You May Be Eligible for Compensation If You’ve Purchased Anheuser-Busch’s Ritas Brand

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And such is the case with Anheuser-Busch’s Ritas canned beverages. As it turns out, the canned margarita drinks you thought you were drinking all this time are just beer, according to a class action lawsuit that was filed.

The lawsuit against the longtime brand states that its Ritas ready-to-drink options do not contain tequila or any other alcohol, contrary to the advertising of its Ritas Margarita, Mojito, Rosé, and Sangria beverages​​. Instead, the lawsuit’s plaintiffs claim that the products are “just flavored beer.” The alcohol company sells popular beers like Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, and more, as well as the Rita alcohol products named in the suit and has agreed to a settlement in the lawsuit. 

“Reasonable consumers did not know, and had no reason to know, that the products were, and continue to be, falsely and deceptively packaged,” states the plaintiffs of the class action lawsuit. Feel like you should be a part of this suit, too? You can join the class action lawsuit if you’ve purchased any Ritas products between January 1, 2018, and July 19, 2022. Proof of purchase isn’t necessary, but to receive benefits from the settlement, class members must submit a valid claim form by December 16, 2022. A complete list of included products and compensation information is available on the settlement website.

If you want an authentic margarita without all the controversy, try this cranberry margarita recipe. And if you’re unsure which tequila to use, check out our guide to the different types of tequila and how to best enjoy them.