If the idea of a mobile bar that serves up fresh margaritas sounds like a dream come true, I have good news.
Rasta Rita is a California-based catering company that has been “pouring love since 2006.” Their business got a huge boost when they began serving up hand-crafted drinks from a converted vintage van.
Now, their mobile margarita bar is sure to turn any party into a true fiesta.
Mario Melendez didn’t know he was about to start a mobile margarita business when he spotted a vintage van on eBay.
“Well, I fell in love with the truck because I thought it was really just a neat looking truck,” he said in an email to Diply.
Mario purchased the 1965 GMC step-up van for $1000 knowing that it would need some serious TLC.
Even though he had never restored a vehicle before, Mario got to work.
It took five years and $120,000 in repairs to restore the van to working order.
Armed with a fresh coat of paint from Christopher Lord Designs, “Rita,” as the truck is lovingly known, was ready to serve up hand-crafted margaritas.
Originally, Mario envisioned Rita’s mobile bar would be a side business to his existing taco catering company.
However, Rita was a big hit with customers and Mario decided to split the company into two businesses.
“At first, like any business, your knee-jerk reaction is to do everything. But, once the customers got involved by ordering our services, they are the ones who really shaped who and what we are,” he said.
Since her debut, Rita has catered thousands of events.
She is the perfect accessory to any wedding or party and makes a great backdrop for Instagram-worthy pictures.
You can even book Rita to cater kids’ parties with non-alcoholic cocktails!
When it comes to creating the perfect margarita, Mario says the secret is in the mix.
“I feel, the secret really is, making your own mixes from scratch. Most of the mixes that are out there are either bottled or pasteurized and then sold refrigerated,” he explained.
For Rita, customers can choose from more than 15 fresh, house-made margarita mixes.
Mario says cucumber jalapeño, strawberry, and jalapeño cilantro are the most popular flavors.
Over the years, Mario has added “Lady,” a second mobile bar, to his fleet.
Lady is a vintage 1973 Check Balboa RV.
Rasta Rita also offers a portable bar suitable for indoor events, as well as other specialty cocktail bars.
I don’t know about you, but I think I need Rita to deliver some margaritas to me ASAP!
If you’re craving margaritas like me, be sure to check out Rasta Rita online and follow them on Instagram @rastaritamargarita to bring your upcoming party to the next level. Cheers!