Toby Keith’s Red Solo Cup ‘Rita

By Adam Rains

Wild Shot Celebrates National Mezcal Day with New Red Solo Cup ‘Rita Drink

Wild Shot is on fire! The 100% green agave mezcal – created by superstar singer-songwriter Toby Keith – just landed with massive national retailer Meijer. As of Oct. 1, the chain is stocking both Wild Shot Silver and Wild Shot Reposado at its locations in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. By Oct. 26, Meijer’s Michigan locations will be on board for a total of 128 new places to get that strong, smoky goodness.

Toby Keith, who was just nominated for three American Country Awards (Male Artist of the Year, Touring Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Red Solo Cup”), unveiled Wild Shot in 2011 with the battle cry, “Blame It on the Worm.” The handcrafted, 86.8 proof concoction became a fast favorite of mezcal aficionados, with Beverage Media magazine naming it one of the top premium mezcals in the U.S.

The Meijer deal comes just in time for the second annual National Mezcal Day on Oct. 21. Toby Keith declared the holiday last year in advance of the release date for his current album Clancy’s Tavern. This year, in honor of the hit single and viral sensation “Red Solo Cup,” Steve Brooks of Kentucky’s Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill & Margarita Bar created a drink bearing the song’s name. The cocktail consists of Wild Shot Silver, imported orange liqueur, agave nectar, grenadine, cranberry and lime juice – and is served in its namesake, complete with a salted rim and gummy worm garnish. We’ve included the recipe here, but you can find it – as well as blueprints for a host of other Wild Shot cocktails like the “Blue Mezcalita” and “All-American Jar” – at the new and improved www.wildshot.com.

Wild Shot is currently available at bars, liquor stores and restaurants across the country. The spirit is imported by Shaw-Ross, a leading importer and marketer of fine wines and spirits. The “Blue Mezcalita,” “All-American Jar” and “Swamp Water” were created at Keith’s restaurant, I Love This Bar & Grill – the continued home of Wild Shot Mezcal. For more information, or to test your mixology skills with other Wild Shot cocktails like the “ILTB Frozen Margarita,” “Wild Mexican Lemonade” or “Ciudad,” visit www.wildshot.com.