Winter Rita
The Winter Rita is a festive twist on the classic margarita, combining the zesty brightness of fresh lime juice with the warmth of spiced tequila and a hint of cranberry.
- 5 min
- Easy
- Highball Glass
- 6 ingredients
Winter Rita
Ingredients
- Tequila1⅝ oz
- Campari¼ oz
- Lime Juice¾ oz
- Orange Juice½ oz
- Rosemary Syrup½ oz
- SaltDash
Method
- Salt rim. Combine all ingredients, shake with ice, and strain over fresh ice.⠀
What you need
Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.
A shaker that seals
Two weighted tins beat three-piece shakers. They chill faster and never jam.
See on Amazon ↗A hand citrus press
Fresh juice is the biggest upgrade you can make to any sour drink.
See on Amazon ↗The hero bottle
A Mexican spirit made from blue agave, mostly in Jalisco, and legally limited to five states. Most bottles are around 38 to 40% ABV. Blanco tastes of sweet cooked agave, pepper and citrus. Reposado and añejo pick up vanilla, caramel and oak from the barrel.
See 30 Tequila drinksWhere it comes from
The Winter Rita is a seasonal adaptation of the classic margarita, created to celebrate cold-weather entertaining with warming spices and winter-appropriate ingredients. This cocktail emerged from contemporary bars seeking to refresh classic formulas for different seasons and occasions. It honors the margarita's essential structure while embracing seasonal citrus and spiced elements.
Tips from the bar
- Toast spices like cinnamon and star anise before infusing spirits for enhanced aromatics
- use winter citrus varieties like blood oranges or pomelos for seasonal accuracy
- rim glasses with cinnamon sugar instead of salt for warming effect
- serve warm or at room temperature rather than aggressively chilled
- incorporate mulled wine spice profiles
Twists worth trying
- Pomegranate Winter Rita
- A jewel-toned variation using pomegranate juice and liqueur for festive presentation and antioxidant benefits
- Cranberry Winter Rita
- A tart cranberry version perfect for holiday entertaining and food pairing
- Spiced Chocolate Winter Rita
- An indulgent chocolate spice variation with cacao and warming spices for dessert-like warmth
What to eat with it
- Cinnamon-spiced roasted nuts
- Beef carnitas with winter spices
- Churros with chocolate sauce
- Gingerbread cookies
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries
- Pomegranate-glazed ham
The finished drink
Questions
What is in a Winter Rita?
A Winter Rita is made with tequila, campari, lime juice, orange juice, rosemary syrup, salt.
What glass do you use for a Winter Rita?
Serve a Winter Rita in a highball glass.
What does a Winter Rita taste like?
Expect spicy, citrusy, herbal.
What can I make with Tequila?
We have 30 drinks built around Tequila. See them all on the Tequila page.
More with Tequila
Every Tequila drink →One good drink, every Friday.
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