On Aug. 17, New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced a launch event for "Aggie-Ritas" lime raspberry margaritas. According to an NMSU press release, the launch event will take place 5 to 10 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23, at Little Toad Creek’s downtown Las Cruces location, 119 N. Main St.
"The raspberry and lime provide a tangy complement to the earthy distilled agave spirits (tequila) with a touch of orange peel, just lightly sweetened with agave nectar,” said Teresa Dahl-Bredine, co-owner of Little Toad Creek and Mixed Up Cocktail Co., according to the press release. “We use all-natural ingredients with no preservatives, and the cocktails are 6% alcohol by volume. We were excited to tweak the classic margarita we already make by adding the raspberry puree, which is the perfect crimson color for the Aggies.”
According to the press release, the launch event is being presented through a partnership with the Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery and Mixed Up Cocktail Co. in downtown Las Cruces. The location will serve as the primary outlet for the Aggie-Rita and Sodexo will make the canned spirits available at Fulton Center during football games and at the NMSU Golf Course. Aggie-Ritas can also be found in local liquor stores, restaurants, and bars, including Toucan Market, Kelly Liquors, Aggie Memorial Stadium, Eagle Qwik Mart on Picacho Avenue, FARMesilla, the Amador Patio Bar and Grill, Andele’s Doghouse.
“Little Toad Creek has been building our community in Las Cruces since 2018,” Dahl-Bredine added, according to the press release. “We are excited by the visibility this collaboration with NMSU will lend to our company and brands. While our brewery and distillery originally started in Silver City, Las Cruces feels like a permanent home now, with over 30 employees in Las Cruces of our total 80 employees companywide.”
Aggie-Ritas joins other NMSU licensed products including Pistol Pete's 1888 Ale, crafted by Bosque Brewing, and Pistol Pete's Six Shooter Rye Whiskey, produced by Dry Point Distillers, per the press release.