Margaritas are a classic tequila cocktail that have been popular for decades. The original margarita recipe calls for tequila, orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec, and lime juice. However, over the years many variations of the margarita have emerged, including wine-based margaritas. So what exactly is the difference between a wine margarita and a regular margarita?
Ingredients
The primary difference between a wine margarita and a regular margarita is the base spirit used.
Regular Margarita
A regular margarita is made with tequila as the base spirit. Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant native to Mexico. There are several types of tequila including blanco (unaged), reposado (aged 2-12 months), and añejo (aged 1-3 years). Blanco tequila is most commonly used for margaritas. The tequila provides the classic agave flavor that is signature to a margarita.
Wine Margarita
In a wine margarita, tequila is replaced with wine as the base spirit. Any type of wine can be used from white wine, red wine, sparkling wine, or even sangria. Some popular options are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, White Zinfandel, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine adds fruity flavors and aroma to the margarita, distinguishing it from the regular version.
Flavor Profile
The different base spirits used in wine margaritas and regular margaritas lead to distinct flavor profiles.
Regular Margarita Flavors
A regular margarita made with 100% agave tequila will have these prominent flavors:
- Agave – The agave tequila contributes earthy, vegetal, herbaceous notes.
- Tangy – Fresh lime juice adds delightful tartness.
- Sweet – Orange liqueurs boost sweetness to balance the tart lime.
- Salty – Salted margarita glass rims accentuate the saltiness.
- Boozy – The tequila provides a bold, alcoholic kick.
Overall, a regular margarita made with quality ingredients has a complex, agave-forward taste highlighted by lime, orange, and salt.
Wine Margarita Flavors
In comparison, a wine margarita features more fruity, floral notes:
- Fruity – The wine contributes juicy fruit flavors like citrus, berry, apple, peach, etc.
- Floral – Some wines add delicate floral aromas.
- Sweet – Wine is less boozy than tequila, making the drink seem sweeter.
- Tangy – Lime still provides tartness.
- Salty – Salted rims remain.
The fruitiness from the wine makes the flavor profile slightly less complex but very easy drinking. The lime, orange liqueur, and salt help resemble a margarita flavor.
Alcohol Content
There is a noticeable difference in alcohol content between regular and wine margaritas.
Regular Margarita Alcohol Content
A standard margarita made with a 11⁄2 oz shot of 80 proof tequila contains about 24% alcohol by volume (ABV). Some tequilas used in margaritas may be higher proof, like 100 proof, which would increase the ABV. Overall, a regular margarita has a pretty high alcohol content.
Wine Margarita Alcohol Content
Wines range in alcohol content from about 10-15% ABV for most table wines. This makes the average alcohol content of a wine margarita around 12-18% ABV. So wine margaritas have a significantly lower alcohol content than a tequila-based version.
Calories
Looking at the calorie content of both drinks also reveals some differences.
Regular Margarita Calories
A typical 5oz margarita made with 1 1/2 oz tequila contains approximately 168 calories, according to the USDA. Margaritas made with a sugary sour mix rather than fresh lime juice tend to be higher in calories.
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 oz tequila | 105 |
| 1 oz triple sec | 60 |
| 1 oz lime juice | 3 |
| Total (5oz drink) | 168 |
Wine Margarita Calories
The calorie count of a wine margarita can also vary based on the type of wine used. An average 5oz wine margarita may contain around 140 calories. Moscato wine margaritas will be at the lower end while a Merlot or Cabernet wine margarita will have more calories.
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| 4 oz Moscato wine | 120 |
| 1 oz triple sec | 60 |
| 1 oz lime juice | 3 |
| Total (5oz drink) | 140 |
So while the calorie count can vary based on ingredients, generally a wine margarita contains slightly fewer calories than a tequila version. However, both drinks are relatively high in calories.
Price
You’ll also notice a difference in price when ordering a wine margarita compared to a regular margarita at a bar or restaurant.
Regular Margarita Price
Well tequila costs around $20-30 per 750ml bottle. At most bars, a regular margarita with well tequila costs about $8-12. Top shelf margaritas with premium tequilas like Patrón can range from $14-18 per drink.
Wine Margarita Price
Wine costs more than tequila – you’re looking at about $10-20 for average quality inexpensive wines, and $20+ for better quality wines per 750ml bottle. Since wine is more expensive, wine margaritas also cost more than regular margaritas on a bar menu. Expect to pay $10-16 for a wine margarita depending on the wine used.
Glassware
Margaritas are traditionally served in margarita glasses, which are stemmed glasses with a wide, bowl-shaped rim that can be salted. Both regular and wine margaritas can be served in these margarita glasses.
However, some bars may choose to serve wine margaritas in standard wine glasses instead of margarita glasses. The wine glasses have a smaller and narrower bowl designed to concentrate the wine’s aromas. While you can serve wine margaritas in wine glasses, the margarita glass is still the standard choice.
When to Choose Each
Both varieties have their pros and cons, so which type of margarita should you choose?
When to Choose a Regular Margarita
Stick with a classic regular margarita made with quality 100% agave tequila in these situations:
- You want that signature agave margarita flavor.
- You don’t mind the higher alcohol content.
- You’re sticking with tradition.
- You want to fully taste the tequila.
- You prefer a drier, less sweet cocktail.
When to Choose a Wine Margarita
Opt for a wine margarita if:
- You want more fruitiness and sweetness.
- You want something lower in alcohol.
- You feel like a refreshing, light cocktail.
- You want to change up your margarita game.
- You want to take advantage of a great wine deal or finish an open wine bottle.
- You don’t care for the taste of straight tequila.
Making Wine Margaritas at Home
Want to mix up an easy wine margarita at home? Follow this basic recipe and ratio:
Ingredients:
- 2 parts wine
- 1 part orange liqueur
- 1 part fresh lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- Optional garnish: lime wedge, salt or sugar for rimming
Instructions:
- Select your preferred wine. White wines or sweeter reds work best. Avoid oaky or dry wines.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add ingredients and shake vigorously.
- Wet the rim of a margarita or wine glass with lime and dip into a salt or sugar rim (optional).
- Strain shaken margarita into prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade wine margarita!
Tips:
- Make a batch of margarita mix ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Mix with wine when ready to serve.
- Add other fruit purees or juices to change up the flavors.
- Try different wines like Moscato, Riesling or Sangria.
- Consider adding other fruit liqueurs like strawberry, peach or mango.
- Adjust sweetness by adding simple syrup or extra orange liqueur.
Conclusion
While both are delicious twists on a margarita cocktail, wine margaritas and regular margaritas each have their own unique characteristics. The choice comes down to personal taste preference for flavor, alcohol content, and budget. A wine margarita offers light, fruity flavors using an easy, convenient ingredient. But tequila purists will argue you can’t beat an original margarita with quality tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime. Either way, both cocktails make excellent happy hour, party and patio sippers!