Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Beer Cocktails Jump the Shark with Bud Light Lime-a-Rita

Mixed drink in a can
by The Drink Nation on Apr 24, 2012 in Beer
Beer Cocktails Jump the Shark with Bud Light Lime-a-Rita

One of the hottest trends in better bars around the nation is beer cocktails, which see the seemingly unorthodox mixing of beer with spirits, juices, bitters and syrups to create refreshing combinations that are perfect for drinking outdoors in warmer weather. With the just-released Bud Light Lime-a-Rita, Anheuser-Busch (AB) is jumping on the bandwagon and taking this idea to the convenience-craving masses.

Lime-a-Rita is an 8% ABV malt beverage “with natural flavors and caramel color,” according to the label, that AB says was inspired by drinkers’ existing habits of mixing Bud Light Lime into margaritas. Available across the country in 8-oz. and 24-oz. cans or 12-oz. bottles, the company encourages consumers to pour the liquid over ice before sipping.

(Of note, the product is toned down to 6% ABV so it can be sold along with beer in states that have percentage caps, like Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire and Tennessee — which means folks in those states are also missing out on some great high-alcohol craft brews too, it would seem.)

Judging from a random sample of Twitter users who have referenced the drink, the Lime-a-Rita may be on its way to mainstream success, as the general opinion thus far has been positive. Beer enthusiasts are not convinced, however. Early reviews say the drink sips very sweet, with one user exhorting, “Dumb. Drink a beer and grow chest hair.”

Big Beer has been looking for ways to revive sagging sales, which dropped 1.5% by volume last year (even as craft beer sales continue to surge). The diversification into pre-mixed beer drinks (started in 2008 with the introduction of Clamato-containing Chelada) is seen as one way to bring customers back into the fold. The moves echo those of the soda corporations, who in recent decades have seen sales of their juice, water and energy drinks infringe on mainstays like Coca-Cola or Pepsi.

AB’s “margarita in a can” has been released just in time for Cinco de Mayo, which is celebrated in the U.S. in honor of Mexican heritage and pride, and often includes the imbibing of many Mex-inspired drinks. While Lime-a-Rita may offer convenience, our suggestion is to make the extra effort by picking up a few lemons or limes and some tequila (and maybe a crisp lager too) and mixing up your own, or just head to your favorite bar where pros can mix up a fresh cocktail for you, instead.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

We've rounded up all of the must-stop spots for sipping spirits by the beach, whether your vibe is dark and sexy or vibrant and divey....read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 26, 2024
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender and bar manager Jillian Moore of My Loup. We chat with her about her cocktail menu, the effects of...read more ›

by Drink Philly May 13, 2024
Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare is the newest endeavor by Chef Townsend Wentz, located at 2121 Walnut Street, near Rittenhouse Square...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2024
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling is transforming their fourth floor space into a secret garden to celebrate Earth Day, ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Last year, Dizengoff and Abe Fisher decided to join forces and embark on an exciting new chapter. After closin...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 5, 2024
Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

In this installment of Behind the Bar, we sit down with bartender Tom Foy of Butcher Bar...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar is the newest addition to the growing Listening Room trend in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close