Rita's Seasonal-Rita 25OZ

Rita's Seasonal-Rita 25OZ is a margarita-inspired flavored malt beverage in a 25oz can at 8.0% ABV, brewed by Anheuser-Busch. Part of the Bud Light Lime Ritas lineup, this seasonal release rotates its featured fruit flavor throughout the year, giving drinkers a reason to revisit the brand with each new limited run.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.0%  |  Origin: Missouri, United States  |  Style: Flavored Malt Beverage  |  Brewer: Anheuser-Busch

Production & Heritage

Anheuser-Busch, founded in 1852 in St. Louis, Missouri, launched the Ritas line as an extension of Bud Light Lime, blending margarita-style fruit flavors with a malt beverage base. The Seasonal-Rita is brewed using barley malt and non-malted cereal grains with subtle hopping, then undergoes a special filtration process designed to produce a clean, smooth drinking experience. Unlike a traditional margarita made with tequila, Ritas achieve their cocktail-adjacent character entirely through the flavored malt beverage format, which allows them to be sold alongside beer in most markets.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Expect a forward burst of the featured seasonal fruit — past rotations have included strawberry, cranberry, and mango — layered over a faint malt sweetness. The nose reads more like a fruit punch than a beer, with very little hop or grain character coming through.

Taste: The entry is immediately fruity and sweet, mimicking the sugar-lime balance of a blended margarita. At mid-palate, the malt backbone provides a light body and gentle carbonation that keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying. Depending on the seasonal variant, expect ripe berry, tropical, or citrus-forward fruit character to dominate.

Finish: The finish is short and clean, with lingering fruit sweetness and a mild effervescence. There is little bitterness or malt presence on the close, keeping the overall impression refreshing and drinkable.

How to Drink Seasonal-Rita

The Seasonal-Rita is designed to drink straight from the can, well chilled — ideally over ice in a salt-rimmed glass if you want to lean into the margarita presentation. Its 8.0% ABV and ready-to-drink format also make it a practical base for simple mixed drinks. Try it in a Beer-Rita Punch by combining it with fresh lime juice and a splash of orange liqueur over ice. A Frozen Rita Slushie works well — pour the can into a blender with ice for a quick frozen drink. It also pairs with lemonade in a simple Rita Shandy, where the added tartness balances the sweetness.

Best For

• Casual summer cookouts and poolside drinking
• Tailgating or outdoor sporting events where convenience matters
• Trying seasonal limited-edition flavors throughout the year
• Introducing non-beer drinkers to flavored malt beverages

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Seasonal-Rita taste like? Seasonal-Rita delivers a sweet, fruit-forward flavor profile that mimics a blended margarita, with the specific fruit character rotating by season — past editions have featured strawberry, cranberry, and mango. The malt base is subtle, and the overall impression is refreshing and dessert-like.

How does Seasonal-Rita compare to Mike's Hard Lemonade? Both are flavored malt beverages, but Seasonal-Rita leans into a margarita-style sweetness with a Bud Light Lime base, while Mike's Hard Lemonade centers on a tart lemonade profile. Seasonal-Rita also sits at 8.0% ABV, which is typically higher than the standard 5.0% ABV of Mike's Hard Lemonade.

Is Seasonal-Rita good for beginners? Yes — its sweet, fruity character and accessible format make it one of the most approachable flavored malt beverages on the market, particularly for those who do not enjoy the taste of beer or straight spirits.

Where is Seasonal-Rita made? Seasonal-Rita is produced by Anheuser-Busch, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The Ritas brand is part of Anheuser-Busch's broad portfolio of flavored malt beverages brewed across their U.S. brewing facilities.

What foods pair well with Seasonal-Rita? Grilled shrimp tacos complement the margarita-inspired flavor profile naturally. Spicy chicken wings benefit from the drink's sweetness to temper the heat. Fresh fruit platters echo the seasonal fruit notes. Chips and guacamole lean into the Mexican-inspired theme. Light cheese quesadillas round out a casual pairing without competing for attention.

What sizes does Seasonal-Rita come in? This product is available in a 25oz single-serve can, which is the large-format option in the Ritas lineup; the brand also typically offers 12oz and 16oz cans in variety packs.

Is Seasonal-Rita worth the price? Seasonal-Rita positions as a value-tier flavored malt beverage, and the 25oz format delivers a generous pour at 8.0% ABV, making it a competitive option within the ready-to-drink category for those who enjoy sweeter, fruit-driven drinks.

Why Seasonal-Rita?

The Seasonal-Rita's rotating flavor format gives it a built-in novelty that most year-round flavored malt beverages lack — each release offers a different fruit profile tied to the time of year. At 8.0% ABV in a 25oz can, it delivers considerably more alcohol per serving than standard beer or many competing ready-to-drink options. The Bud Light Lime backbone distinguishes it from fruit-flavored hard seltzers and lemonades by providing a slightly fuller body and sweeter finish. For drinkers who want a convenient, cocktail-inspired experience without mixing anything, the Seasonal-Rita fills that role with wide availability backed by Anheuser-Busch's distribution network.