Rita ‘Rita

National Margarita Day is Monday, February 22, and this year it just happens to fall on the birthday of the Bloomery’s very own Rita! Oh, girl! You know we’ve got a super special SweetShine drink just for you.

Did y’all know Rita has an alter-ego?

That’s right! She’s often spotted in character as Raspberry Lemon! So, of course we are featuring her favorite flavor in her signature cocktail.

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 oz Raspberry Lemon SweetShine

1 1/2 oz fresh grapefruit juice

1 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

1 oz tequila

For optional grapefruit salt blend: 

1 Tbsp grapefruit zest

1/4 c. kosher salt

1/4 c. raw sugar

You’ll need to prepare your grapefruit salt blend ahead of time. It will keep in an air-tight jar for about 2 months.

Preheat your oven to 225. Then simply combine 1/4 c. kosher salt, 1/4 c. raw sugar, and 1 Tbsp grapefruit zest. Mix until well blended, making sure not to leave any clumps of zest.

Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 30-45 minutes, or until grapefruit zest is completely dry and crumbles to the touch. Let the blend cool then gently break up clumps with a spatula. Be careful not to over-bake! Your bake time will depend on how finely you’ve zested your grapefruit. 

Now to build the Rita ‘Rita!

Freshly squeeze 1 1/2 oz grapefruit juice.

Add 1 1/2 oz lime juice, also freshly squeezed.

Sweeten it up with 2 oz Raspberry Lemon SweetShine.

Add 1 oz tequila and ice. Cover and shake.

Pour a bit of your grapefruit salt blend onto a cutting board or plate.

Rub the rim of your glass with a fresh, juicy lime wedge.

Swirl the lime-coated rim in grapefruit salt blend.

Fill your prepared glass with crushed ice and strain your cocktail into the glass.

The Rita ‘Rita with Raspberry Lemon SweetShine.

Cheers! And Happy Birthday, Rita!