How to Cut Calories in a Margarita

skinny margarita
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The margarita is one of the most popular festive drinks to serve with spicy food or to enjoy on a hot day. Now that "skinny" margaritas have hit the scene, dieters enjoy this cool drink as well. But if you're trying to lose weight, there are a few things you need to know about margarita calories before you dive into this drink.

How Many Calories in a Margarita?

The number of calories in a margarita will depend almost entirely on how it’s made and where you drink it. According to, there are 156 calories in a strawberry-flavored TGI Fridays margarita. Many restaurant-made margaritas will have calorie counts in that same range.

If you make your drink at home, your margarita calories will depend on the ingredients. Many home bartenders use mixers because they make cocktails more simple to make. But many mixers are full of sugar and calories. Frozen mixers can be especially dangerous for dieters.

A single 2-ounce serving of Old Orchard or Bacardi brand margarita mixer has 90 calories. Two ounces is about one quarter cup.  Most drinkers will consume a drink that is larger than that. And your margarita calorie count still doesn't include the alcohol. A single serving of tequila provides 65-70 calories. So your homemade margarita will probably total at least 150 calories, but possibly more.

If you make your own margarita from scratch, you may be able to cut calories by using fresh, low-calorie ingredients. A classic margarita recipe is usually prepared with triple sec, tequila, sour mix and a splash or lemon or lime. It will probably provide between 100-150 calories depending on how you balance the ingredients.


Skinny Margarita Calories



Make Your Own Skinny Margarita


You might also want to check out a Frozen Raspberry Margarita recipe that contains real fruit.

You can decrease the amount of alcohol or add more ice to save calories. You can  also try a fruity Showstopper, make with low-calorie SkinnyGirl vodka. Adjust the ingredients to decrease calories and increase flavor. 


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