What has more sugar, a margarita or a glass of wine? A nutritional comparison

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

An average frozen margarita can contain over 40 grams of carbohydrates and upwards of 300 calories, far more than a standard glass of dry wine. So, what has more sugar, a margarita or a glass of wine? The simple answer is that a margarita almost always contains significantly more sugar due to its mixers.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the sugar content differences between a margarita and a glass of wine, highlighting how mixers dramatically increase a margarita's sugar levels. It also explains the factors affecting wine's sugar content, provides a comparison table of nutritional information, and offers tips for making lower-sugar alcoholic drink choices.

Key Points

Margaritas Contain More Sugar: A standard or frozen margarita almost always has significantly more sugar than a glass of wine due to sugary mixers like simple syrup and liqueur.
Wine Sugar Varies by Type: Sugar in wine comes from residual sugar after fermentation. Dry wines have less than 1g of sugar per glass, while sweet dessert wines can have much more.
Mixers are the Culprit: The primary source of sugar in margaritas isn't the tequila but the added syrups and pre-made mixes, which can inflate calorie and carb counts.
Healthier Cocktail Alternatives Exist: You can reduce a margarita's sugar by using fresh lime juice and a minimal amount of agave or a sugar-free sweetener, or by choosing a dry wine.
Moderation is Essential: For both wine and cocktails, drinking in moderation is crucial, as excessive alcohol and sugar consumption can negatively impact blood sugar levels and weight.
Dry Wines are the Lowest-Sugar Option: For those prioritizing low sugar, dry red or white wine varieties are the safest choice among common alcoholic drinks.

A frequent question for those watching their diet is whether a cocktail or wine is the healthier choice. The answer is not always simple, as it depends on the specific type of wine and how a cocktail is prepared. However, in most cases, a classic or frozen margarita will have far more sugar than a typical glass of wine. Understanding where the sugar comes from in each drink is key to making an informed decision for your nutrition plan.

The Sugar Story: Wine vs. Margaritas

The fundamental difference in sugar content between wine and margaritas lies in their ingredients and production. Wine’s sugar comes naturally from grapes and is managed during fermentation, while a margarita's sugar is predominantly added through mixers.

The Fermentation Process and Wine's Sugar

Wine is made from fermented grapes, and the yeast consumes the grapes' natural sugars to produce alcohol. Any sugar left after fermentation is called 'residual sugar' and determines the wine's sweetness.

Dry Wines: These undergo a long fermentation process, leaving very little residual sugar. A 5-ounce glass of a dry red (like Cabernet Sauvignon) or dry white (like Sauvignon Blanc) typically contains less than 1 gram of sugar.
Off-Dry to Sweet Wines: With shorter fermentation or added sweetness, these wines contain more sugar. An off-dry Riesling can have up to 5 grams per glass, while a sweet dessert wine like Port can have 18 grams or more in a smaller serving.

Because the sugar is naturally occurring and controlled during production, winemakers can offer a range of options for those monitoring their sugar intake.

The Role of Mixers in Margaritas

A traditional margarita combines tequila, lime juice, and a liqueur like Triple Sec. The sugar comes primarily from the Triple Sec and, often, added simple syrup or agave nectar. Pre-made or frozen margaritas can contain significantly more sugar from bottled mixes and extra sweeteners. The total sugar load of a margarita is almost always higher than that of a glass of wine because of these additional sugary ingredients.

Nutritional Comparison: Wine, Classic Margarita, and Frozen Margarita

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the approximate nutritional content for different drinks. Note that these values can vary significantly based on brand, recipe, and serving size.


Drink	Serving Size	Approx. Calories	Approx. Sugar	Approx. Carbs
Dry Red Wine	5 oz	125	<1 g	~4 g
Dry White Wine	5 oz	121	~1.5 g	~4 g
Classic Margarita	8 oz	200-250	10-20 g	15-30 g
Frozen Margarita	8 oz	300+	25-40+ g	40+ g

Making Healthier Cocktail Choices

While a glass of dry wine is the lower-sugar option, you don't have to give up cocktails entirely if you are watching your sugar intake. Modifications can dramatically reduce a mixed drink's nutritional impact.

Tips for Low-Sugar Drinking

Stick to dry wines: Choose a dry red or white wine to minimize sugar and calorie intake. Look for terms like 'brut' for sparkling wines, indicating low or no residual sugar.
Choose clear spirits: On their own, spirits like tequila, vodka, and gin contain no sugar. It's the mixers that add the sweetness.
Use low-sugar mixers: When making a cocktail, opt for sugar-free mixers such as soda water or diet soda. Instead of sugary juices, try a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon.
Modify your margarita: To make a healthier margarita, skip the pre-made mix. Combine quality tequila with fresh lime juice and a minimal amount of agave nectar or a sugar-free sweetener. For extra flavor without sugar, infuse your tequila with fresh jalapeños or cilantro.

Alcohol, Sugar, and Your Health

For individuals with diabetes or those managing their blood sugar, the high sugar content of cocktails like margaritas can be particularly concerning. Excess sugar from beverages can cause blood sugar spikes. Furthermore, the combination of alcohol and sugar increases caloric intake, which can contribute to weight gain. It's important to remember that alcohol affects everyone differently, and moderation is key for overall health.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, drinking with a meal or a carbohydrate-rich snack can help maintain normal blood sugar levels. They also advise choosing lower-calorie and dry wine options. Individuals with diabetes should always consult their doctor about safely consuming alcohol. An authoritative source like the American Diabetes Association provides extensive guidance on managing diabetes with alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

When comparing the typical sugar content, a glass of wine is the clear winner over a margarita. While dry wines offer a low-sugar option, the mixers used in most margaritas, especially frozen and pre-made versions, pack in a significant amount of added sugar and calories. However, by being mindful of ingredients, using sugar-free mixers, and practicing moderation, it is possible to enjoy a lower-sugar cocktail. Your best nutritional bet is to stick with dry wines or modify cocktails with natural, low-sugar alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

A margarita, especially a frozen one, generally has more calories than a standard glass of wine. A frozen margarita can exceed 300 calories, while an 8-ounce classic version is typically over 200 calories. In contrast, a 5-ounce glass of dry wine is approximately 120-125 calories.

When consumed neat, tequila has zero sugar and few carbs, making it a low-sugar base. Red wine contains beneficial antioxidants but has some residual sugar. Health experts are divided, but most agree that either is healthier than a sugary cocktail, provided they are consumed in moderation.

The amount of sugar in wine depends entirely on its type. Dry wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc, have very little residual sugar (typically less than 1 gram per glass). Sweeter wines, like Port or Moscato, can contain significantly higher sugar levels.

To reduce the sugar in a margarita, use fresh-squeezed lime juice instead of pre-made mix. Sweeten it with a very small amount of agave nectar or a sugar-free alternative. Avoiding frozen varieties and using a modest amount of Triple Sec also helps.

Pure distilled spirits like tequila, vodka, gin, and whiskey contain no sugar on their own. For a mixed drink, using a sugar-free mixer like soda water with a squeeze of lime is the lowest-sugar option. Dry wines and hard seltzers are also low in sugar.

Yes, alcohol can affect blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes. While moderate amounts might cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can lead to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The sugar in mixed drinks like margaritas can also cause spikes.

A frozen margarita typically contains much more sugar than one on the rocks because it is often made with a sugary mix. Frozen versions are blended with more sweeteners to achieve a desired consistency and flavor profile, significantly increasing their sugar content.