Calories in a Margarita: Full Nutrition Breakdown

A classic margarita on the rocks contains approximately 274 calories per 8 oz serving, with the calories coming from a combination of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Margaritas are among the higher-calorie cocktails due to the use of orange liqueur and sometimes agave syrup or simple syrup. The calorie count can vary dramatically depending on the recipe, size, and whether a premade mix is used.

Calories by serving size:

The calorie range for margaritas is one of the widest among cocktails, from about 160 calories for a skinny version to well over 500 for a large restaurant pour. Frozen margaritas tend to be higher in calories because they use sweetened mixes and larger serving sizes. Making your own margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a small amount of agave or orange liqueur gives you the most control over calorie content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are margaritas so high in calories?

Margaritas are calorie-dense because they combine multiple calorie sources: tequila at roughly 97 calories per shot, triple sec or Cointreau at about 95 calories per ounce, and sweeteners like simple syrup or agave. A single classic margarita often contains 2 oz of tequila plus 1 oz of orange liqueur, which alone accounts for over 280 calories before the lime juice and any added sweetener. Restaurant versions amplify this by using larger pours and sweetened sour mix.

How many calories does a skinny margarita save?

A skinny margarita typically has about 160 calories compared to 274 for a classic version, saving roughly 110 calories per drink. The savings come from replacing triple sec with fresh orange juice or a splash of orange extract and using fresh lime juice instead of sweetened sour mix. Some recipes use sparkling water to add volume without adding calories.

Are frozen margaritas higher in calories than on the rocks?

Frozen margaritas are generally higher in calories, averaging around 380 calories for a 12 oz serving compared to 274 for an 8 oz on-the-rocks version. This is because frozen versions typically use sweetened margarita mixes that are high in sugar, and the blended format encourages larger serving sizes. The added ice dilutes the alcohol taste, which often leads to even more mix being added.

How many calories are in a restaurant margarita?

Restaurant margaritas can range from 300 to over 500 calories depending on the size and recipe. A large 16 oz restaurant margarita commonly contains 500 or more calories, especially when made with house sour mix and generous pours of triple sec. Chain restaurant margaritas are often the highest in calories because they rely on premade mixes that are heavy in sugar.

How much sugar is in a margarita?

A classic homemade margarita contains roughly 16 grams of sugar, coming primarily from the triple sec and lime juice. Frozen margaritas made with commercial mixes can have 40 or more grams of sugar per serving, approaching the sugar content of a can of soda. Opting for a skinny margarita with fresh lime juice and no liqueur can reduce the sugar to as low as 4 grams per drink.