Is a margarita high in calories? The surprising truth about your favorite cocktail

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A typical restaurant margarita can contain upwards of 350-700 calories, a range that often surprises drinkers. So, is a margarita high in calories? The caloric content varies drastically based on the preparation and ingredients used, offering an opportunity to make more mindful choices.

Quick Summary

A margarita's calorie count hinges on its ingredients and preparation, with restaurant and pre-mixed versions being notoriously high in sugar. Learn how to craft a flavorful, lower-calorie version at home by controlling your mixers.

Key Points

Mixers are the main problem: Pre-made margarita mixes and sugary syrups, not the tequila, are the biggest contributors to high calorie counts.
Restaurant margaritas are higher in calories: Large, pre-mixed drinks at bars and restaurants can contain 450-700+ calories per glass.
Tequila has zero carbs: The distilled spirit itself is not the high-calorie culprit, providing about 97 calories per 1.5oz shot.
"Skinny" versions cut down on sugar: Low-calorie margaritas use fresh ingredients and low-sugar sweeteners like stevia or light agave nectar.
Fresh is best: Making your own margarita with fresh lime juice gives you full control over the sugar content and quality of ingredients.
Portion control matters: The large serving sizes often found in restaurants contribute significantly to the total calorie intake.

The Calorie Culprits in Your Margarita

While the main alcoholic component, tequila, has a relatively moderate calorie count, the other additions are where the calories and sugar can skyrocket. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila contains about 97 calories and zero carbohydrates, making it a low-calorie spirit on its own. However, the mixers, liqueurs, and syrups transform this simple base into a potential sugar bomb.

Sugary Mixers and Syrups

Commercial pre-made margarita mixes are often the primary source of excess calories. These convenient bottles can be loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients, with some containing up to 32g of sugar per serving. The sugar and carb content in these mixers significantly impacts the drink's overall nutrition. At a bar or restaurant, a large, pre-mixed or frozen margarita can contain 300-500+ calories, sometimes even as high as 700, and pack in 30-60 grams of carbohydrates.

The Orange Liqueur

Triple sec, Cointreau, or other orange liqueurs are traditional margarita ingredients that contribute a significant amount of sugar and calories. For example, one ounce of triple sec adds about 75 calories and 11 grams of sugar to your drink. Some bartenders may add extra simple syrup or agave nectar for more sweetness, further driving up the caloric total.

Restaurant vs. Homemade

When comparing homemade margaritas to those served in restaurants, the differences can be staggering. Not only do restaurants often use cheaper, high-sugar mixes, but they also tend to serve larger portions in oversized glasses. A freshly made, classic homemade margarita can be around 200-250 calories, while a jumbo frozen version at a restaurant might have twice that amount or more.

How to Enjoy a Lighter Margarita

For those looking to enjoy a margarita while being mindful of their calorie intake, making a "skinny" version is a simple and effective strategy. The key lies in controlling the type and amount of sweetener you use.

The Skinny Margarita Solution

By opting for fresh ingredients and natural, lower-calorie alternatives, you can drastically cut down on sugar without sacrificing flavor. This approach emphasizes the bright, crisp flavors of the core ingredients.

Ingredients for a low-calorie margarita:

1.5-2 ounces of high-quality silver tequila
1-2 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice
A splash of orange juice or a few drops of orange extract to replace the liqueur
A small amount of light agave nectar, monk fruit, or stevia to sweeten to taste
Club soda or sparkling water to add volume and effervescence

Tips for Reducing Margarita Calories

Use Fresh Juices: Ditch the bottled mixes and squeeze your own lime and orange juice for a fresher taste and better control over sugar.
Control Sweeteners: Agave nectar is a natural sweetener but is still sugar. Use it sparingly or opt for zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
Skip the Orange Liqueur: Replace triple sec with fresh orange juice or orange extract to cut a significant amount of sugar and calories.
Choose the Right Glass: Larger glasses encourage larger portions. Sticking to a standard 4-ounce glass helps with portion control.
Try on the Rocks: Frozen margaritas, particularly those made with syrup, often have a higher sugar content than their on-the-rocks counterparts. Choosing the classic shaken version can help reduce calories.

Comparison of Margarita Calorie Counts


Margarita Type	Serving Size	Estimated Calories	Primary Calorie Source
Classic Homemade	4 oz	200-250	Orange Liqueur, Sweetener
Restaurant/Jumbo	12+ oz	450-700+	Sugary Mix, High Volume
Frozen (Standard)	8 oz	350-450	Sweeteners, Ice Blending
"Skinny"	~5-6 oz	100-150	Tequila, Light Sweetener

Conclusion: Mindful Sipping is Key

The short answer to "is a margarita high in calories?" is that it depends entirely on how it's prepared. While the ingredients in their purest form are not inherently high in calories, the addition of large amounts of sugary mixers and liqueurs can make a margarita one of the most calorie-dense cocktails. By taking control of the ingredients—opting for fresh lime juice, reducing or replacing traditional sweeteners, and moderating portion size—you can easily enjoy a delicious, low-calorie version of this classic drink. Whether you're at a restaurant or mixing a drink at home, being mindful of your choices is the key to enjoying your margarita without derailing your nutritional goals.

For more detailed nutritional information and comparisons, consult authoritative sources like Healthline's Margarita Nutritional Breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

A classic homemade margarita typically has 200-250 calories, whereas a skinny version with fresh juice and a low-calorie sweetener can have as few as 100-150 calories.

No, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of tequila contains no sugar and approximately 97 calories. The sugar and carbohydrates in a margarita come from the mixers and liqueurs, not the tequila itself.

Restaurant margaritas are often higher in calories due to oversized portions and the use of sugary pre-made mixes and syrups. These mixes contain high amounts of corn syrup and other caloric sweeteners.

Yes, you can use agave nectar, but sparingly. While it is a natural sweetener, it still contains calories and sugar. A small amount can replace the orange liqueur for sweetness, but zero-calorie sweeteners are a better option for maximum calorie reduction.

Often, yes. Frozen margaritas are frequently made with more syrup and sweeter mixers to achieve the slushy consistency and can be served in larger glasses, leading to a higher calorie count.

A margarita is typically higher in calories than drinks like a Mojito or Gin and Tonic, but lower than very creamy cocktails such as a Piña Colada. Its calorie count is highly dependent on the amount of sugary mixers used.

The healthiest way to make a margarita is from scratch using high-quality tequila, fresh lime juice, a small amount of low-calorie sweetener like stevia, and adding club soda for volume instead of sugary mixers.