SlimRitas is made with fresh juices and a combination of natural zero calorie sweeteners. We eliminated the entire diet aftertaste by combining just the right sweeteners in just the right amounts. All this generates an authentic Tex-Mex margarita under 100 total calories. SlimRitas never uses citrus flavorings, high fructose corn syrup or Splenda.
Bat World Sanctuary is on the front line to end the mistreatment of bats. Each year they rescue hundreds of bats who might otherwise die. Lifetime sanctuary is given to non-releasable bats, including those that are orphaned, injured, and retired from the exotic pet trade, zoos and research facilities. Bat World was founded in 1994 and is a 501c3 non-profit, accredited organization with both the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association. Donations allow them to continue their rescue efforts for bats.
Houston based SlimRitas, winner of 3 gold medals in the Tequila Aficionado 2014 Brands of Promise, is appearing on Food Network TV this week! Mompreneur, Lucy Corona, developed an amazing line of fresh juice margarita mixes that make delicious 100 calorie cocktails. Armed with their 17 gourmet awards, including three gold medals from Tequila Aficionado, SlimRitas makes their national TV debut this week on Food Fortunes in “Eat Your Greenbacks” (Season 1, Episode 7).
Slim Ritas mixers are the first slim mixes that actually taste just as good as the real thing. The secret is 3 types of Stevia sugars that don’t have an aftertaste. Available throughout Texas at Spec’s and HEB.
Having three babies in forty months inspired Lucy to develop her guilt free, award winning cocktail mixes – because after a day with the kids, sometimes you just need a margarita.
In this episode, entrepreneurs try to persuade the investors to go in on a soup delivery service, a waist-trimming margarita mix, a unique line of Indian sauces, a miniature version of a classic ethnic dish, and cookies that look like your friends. (Episode: FB0107H)
Husband & wife team Rob Dragotta and Lucy Corona
Be sure to tune in at the times below. Check your local listings for any changes.
The 2015 Texas Bar & Nightclub Alliance Convention will be August 16-17 at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas. Considering the great brands that we discovered in 2014, Tequila Aficionado wouldn’t miss the 2015 show!
Primarily a show that serves the spirits industry (or trade) in Texas, for us at Tequila Aficionado Media, it was a chance to visit with new brands, products and services trying to break into the challenging Texas spirits market.
In this clip, Michael E. Klein, a spirits entrepreneur and long-time Austin businessman who spearheaded the formation of the alliance, explains its purpose.
What follows are some of the highlighted products that you should watch out for on Tequila Aficionado Media, in Texas, and beyond.
Briscas Mezcal
In the current booming mezcal market, more and more brands are appearing under the traditional higher alcoholic proofs that more established mezcals are known for. Briscas is a refreshing libation that refuses to be confused with other gateway mezcal brands.
Ricardo Gonzales, Sales & Marketing Director for importer Moreno Spirits, gives us a quick rundown of the small batch espadín Briscas Mezcal.
Juan Moreno, President & CEO of Moreno Spirits, explains how bringing Briscas to market was a journey of discovery for himself and his family.
Surprises
The Texas Bar & Nightclub Alliance Convention was not without surprises for us at Tequila Aficionado Media.
Jason Kosmas, co-founder of the 86 Company.
Austin resident Jason Kosmas, co-founder of the celebrated The 86 Company responsible for a brilliant line of spirits with exacting quality like our Brands Of Promise(TM) Overproof Silver Medal winning Tequila Cabeza, made an appearance in support of the event.
L-R: Mike Morales, Jason Kosmas, John Rivers
Also exhibiting in grand style was John L. Rivers IV (a.k.a.: Juan Rios), Managing Director of Julio Cesar Chavez Tequila, a new offering from the illustrious former boxing champion.
Not only did he share with us some of this fine sipping tequila and listed its current markets, but also an exclusive photo of a super piña in the champ’s agave fields.
[Spoiler Alert! At press time, we had not notified John about our verdict of Julio Cesar Chavez Tequila’s review on a future Sipping Off The Cuff(TM), but we let the cat out of the bag, here….]
Mixing and Matching
One of the more exciting and refreshing combos we discovered at the Texas Nightclub & Bar Alliance Convention was between Pablo Madrigali, Brand Manager with Mexcor International and Lucy Corona, co-founder of Slim Ritas, the 100 calorie fresh juice margarita mix.
Mexcor, a family owned business based in Houston, TX, has been the importer of crowd pleasing tequilas at reasonable prices from Destiladora del Valle de Tequila (NOM 1438) for several years, including El Reformador, Cava de los Morales and Agavales.
Lucy Corona is a dynamic and spirited mother and business owner whose dream after giving birth to her children was to enjoy a satisfying and natural margarita. So she made them herself!
Here, Rob Corona explains the birth of SlimRitas.
Here, Pablo gives a bit of Mexcor’s and Agavales’ history, and how he and Lucy joined forces.
One To Watch
Michael E. Klein has handed the reigns of planning future conventions to the team at San Antonio based SMC Events, and it looks to expand the tradeshow’s reach even further with more products and services participating.
Judging from the contagious energy coming from the booths of other exhibitors at the first annual Texas Nightclub & Bar Alliance Convention, the promise of bigger yearly events looks to be a sure thing.