Classic cocktails don't need to be altered often. These drinks are delicious, balanced, and memorable. But, despite being near perfection, bartenders and other enthusiasts often create variations on these classic cocktails. This could be as simple as changing the base spirit in a Negroni. As you may have guessed, this recipe is based on a Cosmopolitan! The Cosmo Rita cocktail, created by Armando Zapata, uses tequila instead of vodka.

The classic Cosmo recipe uses citrus vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime juice. The pink-hued Cosmo was first created in the 1980s. However, it was trendy in the late-1990s and early 2000s when it was associated with the "Sex and the City" series. It was probably the most loved cocktail in America for a while. The Cosmo is still a popular drink today, but many bartenders worldwide are getting a little frustrated with so many people requesting it.

The Cosmo Rita cocktail is a mix of tequila and triple sec with fresh lime juice and cranberry juice. Although it's a familiar riff, tequila has a more earthy and vegetal flavor than vodka, making the drink stand out. The classic ratios are also altered in this recipe. The Cosmo Rita reduces the amount of orange liqueur and lime juice and doubles the amount of cranberry juice to 30 ml. This reduces alcohol slightly and gives the drink a more robust cranberry flavor.