Not a Margarita...But a Wine-A-Rita™
Wine-A-Rita Update:
Berry Pom-A-Rita
While visiting the Atlanta’s AmericasMart Gift Show last month, we stopped by the Wine-A-Rita booth. We spoke with Donna Griffin, co-founder of the company, and she introduced us to their latest frozen drink mix: Berry Pom-A-Rita. Oh, was that good!
Like the other Wine-A-Rita drink mixes, it is all-natural and contains no additives, preservatives or artificial flavors and is certified K-Kof kosher. The berry flavors of this mix are pomegranate and blueberries and when mixed with wine and blended with ice cubes, tastes like a fabulous Slurpee! Your favorite white or red wine can be used but the ladies like red wine - Pinot Noir or Merlot. For those who prefer their frozen drinks alcohol-free, cranberry juice can also be used.
Looks like one of our favorite drink mixes are also winning more awards. The Wine-A-Rita Peach Bellini was awarded the Golden Chile For Specialty Beverage in the 2011 fiery food Challenge and the Cosmo Rita and Senorita came in second place. Good for them!
The Wine-A-Rita article below was a "Top 10", 2010 KosherEye Reader’s Choice Selection - Product features.
February 7, 2011
In 1995, Donna Griffin and Judy Smith, good friends and business partners from Texarkana, Texas, came up with a new idea for a frozen drink. They both liked margaritas and wine and, after experimenting with several ingredient combinations, created the perfect recipe. They developed a powdered blend of berry flavors, that when mixed with wine and ice in a blender, produced a frothy, sweet refreshing drink. The pair named their first creation, the Wine Glacé®.
The new drink mixture was well received at the 1995 National Gourmet Show and won the coveted "best new drink" award. Following the successful introduction of Wine Glace®, the pair added two additional cocktail mixes to the Wine-A-Rita product line; Peach Bellini and CosmoRita.
In addition to the 1995 award, the products were awarded the "Blue Ribbon" at the 2006 Dessert Expo and chosen as "Editor's pick 2009 - Best New Product" by AOL Foods.
We spoke with Judy Smith, co-founder of the company, and she described the distinct characteristics of each mix. "The Glacé is berry flavored and the type of wine used will determine the flavor of the drink; it has the strongest flavor of the three products. The CosmoRita has a cranberry-citrus flavor and has the lightest flavor. The Peach Bellini, like its name, has strong peach flavoring." The ladies like to blend the Peach Bellini with champagne to add a few bubbles to the drink. The newest addition to the line, the Senorita, made its début a few weeks ago. The flavor is based on the Margarita and can be mixed with either white wine or tequila.
The mixes are very versatile and can be blended with your favorite red or white wine, vodka, or fruit juice. For a full-bodied drink, mix with Merlot, or try Zinfandel for a lighter taste, or a fruit wine for a sweeter taste. KosherEye especially liked the CosmoRita mixed with vodka and Ginger Ale. We added an extra splash or two of vodka and ice, and declared the mixture perfect!
Wine-A-Rita cocktail mixes are easy, convenient, a good party drink and great for wine drinkers. All you need is wine, ice and a blender. How easy is that! Each package makes twelve 6-ounce servings and has wine suggestions specific for each mix.
Wine-A-Rita products are certified Kay Kosher (K KOF) by Rabbi Solomon B. Shapiro of Queens, NY.
We salute Wine-A-Rita for the packaging of Wine Glacé®. The company contracts with Business Opportunities Inc., a special program providing employment for adults who have developmental disabilities. This organization cuts and sews the fabric for the Wine Glacé® bags.
For product, company and purchasing information, contact Wine-A-Rita.
February 24,2010