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Home » Alcohol

How Much Alcohol is in a Margarita? Everything Explained.

shirinWritten by Shirin Buta · Updated on January 23, 2023

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Table of Contents
  • What Is A Margarita?
  • How Much Alcohol In A Margarita?
  • Margarita Sizes And Their Alcohol Content 
  • Types of Margarita Drinks And Their Alcohol Contents
  • Can Margarita Make You Drunk?
  • Can You Drink Margarita Along With Other Drinks?
  • How Much Calories In A Margarita?
  • Recipe
  • Related Questions

What Is A Margarita?

A margarita is an iconic cocktail made from tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. It usually comes in a salt-rimmed glass with a slice of lime. Margaritas have been around for decades and have become a fan favorite for happy hours and backyard BBQs.

Although the classic margarita is a simple combination of tequila, triple sec, and lime, there are many variations on it. Some recipes call for adding fresh fruit juices, while others incorporate different types of tequila or different liqueurs. 

Others offer frozen margaritas, as well as margaritas on the rocks and straight up. No matter how you make it, the classic margarita is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

How Much Alcohol In A Margarita?

A standard margarita contains 3 ounces of liquid with 2 to 2.5 ounces of alcohol. If you use 80% proof tequila, your margarita should have 33% alcohol. On the other hand, if you use 40% proof tequila, your drink will have 17% alcohol.

A margarita's alcohol content varies, depending on how much alcohol and what type of alcohol you use, and the size of the drink. 

For instance, a virgin margarita has no alcohol, while a jumbo margarita that uses 80% alcohol has up to 55% alcohol.

Margarita Sizes And Their Alcohol Content 

bartender hands over margarita

Regular Margarita

There are two types of standard margaritas: a 3-oz and an 8-oz serving. As mentioned above, a regular margarita served in a 3-oz glass has an alcohol level of 33% or 17%, depending on the alcohol proof used.

On the other hand, a margarita served in an 8-ounce glass contains about 1.5 ounces of alcohol. This is equivalent to one standard drink, defined as a 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot.

Grande Margarita

A grande margarita, usually served in a 16-ounce glass, contains about 2.5 ounces of alcohol. This is equivalent to two standard drinks.

Jumbo Margarita

A jumbo margarita, often served in a 20-ounce glass, contains about 3.5 ounces of alcohol. This is equivalent to two and a half standard drinks.

Margarita Pitcher

A margarita pitcher, usually served in a 64-ounce pitcher, contains about 10 ounces of alcohol. This is equivalent to eight standard drinks.

Types of Margarita Drinks And Their Alcohol Contents

different margarita recipes

Classic Margarita

Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice or orange liqueur, line wedge, sea salt rim

Alcohol Content: 33% 

Skinny Margarita

Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, club soda, coarse salt rim

Alcohol Content: 12.7%

Watermelon Margarita

Ingredients: Tequila, watermelon liqueur, fresh lime juice or orange liqueur, agave syrup, watermelon wedge

Alcohol Content: 10-20%

Frozen Margarita

Ingredients: Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, agave nectar, fresh ice

Alcohol Content: 18%

Mango Margarita

Ingredients: Tequila, mango liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, mango wedge

Alcohol Content: 19%

Coconut Margarita

Ingredients: Tequila, coconut liqueur, lime juice, agave syrup, shredded coconut

Alcohol Content: 18-20%

Paloma Margarita

Ingredients: Tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, agave syrup, sea salt rim

Alcohol Content: 10-15%

Pomegranate Margarita

Ingredients: Tequila, pomegranate liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, pomegranate seeds

Alcohol Content: 18%

Presidente Margarita

Ingredients: Anejo tequila, brandy, orange liqueur, and sour mix.

Alcohol Content: 18%

Can Margarita Make You Drunk?

margarita on the rocks

The short answer is yes; a margarita can make you drunk. A classic margarita recipe calls for tequila, which is a type of alcohol with an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 40%. 

According to Medical News Today, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor starts to affect the body, and it takes around 3 to 4 drinks before you get drunk. However, this depends on how much alcohol you can tolerate and if you're on an empty stomach.

Depending on how much tequila is in your margarita, it can range from 1.5 to 3 ounces of alcohol, which can intoxicate you.

Can You Drink Margarita Along With Other Drinks?

Yes, you can drink other alcoholic beverages like beer and vodka while drinking a margarita. However, you should be mindful of how much alcohol you can tolerate. 

How Much Calories In A Margarita?

A margarita has around 250 to 300 calories. Most restaurants use a pre-made margarita mix that has sugar and an artificial flavor, so the drinks tend to have more calories.

If you want to keep an eye on your calories, you can reduce the orange liqueur or replace it with agave nectar.

Recipe

classic margarita recipe

Classic Margarita Recipe

A classic margarita recipe is straightforward. Here's what you need:
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine International
Servings 1
Calories 182 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • ½ ounce triple sec or Cointreau
  • kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Rim a margarita glass with kosher salt.
  • Fill a shaker with ice and add the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
  • Using a cocktail shaker, shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
  • Strain the margarita into the cocktail glass and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 14IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword classic recipe, margarita
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Related Questions

Does a margarita contain sugar?

Yes, a margarita contains sugar, which adds to its appealing flavor. However, you can eliminate the sugar content by not adding any simple syrup.

Does a margarita always have salt?

According to Jose Cuervo, a margarita recipe calls for one teaspoon of sea salt. However, you can skip the salt if you're watching your sodium levels.

Does a margarita always have ice?

Only sometimes. You can order a straight-up margarita with no ice.

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shirin

Shirin is a registered Medical Laboratory Scientist who teaches Immunology and Serology subjects. In her free time, she writes health-related articles to help advocate the prevention of lifestyle and infectious diseases. When not teaching or writing, she loves to try new food and attempts to recreate them at home.

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