Which has more calories, a glass of wine or a margarita?

October 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, an oversized restaurant margarita can pack well over 300 calories, far more than a standard glass of wine. For those monitoring their intake, understanding which has more calories, a glass of wine or a margarita, is essential for making informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

A margarita typically contains more calories than a glass of wine, primarily due to the sugar from mixers and liqueurs. Calorie counts vary widely based on ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation, so understanding these factors is key to choosing a healthier option.

Key Points

Margaritas have more calories than wine: The average margarita, particularly large or frozen restaurant versions, contains significantly more calories than a standard glass of wine due to sugary mixers.
Wine calories vary by type: The calorie count in wine depends on the alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual sugar, with dry, lower-ABV wines being the lowest in calories.
Control your margarita ingredients: Making a margarita at home with fresh lime juice and limiting sweetener is the best way to reduce its caloric load, as pre-made mixes are often calorie bombs.
Serving size matters: A 5-ounce glass of wine is a controlled portion, while a large restaurant margarita can be several times that size, exponentially increasing the calorie count.
The spirits aren't the main culprit: In a margarita, the main caloric damage comes from the sweet mixers, not the tequila itself, which has around 97 calories per standard 1.5-ounce shot.
Go for a wine spritzer: Adding soda water to white wine is a simple way to reduce the calorie content of your drink while still enjoying the flavor.

The Calorie Breakdown: Wine vs. Margarita

When comparing a glass of wine to a margarita, the calorie content is influenced by different factors. In wine, the calories come primarily from the alcohol itself and any residual sugar left over after fermentation. For a cocktail like a margarita, the spirits contribute, but the bulk of the calories often comes from sugary mixers and liqueurs. A standard 5-ounce (150 ml) glass of wine typically falls in the range of 120-165 calories, while a classic homemade margarita (around 4 ounces) can start at 200-250 calories.

Why a Margarita Can Be a Calorie Bomb

While tequila itself isn't excessively high in calories (a 1.5 oz shot is about 97 calories), the additives are where the calorie count skyrockets. A typical margarita is made with tequila, lime juice, and a high-sugar orange liqueur like triple sec. When restaurants use pre-made, sugary mixes instead of fresh lime juice and control over the sweetener, the calorie count can soar dramatically. Large, frozen versions are often the worst offenders, with some reaching 400-600 calories or more in a single glass. The combination of a large serving size and high-sugar content makes the average margarita a much more calorific drink than a glass of wine.

The Caloric Range in a Glass of Wine

Wine's calorie count is less volatile than a margarita's but still varies. The primary determinants are the alcohol content and residual sugar. A higher alcohol by volume (ABV) translates to more calories, as alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. Sweeter wines also contain more calories from sugar.

Dry White Wines (e.g., Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc): Lower ABV and sugar result in fewer calories, often between 100-120 per 5 oz glass.
Full-Bodied Red Wines (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec): Higher ABV means higher calories, typically 140-165 per 5 oz glass.
Dessert Wines & Fortified Wines (e.g., Port, Sherry): These are the most calorific, with higher alcohol content and significant residual sugar, sometimes exceeding 200 calories per serving.

Navigating Your Choices: Calorie-Wise Drinking

For those who enjoy both drinks but want to be mindful of their calorie intake, here are some helpful tips:

Make Your Own Margarita: Control the ingredients by using fresh lime juice and a natural, low-calorie sweetener like agave nectar or stevia. Use a standard 1.5 oz pour of tequila to keep calories in check.
Opt for 'Skinny' Versions: Many bars offer a 'skinny' margarita, which uses fresh lime juice and a sugar-free sweetener. Always ask about the ingredients to be sure.
Choose Lower-ABV and Dry Wines: When selecting wine, opt for drier options and check the ABV. Lower alcohol wines, particularly dry whites, will be your lowest-calorie choice.
Add a Spritzer: For white wine lovers, adding a splash of soda water to make a spritzer is an excellent way to reduce the alcohol and calorie concentration while making the drink last longer.
Consider Portions: Be aware of your serving size. The portion of wine is typically much more controlled (5 oz) than a margarita, which can be served in very large glasses at restaurants.

Comparison Table: Wine vs. Margarita Calories


Feature	Glass of Wine (5 oz)	Margarita (Restaurant, Large/Frozen)
Typical Calories	120-165 calories (dry-full bodied)	300-700+ calories
Primary Calorie Source	Alcohol (ABV) and residual sugar	Sugary mixers, liqueurs, and spirits
Preparation Variation	Moderate variation based on wine type	Wide variation based on restaurant, mix, and size
Lowest Calorie Option	Dry white or sparkling wine	'Skinny' or homemade with fresh ingredients
Calorie Control	Easily controlled by choosing wine type	Requires careful ingredient selection and portion control

Conclusion

In the direct comparison of a typical glass of wine versus a standard or oversized margarita, the margarita almost always contains more calories. The primary reason for this significant difference is the use of high-sugar mixers and liqueurs in cocktails, which add empty calories quickly, unlike wine, where the caloric content is largely determined by alcohol content and residual sugar. Those monitoring their calorie intake would be wise to opt for drier, lower-ABV wines or choose a 'skinny' or homemade margarita where the ingredients and sugar content are controlled. Being mindful of these factors allows for informed choices that can help you align your drink selections with your dietary goals without sacrificing enjoyment. Ultimately, moderation is key regardless of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, frozen margaritas often have more calories. The blending process typically requires more sweeteners or syrups to achieve the desired consistency and flavor, which increases the total calorie count compared to a classic margarita on the rocks.

A standard 5-ounce (150 ml) glass of wine typically contains between 120 and 165 calories, though this can vary depending on the type of wine. Drier whites are on the lower end, while richer reds are on the higher end.

A 'skinny' margarita is a lighter version that uses fresh lime juice and less or no added sugar, often substituting agave nectar or a calorie-free sweetener. It is healthier in terms of calorie and sugar content, making it a better option for those watching their intake.

Margaritas can be high in calories due to the use of sugary, pre-made mixes, orange liqueurs, and generous serving sizes at restaurants. These mixers and large portions can significantly increase the calorie count compared to the base spirit.

Dry white wines with a lower alcohol content, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, generally have the fewest calories per glass compared to reds or sweeter wines. Brut champagne and extra brut sparkling wines are also good low-calorie options.

The primary source of calories in a margarita is typically the sugary cocktail mix or syrup used, rather than the tequila itself. These mixers can add hundreds of calories to a single drink.

To make a low-calorie margarita at home, use fresh lime juice instead of pre-made mix. Control the sweetener by adding a small amount of agave nectar, stevia, or simply omitting it, and top with club soda for extra volume without extra calories.