Anheuser-Busch Settles Suit Alleging ‘Rita’ Drinks Are Just Beer

Anheuser-Busch LLC and consumers who allege it misleadingly markets cocktail-named beverages have reached a class settlement, according to a filing in a federal court in Missouri.

Megan Browning and Adam Kesselring say “Sparkling Margarita” drinks contain no tequila, “Mojito” drinks are made without rum, and “Sangria” and “Rosé” drinks lack wine. The drinks are nothing more than flavored beer, they allege.

In 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri advanced the lawsuit. The court said Browning and Kesselring sufficiently alleged the company’s portrayal would likely mislead a reasonable consumer into thinking the drinks have the alcohol ...