#Restaurant margarita calories professional

That’s nine teaspoons and six teaspoons respectively, and the average American consumes closer to 17 teaspoons of added sugar per day ( 9).ĭrinking one restaurant margarita or two homemade margs surpasses the amount of added sugar that is recommended for one day. The American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day and women consume no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day ( 10). Margaritas made from premade mixes, as well as restaurant margaritas, typically have more sugar than homemade ones.Ĭonsuming too many added sugars can lead to unwanted weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease ( 9).Īlthough agave and honey are natural sources of sugar, when added to drinks like margs, they are considered added sugars. Margaritas can be high in sugar, depending on how they are made.

#Restaurant margarita calories professional

If you’re not sure how alcohol affects you, any conditions you may have, or any medications you take, talk with a healthcare professional before consuming anything alcoholic, including margaritas.

People recovering from an alcohol use disorder.

People living with certain medical conditions or taking medications that interact with alcohol.

People under the legal drinking age in their area (21 in the United States).

People who are lactating, breastfeeding, or chestfeeding.

It’s also important for some people to avoid alcohol entirely, including ( 8): Generally, a margarita uses 2 ounces (59 mL) of tequila, which is more than the recommended 1.5 ounces (44 mL) of liquor that defines a drink.ĭrinking alcohol - even in moderate amounts - is associated with a number of health concerns, including increased risk of cancer, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease ( 8). The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that men limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day and women consume no more than one drink per day ( 7, 8).Ī standard drink is defined as 12 ounces (355 mL) of beer, 5 ounces (147 mL) of wine, or 1.5 ounces (44 mL) of liquor. Consider using fresh or frozen fruit, skipping the agave and honey.įinally, using less tequila than the standard two ounces (59 mL) will reduce the number of calories from alcohol - and your alcohol intake. Fruit is naturally sweet, and it provides vitamins, minerals, and a some fiber. Or make a fruit-flavored drink, like a strawberry margarita, using real strawberries to sweeten the drink. You can learn about other sweetener options here. If you want to skip sugar all together, replace the orange liqueur or agave with another sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Keep in mind that agave nectar and honey have about the same number of calories and grams of sugar. That nixes about 5 grams of sugar.Īnother option is to only use light agave nectar or honey in place of orange liqueur and skip the orange juice, saving another three grams of sugar. Try swapping an ounce (29.6 mL) of orange liqueur for a teaspoon (5 mL) of light agave nectar and an ounce (29.6 mL) of orange juice.

Reducing the amount of sugar in your margarita is another way to make a healthier version. And depending on the restaurant, they may use a premade mix high in added sugars. Homemade margaritas are also healthier than restaurant margaritas, since restaurant portions tend to be much larger. It will likely have fewer calories and less sugar versus a premade mix.

But there are ways to make a healthier version if you wish.įirst, try making a margarita from scratch at home. There’s no need to worry about occasionally indulging in a margarita. If you’re of legal drinking age and don’t have any health conditions that make alcohol particularly unsafe for you, it’s OK to enjoy a margarita on occasion - regardless of calorie count. While keeping an estimate in mind may help you stay on track with health goals, calorie counts aren’t always reliable, and it’s best to avoid thinking of nutrition as calories alone. Remember that calories are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to the nutritional value of the foods and beverages we consume. Ratios vary according to taste and preference.ġ oz (29.6 mL) Cointreau, 2 oz (59 mL) tequila, 1 oz (29.6 mL) fresh lime juice, ½ cup sliced strawberries Tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, orange juice (optional). Restaurants typically mix a premade, sweet and sour margarita mix with tequila.ġ oz (29.6 mL) Cointreau, 2 oz (59 mL) tequila, 1 oz (29.6 mL) fresh lime juice, blended with ice 1 oz (29.6 mL) Cointreau, 2 oz (59 mL) tequila, 1 oz (29.6 mL) fresh lime juice, poured over ice