RTD phenomenon BuzzBallz has quietly switched out tequila for vodka in its classic margarita cocktail.
The brand’s Lime ’Rita is now marketed as “a zesty lime margarita cocktail made with vodka, triple sec and natural flavours”, having previously contained “premium tequila”.
The change was first seen on shelves in March, but some stores are only just switching to the new products, according to Assosia data. Products on sale online in retailers including Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, meanwhile, are still being sold under the previous name Tequila ’Rita.
Other flavours in the BuzzBallz roster, including Strawberry ’Rita, still contain tequila at the time of writing.
Unlike vodka, the production of tequila is highly regulated and only authorised in five Mexican states, meaning it typically commands a price premium in the UK.
Data compiled by The Grocer in 2024 showed tequila and mezcal sold in the past year in grocery carried an average price of £34.04 per litre, compared with £22.76 per litre of gin, and £21.51 for vodka [NIQ 52 w/e 10 August 2024].
BuzzBallz has been one of the biggest success stories in alcohol in recent years. In the past year, value sales of its spherical RTDs have surged by over 700% to £102.6m [NIQ 52 w/e 30 May 2026].
That showing has seen the Sazerac-owned brand leapfrog Au Vodka to become the UK’s biggest RTD player.
BuzzBallz was also the standout brand in The Grocer’s Britain’s Biggest Alcohol Brands report 2026, having recorded the largest absolute value gain of any brand.
Its success highlighted how drinkers were “buying fewer but better-quality products”, said Tom Oakton, senior thought leadership specialist at NIQ. “A high rate of innovation is supporting the category’s growth by attracting shoppers through new, interesting flavours and appealing packaging.”
Sazerac UK had not responded to requests for comment as The Grocer went to press.
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