Margarita Calories
240 calories per serving
Drinks
A classic margarita served at most bars and restaurants contains around 200–280 calories per standard cocktail, making it one of the more calorie-dense drink options. The majority of those calories come from tequila and triple sec (or similar orange liqueur), while added sugars from sweet-and-sour mix or agave syrup can quietly push the count even higher. Watch out for large frozen or blended versions — a restaurant "big" margarita can easily top 500–700 calories in a single glass.
Protein
0.5g
1% of calories
Carbs
24g
40% of calories
Fat
0g
0% of calories
Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tequila (1.5 oz / 1 standard shot) | 97 | 0g | 0g |
| Triple Sec / Cointreau (1 oz) | 80 | 0g | 9g |
| Fresh Lime Juice (1 oz) | 8 | 0.1g | 2.5g |
| Agave Syrup / Simple Syrup (0.5 oz) | 45 | 0g | 12g |
| Salted Rim (pinch of kosher salt) | 0 | 0g | 0g |
| Ice (dilution water weight) | 0 | 0g | 0g |
| Lime Wedge Garnish | 2 | 0g | 0.5g |
| Sour Mix (if used instead of fresh lime + syrup, 1 oz) | 8 | 0.4g | 0g |
| Total | 240 | 0.5g | 24g |
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Skinny Margarita (tequila, fresh lime juice, a splash of agave, soda water)
Save ~110 calories by ditching the triple sec and syrup in favor of soda water and fresh citrus
Tequila on the Rocks with Lime
Save ~140 calories by skipping the mixers entirely — just tequila, ice, and a lime squeeze
Sparkling Water Mocktail (sparkling water, lime juice, agave, mint)
Save ~210 calories by going alcohol-free with a refreshing lime spritzer
Light Beer
Save ~140 calories compared to a standard margarita while still enjoying a classic bar drink
Portion Tips
- 1.
Stick to a single standard pour (1.5 oz tequila) rather than the oversized "double" versions common at chain restaurants, which can double the calorie count instantly.
- 2.
Choose fresh lime juice over premade sweet-and-sour mix — sour mix can add 50–100 extra calories and significantly more sugar per drink.
- 3.
Ask for your margarita "on the rocks" instead of frozen/blended — frozen versions are made in larger volumes and often contain extra syrup, easily adding 200+ calories.
- 4.
Skip or minimize the salted rim if you're watching sodium; a single salted rim can contribute 200–400 mg of sodium depending on how generously it's applied.
- 5.
Sip slowly and alternate with water — alcohol lowers inhibitions around food choices, so pacing yourself helps manage both calorie intake from the drink and any food ordered alongside it.
Common Questions About Margarita
How many calories are in a margarita?
A standard classic margarita made with 1.5 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, and fresh lime juice contains approximately 200–260 calories. Restaurant versions — especially large or frozen margaritas — can range from 350 to over 700 calories depending on size and added syrups.
Is a margarita high in sugar?
Yes, margaritas can be high in sugar, primarily from triple sec, agave or simple syrup, and premade sour mix. A standard cocktail may contain 18–25g of sugar. Opting for a "skinny" margarita with fresh lime juice and minimal sweetener can cut sugar content significantly.
How many calories are in a frozen margarita?
A frozen margarita is typically larger in volume and contains more syrup to balance the ice dilution. A typical restaurant frozen margarita ranges from 350 to 700+ calories. A homemade version using controlled measurements is usually closer to 250–300 calories.
What is the lowest calorie margarita option?
A "skinny margarita" — made with tequila, fresh lime juice, a small splash of agave nectar, and topped with soda water — is generally the lowest calorie option at around 100–140 calories. Using fresh ingredients instead of store-bought mixes makes the biggest difference.