors are often the sugary orange liqueurs (like Cointreau) and mixers, not the tequila itself.
Skinny Margarita: A 'skinny' margarita, made with fresh lime juice and a natural or calorie-free sweetener, can lower the calorie count to 100-150.
Ingredient Impact: Freshly squeezed lime juice is low-calorie, while pre-made mixes are laden with added sugars and corn syrup.
Homemade is Healthier: Making margaritas at home gives you full control over ingredients and portion sizes, allowing for a lower-calorie and fresher-tasting cocktail.

Understanding the Calories in a Classic Margarita

A classic margarita is a straightforward cocktail of tequila, orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau), and fresh lime juice. The calorie count is not fixed. The total can shift significantly based on the recipe, the quality of ingredients, and the portion size. A typical 4-ounce homemade margarita, carefully measured, can contain around 220-250 calories. This is a difference from restaurant versions, which can easily climb to 400-600 calories or more due to larger glasses and an abundance of sugary mixers.

The Caloric Impact of Margarita Ingredients

It is helpful to break down the main components of a standard margarita to understand where the calories come from:

Tequila: A 1.5 oz shot of 100% agave tequila contains approximately 97 calories and zero carbohydrates. This makes it the least impactful part of the calorie equation. Opting for a quality 100% agave tequila ensures fewer added sugars compared to "mixto" tequilas, which are blended with other sugars.
Orange Liqueur: This is a major source of calories. An ounce of Cointreau, for instance, contains about 75 calories and 11 grams of sugar. Triple Sec and other orange liqueurs have similar profiles. Reducing the amount of this ingredient is one way to lower the overall calorie count.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is a low-calorie component, contributing only about 8 calories per ounce. It is also a good source of Vitamin C. Use fresh juice and avoid pre-made mixes that are loaded with sugar.
Sweeteners and Mixes: Sugary liquid mixers, simple syrups, or agave nectar can add anywhere from 50 to over 200 calories per drink. Pre-made margarita mixes are known for their high sugar and calorie content, often containing corn syrup and artificial ingredients. Some restaurant chains use these mixes extensively, resulting in a sweeter and more calorific drink.

Comparing Different Margarita Types

The way a margarita is prepared significantly affects its nutritional profile. Here is a comparison:


Margarita Type	Calories (Approx.)	Key Calorie Sources	Sugar Content
Homemade Classic (4 oz)	220–250	Tequila, Orange Liqueur, Small amount of agave/simple syrup.	Lower; controlled by recipe.
Restaurant-Sized (8–12 oz)	300–700+	Large portions, sugary pre-made mixers, added syrups.	High; often contains more than the daily recommended intake.
Frozen Margarita	350–450+	Syrups, blended fruit, and mixers that increase sugar and volume.	High; ingredients blended with ice can be misleadingly calorific.
Skinny Margarita	100–150	Tequila, fresh lime juice, and a sugar-free alternative (e.g., Stevia, or less agave).	Very low; eliminates most added sugar.

How to Create a Lower-Calorie Margarita at Home

Making a healthier margarita is simple by controlling your ingredients. Here are some tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Avoid pre-made mixers completely. Use fresh-squeezed lime juice and fresh orange juice instead of a sugary orange liqueur.
Control the Sweetness: Use a minimal amount of a natural sweetener like agave nectar, or opt for a calorie-free sweetener like stevia. Alternatively, a very small amount of simple syrup or honey can be used.
Focus on Quality Tequila: Using a 100% blue agave tequila ensures a cleaner profile with no added sugars.
Add Flavor Naturally: Muddle fresh fruits like strawberries or mangoes, or add a sprig of mint or cucumber for extra flavor without the added calories from sugary syrups.
Stretch with Soda Water: Top your margarita with a splash of club soda or Topo Chico to increase volume without adding calories.
Skip the Salt Rim (or Modify): The salt rim adds sodium but no calories. Consider skipping it or using a smaller amount. For a twist, try mixing salt with chili powder for a spicy kick.

The Healthiest Way to Enjoy a Margarita

A classic margarita is not a health food. A homemade 'skinny' version is the best approach for those watching their calories or sugar intake. These versions cut down on sugar and use fresher, higher-quality ingredients. Moderation is key, regardless of the version. Alternating alcoholic beverages with water is also a good practice for staying hydrated.

Conclusion

On average, a standard 4-ounce version made from scratch contains around 220–250 calories, but variations found in restaurants can contain significantly more, with some exceeding 700 calories. The primary drivers of the high calorie count are sugary mixers, liqueurs, and large portion sizes. By making your margarita at home with fresh ingredients, controlling the amount of sweetener, and considering a 'skinny' alternative, you can enjoy this classic cocktail without consuming a disproportionate number of calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, frozen margaritas often contain more calories due to added syrups, blended fruits, or other sugary mixers used to achieve a slushy consistency.

The primary source of calories in a margarita is typically the orange liqueur (e.g., Triple Sec) and any added sweeteners like agave nectar, simple syrup, or high-sugar pre-made mixes.

No, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 100% agave tequila contains only about 97 calories and is free of carbs and sugar, making it a low-calorie base spirit.

For a low-calorie alternative to Triple Sec, you can use a splash of fresh orange juice, a hint of orange extract, or sugar-free orange bitters to achieve the orange flavor.

Yes, you can still enjoy a margarita on a diet by opting for a 'skinny' version made with fresh lime juice, 100% agave tequila, and a minimal amount of sweetener or a sugar-free alternative. Moderation is key.

Homemade margaritas are generally lower in calories, around 200-250 for a standard serving. Restaurant versions can be 300-700+ calories due to larger sizes and pre-mixed ingredients.

Yes, most pre-made margarita mixes are very high in calories because they are loaded with sugar, corn syrup, and artificial flavors. Using fresh ingredients is a much better, lower-calorie option.