When it comes to lounging around in the summer with friends and family, nothing beats a refreshing margarita. Whether enjoyed in the comfort of your own home or from a local restaurant, these tangy, tasty beverages can add an extra zing to any get-together. But with calories often taking a back seat to flavor, how do homemade and restaurant margaritas compare in terms of the nutrients you consume? Let’s see what we can uncover about calories in these popular drinks.

1. Count the Calories of a Margarita: Homemade vs Restaurant

Homemade Margarita
When you decide to make your own margaritas, you can take complete control of the calorie count! You can use low-sugar ingredients, such as fresh lime juice, to cut down on the sugar content in your libation. A homemade margarita made with one-and-a-half ounces of tequila, one-and-a-half ounces of Triple Sec, one-half ounce of fresh lime juice, and one ounce of water typically contains about:

• 130 calories
• 5 grams of fat
• 2 grams of carbohydrates
• 1 gram of protein

Restaurant Margarita
If you choose to go out for a margarita, you forfeit any measure of control you have over the calories. Restaurant margaritas can contain more than double the calories as home-made, since the mixers are typically full of sugar and other flavorings, plus there are often added drinks such as agave or sweet-and-sour mix. A store-bought margarita in an 8-ounce glass typically contains:

• 314 calories
• 0 fat
• 46 carbohydrates
• 0 protein

2. How to Enjoy Margaritas without the Guilt

Margaritas are one of the most popular cocktails in the world. But when it comes to enjoying them without the guilt, it can feel like an impossible feat. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be impossible! Here are some tips to help make your margarita consumption guilt-free:

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: When making margaritas – or any drink – make sure to use fresh ingredients instead of pre-made mixes. Some mixes are loaded with added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.
• Don’t Over-Do It: Enjoying a margarita here and there is completely fine, as long as you don’t overindulge. Avoid drinking multiple drinks in a sitting, as this can quickly add up to excessive calories, sugar, and alcohol.

Making healthier swaps is also an excellent way to cut down on empty calories. Instead of relying on simple syrup for sweetness, try using fresh fruit juices, agave nectar, or stevia extract. And, to avoid artificially-flavored drink mixes, consider replacing orange liqueur with freshly-squeezed orange juice.

You can still enjoy margaritas without breaking the calorie bank! Plus, by making healthier swaps, you can enjoy a guilt-free way to sip on your favorite summertime drink.

3. Margarita Mix-Ups: Crafting Your Own Healthy Cocktails

When we think of cocktails, the first thing that comes to mind is usually not something that’s classified as “healthy.” But, margaritas are the perfect base to craft your own healthy cocktail – with a variety of fresh and nourishing ingredients, you can make delicious and nutritious sips!

Unleash your creativity and get experimenting! Here’s a list of ideas to get you started:

• Grapefruit Margarita: replace the sugary simple syrup with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for a crisp and tangy cocktail.
• Cucumber Basil Margarita: muddle a few fresh cucumbers and add basil leaves and agave nectar for a refreshing twist on the classic margarita.
• Spicy Coconut Margarita: kick it up a notch and make your margarita a spicy one with some jalapeno peppers, and sweeten it with coconut syrup.
• Green Goddess Margarita: power up your margarita with some greens! Mix in some spinach and avocado for delicious and healthy margarita.

Play around with different uncommon ingredients to craft your own delicious and unique healthy cocktails! Don’t be afraid to try something different, who knows, you might just come up with the next go-to summer drink!

4. Create a Refreshing Margarita without the Hangover Fear

Don’t let yourself get cut off from having a good time and an even better margarita! Let us turn you into a mixologist with this fresh (and low guilt!) alternative drink. Here’s how to make a delicious and low-alcoholic Margarita.

• Ingredients: Salt, tequila, lime juice, tonic water, orange juice
• Instructions:
  • To your glass of ice, add a pinch of salt.
  • Pour in 1½ ounces of tequila.
  • Add 1 ½ ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice.
  • Add 1 servings of tonic water.
  • Top it off with 1 serving of orange juice.
  • Stir to mix all ingredients together.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge.

Now you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy your tasty low-alcoholic Margarita, without worrying about getting those nasty hangover effects.

The great thing about margaritas is that you can make them at home to your own preference – whether that means more tequila, more fruit, or more calories. When making them at home, you can easily adjust the calorie count to suit your overall nutrition goals. Whether you prefer to make your own margaritas or grab one at a restaurant, you now know exactly how many calories are in every sip. Cheers!