If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.
Via Carota is a popular New York City restaurant, with a menu created by chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi that features modern takes on Italian pasta, seafood, and carne classics. There are also some great cocktails on the menu there, including seven variations on the Negroni ranging from traditional to non-alcoholic. You can find a few versions of that drink in the Via Carota Craft Cocktails lineup to enjoy at home, as well as a newly launched Margarita—the rare ready-to-drink bottled cocktail that is actually good.
Via Carota Craft Cocktails launched almost two years ago in February of 2023 with a range of drinks, including Classic and White Negronis, an Espresso Martini, an Old Fashioned, a Manhattan, and a vodka Martini. Then last spring the Sparkling Range came out, a series of five fizzy cocktails that included classic and white versions of the Negroni Sbagliato, a Spritz, a Paloma, and a French 75. The latest release is not Italian, however, it’s a Mexican classic: the Margarita. We got to sample this new drink and it’s a welcome addition to the lineup, with earthy agave notes, a bit of citrus sweetness, and crisp, tangy lime flavors—basically, everything you’d expect from a well made Margarita that you’d order at a bar. Each 375-ml bottle is 18 percent ABV, so it’s relatively low in alcohol content. Just keep chilled, pour over ice (salted or unsalted rim is up to you), and garnish with a slice of lime.
The RTD market has exploded in recent years, with some reports projecting that it could reach more than $141 billion in value by 2031, so it’s no surprise that a restaurant with a strong cocktail program decided to enter the fray. The entire Via Carota lineup is worth checking out for its focus on simple classics that are arguably easy to make at home, provided you have the time and ingredients. If you’re lacking in either one of these, pouring one of these pre-made drinks is not a bad alternative. Despite their popularity, many RTDs are either too sweet or just average, but there are a few others on the market currently that are worth trying, like the high-end Gold Fashioned and Mezcal Negroni from Hoste—the 2024 edition of the former just came out, and this time it’s made with high-proof Kentucky bourbon aged for nine years and finished in sherry casks.
A bottle of Gold Fashioned will set you back $150, but the new Via Carota Margarita is significantly cheaper than that at $39 for a smaller 375-ml bottle. You can order directly from the website or check your local liquor stores.
