Margaritas are a popular cocktail typically made with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. They are often served in restaurants like Chili’s as a refreshing drink option. But what exactly is the alcoholic content of a Chili’s margarita?
Tequila
The primary spirit used in margaritas is tequila. Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant native to Mexico. There are several types of tequila that may be used:
- Blanco or silver tequila – This is unaged white tequila. It has a crisp, bold flavor.
- Reposado tequila – This tequila is aged 2-12 months in oak barrels. It has a mellower, oaky taste.
- Añejo tequila – This premium tequila is aged 1-3 years in oak barrels. It has a smooth, complex flavor.
According to Chili’s menu, their House Margarita is made with Sauza Conmemorativo tequila. This is a premium añejo tequila from one of the major tequila brands in Jalisco, Mexico. It is aged for 2-3 years in American oak barrels. This imparts a rich, oaky flavor and amber color to the tequila.
Tequila Proof and Alcohol Percentage
Tequila is bottled at different alcohol proofs. The proof is twice the alcohol percentage. Some common tequila proofs are:
| Proof | Alcohol Percentage |
|---|---|
| 80 proof | 40% ABV |
| 90 proof | 45% ABV |
| 100 proof | 50% ABV |
Sauza Conmemorativo is bottled at 80 proof, so it contains 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). This means a 1.5 oz pour of Sauza tequila in a Chili’s margarita contains about 0.6 oz of pure alcohol.
Orange Liqueur
The second key ingredient in margaritas is an orange liqueur. Popular orange liqueurs used include:
- Cointreau – A brand of triple sec made from sweet and bitter orange peels.
- Grand Marnier – Made from cognac and orange peels.
- Patrón Citrónge – An orange liqueur produced by the Patrón tequila brand.
Based on the Chili’s menu descriptions, it appears they use a proprietary mix called Chili’s Margarita Mix in their margaritas. The exact orange liqueur used is not specified, but is likely a lower-cost triple sec.
Orange Liqueur Proof and Alcohol Percentage
Orange liqueurs are bottled at different proofs, typically between 70-100 proof (35-50% ABV). Some examples:
| Liqueur | Proof | Alcohol Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Cointreau | 80 proof | 40% ABV |
| Grand Marnier | 80 proof | 40% ABV |
| Patrón Citrónge | 70 proof | 35% ABV |
Let’s estimate the orange liqueur in a Chili’s margarita is an 80 proof triple sec. A typical 1 oz pour would contain about 0.4 oz of pure alcohol.
Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice is the third key component of a margarita. The tart citrus flavor balances out the sweetness of the orange liqueur. Lime juice contains little to no alcohol.
Putting it All Together
Now that we looked at the alcoholic content of each ingredient, we can estimate the total alcohol percentage in a Chili’s margarita:
- 1.5 oz Sauza Conmemorativo tequila at 40% ABV = 0.6 oz alcohol
- 1 oz triple sec at 40% ABV = 0.4 oz alcohol
- Lime juice = 0 oz alcohol
A standard 12 oz Chili’s House Margarita is estimated to contain about 1 oz of pure alcohol. This equates to around an 8% alcohol by volume (ABV) content. By comparison, most domestic beers are around 4-6% ABV.
Non-Alcoholic Mix-Ins
In addition to the alcoholic base, Chili’s margaritas contain non-alcoholic ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture:
- Margarita Mix – Proprietary pre-made mix with sugar, salt, sour mix, and concentrate to add sweetness and complexity of flavor.
- Water – Added to dilute and extend the margarita.
- Ice – Crushed ice makes the margarita cold and frosty.
These ingredients modify the margarita’s overall taste but do not add any additional alcohol content.
Factors that Affect Alcohol Content
While a standard 12 oz Chili’s margarita contains around 1 oz of alcohol, the actual amount can vary based on:
- Size – Larger margaritas contain more alcohol. Chili’s offers sizes up to 34 oz.
- Double shots – Some locations offer double shot margaritas with extra tequila.
- State regulations – Some states limit the amount of alcohol served in one drink.
- Bartender pouring – Heavy pours result in higher alcohol content.
Low Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Options
For customers looking for less alcohol, Chili’s offers these options:
- House Margarita on the Rocks – Uses 1 oz tequila instead of 1.5 oz.
- Presidente Margarita – Uses lower alcohol Presidente Brandy instead of tequila.
- Mexican Mojito – Mint lime drink without tequila.
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade – Non-alcoholic fruit lemonade.
Conclusion
A standard 12 oz Chili’s House Margarita contains approximately 1 oz of alcohol, equal to an 8% ABV. This alcohol comes from a blend of Sauza Conmemorativo tequila and orange liqueur triple sec. Size, extra shots, bartender pours, and state laws can increase the alcohol content. Chili’s does offer low alcohol and non-alcoholic margarita alternatives for those looking to limit their intake.