Canned margaritas have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient and portable pre-mixed cocktail option. However, many people are unsure exactly how much alcohol is contained in the standard serving size of a canned margarita. In this article, we will examine the typical alcohol content of popular canned margarita brands and provide a detailed breakdown of how many standard alcoholic drinks are present in each can.
What is a Standard Drink?
Before examining the alcohol content of canned margaritas specifically, it is helpful to understand what constitutes a standard alcoholic drink. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard drink contains roughly 14 grams or 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol.[1] This amount of alcohol is typically found in:
- 12 ounces of regular beer (about 5% alcohol)
- 8-9 ounces of malt liquor (about 7% alcohol)
- 5 ounces of table wine (about 12% alcohol)
- 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (40% alcohol)
So when determining the number of standard drinks in a beverage, we calculate how many 0.6 ounce servings of pure alcohol are present. Canned cocktails like margaritas can contain distilled spirits like tequila as well as other liquors, so the alcohol content can vary significantly by brand.
Alcohol Content of Popular Canned Margarita Brands
Here is an overview of some of the most popular canned margarita brands and how much alcohol they contain per serving:
Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix
- Serving size: 11.2 fluid ounces
- Alcohol content: 13.9% alcohol by volume
- Standard drinks per can: 1.7
Jose Cuervo margarita cans contains tequila along with margarita mix. At 13.9% ABV, each 11.2 ounce can contains just under 2 standard alcoholic drinks.
BuzzBallz Margaritas
- Serving size: 15 fluid ounces
- Alcohol content: 13.5% alcohol by volume
- Standard drinks per can: 2.3
With a slightly higher ABV and larger serving size, BuzzBallz margarita cans pack over 2 standard drinks per can.
CUTWATER Margarita
- Serving size: 12 fluid ounces
- Alcohol content: 13.5% alcohol by volume
- Standard drinks per can: 1.9
Cutwater Margaritas are made with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Each 12 ounce can contains just under 2 standard drinks.
On The Rocks Classic Margarita
- Serving size: 10 fluid ounces
- Alcohol content: 13.9% alcohol by volume
- Standard drinks per can: 1.5
On The Rocks ready-to-drink margaritas have a bit less volume than other brands but still deliver 1.5 standard drinks per can.
Skinnygirl Margarita
- Serving size: 12 fluid ounces
- Alcohol content: 12% alcohol by volume
- Standard drinks per can: 1.6
Skinnygirl margaritas are lower in calories but still contain around 1.5 to 1.6 standard drinks per can.
How Canned Margaritas Compare to Other Cocktails
To provide some additional context, here is how the alcohol content of a standard canned margarita compares to other popular ready-to-drink cocktail options:
| Beverage | Serving Size | ABV | Standard Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canned Margarita | 12 oz | 13% | 1.7 |
| Hard Seltzer | 12 oz | 5% | 0.7 |
| Vodka Soda | 12 oz | 7% | 0.9 |
| Canned Wine | 12 oz | 13% | 1.7 |
| Pre-mixed Vodka Cocktail | 12 oz | 10% | 1.3 |
As you can see, the average alcohol content of a canned margarita is comparable to other mixed drinks like canned wine or vodka cocktails. The margarita contains more alcohol than hard seltzers or vodka sodas which tend to be around 5% ABV.
Factors that Influence Alcohol Content
There are a few key factors that determine the alcohol concentration and total standard drinks in a canned margarita:
Base Spirit(s)
The primary distilled spirit used in a margarita will significantly impact the drink’s overall strength. Many margaritas rely on a blend of tequila and orange liqueur. Tequila typically ranges from 38-40% ABV depending on the brand and vintage. Some margaritas may also include vodka which is usually 40% ABV. The more spirit present, the higher the alcohol content.
Additional Ingredients
Items like fruit juices, purees, simple syrups, and pre-made margarita mixes are often added to canned margaritas. These non-alcoholic ingredients lower the overall ABV of the final product compared to a cocktail made from pure distilled spirits. But they also add flavor and sweetness.
Ratio of Mixers to Spirits
The ratio of distilled spirits to non-alcoholic ingredients like fruit juice also determines strength. Many canned margaritas try to provide a balance between booziness and refreshment. But some may skew more heavily towards liquor content. Always check the label’s ABV to determine the overall alcoholic punch.
Serving Size
As seen in the brand comparison earlier, canned margaritas can range from 10-15 ounces per serving. Smaller serving sizes may have similar alcohol concentrations to larger cans, resulting in fewer total standard drinks. This is important to note if monitoring total alcohol intake.
Tips for Consuming Canned Margaritas Responsibly
While convenient and tasty, it’s important to consume canned margaritas responsibly:
- Treat each can as containing 1-2 standard alcoholic drinks
- Alternate with water or non-alcoholic drinks to pace consumption
- Eat food before and while drinking to slow absorption
- Be aware that larger cans or higher ABVs contain more alcohol
- Check the seal before opening to ensure no tampering
- Drink slowly – don’t chug!
- Stay hydrated to avoid hangovers
- Don’t drive after consuming multiple drinks
Moderation is key with canned cocktails. Taking it slow and staying aware of intake allows you to enjoy the convenience without overdoing it on alcohol.
Making Your Own Lower Alcohol Canned Margaritas
If you want to control the alcohol content of your margaritas more precisely, it’s easy to make your own canned versions:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (8 oz) silver/blanco tequila
- 1/2 cup (4 oz) Cointreau or orange liqueur
- 1 cup (8 oz) fresh lime juice
- 2 cups (16 oz) margarita mix or agave nectar
- 2 cups (16 oz) water
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir to mix thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust sweetness/acidity as desired by adding extra lime juice, agave, or water.
- Pour into sterilized 12 oz cans leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
- Seal cans with lids and rings.
- Cook cans in boiling water for 15 minutes to pasteurize.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
With this basic 2:1 ratio of margarita mix to spirits, you can precisely control the ABV while still allowing the flavors to shine. Mix and match different tequila brands or liqueurs to create your own signature blend. Home canning cocktails takes some effort but delivers a fresher, higher quality result than mass market options. Plus you can tweak the recipe to your own taste preferences.
So grab some cans, liquor, agave, and limes and get shaking! Home canned margaritas pay tribute to the classic cocktail while letting you take the booziness down a notch. Just be sure to enjoy them chilled and responsibly. Salud!
The Bottom Line
Canned margaritas provide an convenient way to enjoy this classic refreshing cocktail anywhere. Most major pre-made brands contain roughly 1-2 standard alcoholic drinks per 12 oz serving. Factors like the distilled spirits used, ratio of mixers to liquor, and serving size determine the overall alcohol content. While tasty, it’s important to be mindful of intake when drinking canned margaritas. Moderating consumption, pacing yourself, and staying hydrated can prevent overindulgence. For total control over strength and flavor, try your hand at making homemade canned versions. However you choose to imbibe them, canned margaritas deliver that sublime balance of sweet, tart, and smooth.