Let's be honest. When someone says "margarita," your brain goes straight to tacos. And look, we get it. Tacos are incredible. Tacos deserve every bit of love they get. But if you're cracking open a La Picante and reaching for the same chip bowl every single time, you're leaving some seriously good flavour moments on the table.
Our new La Picante Sparkling RTD is a non-alcoholic ode to the classic margarita — built around charred agave, salted lime and a subtle habanero kick, all in a lightly sparkling, lightly sweetened can at just 22 calories. That flavour profile is more versatile than you'd think. The char is smoky, the lime is bright and tart, and that habanero warmth lingers just long enough to make things interesting.
So we did the delicious research so you don't have to. Here's your definitive guide to what to eat with a La Picante in hand.
1. Tacos (Yes, We're Starting Here - Respect the Classic)
We said it's not just tacos, but we'd be doing everyone a disservice by skipping them. The salted lime in La Picante mirrors and amplifies anything with citrus or acidity, while the charred agave loves a bit of smoke or char from the grill.
Best picks:
- Fish or prawn tacos with lime crema: the brightness sings together
- Carnitas with pickled onion: the acidity cuts straight through the richness
- Roasted corn and black bean: the sweetness of the corn loves a tart sip
The move: Squeeze a little extra lime on your taco and take a sip immediately after. You're welcome.
2. Anything Spicy (La Picante Has Your Back)
It's right there in the name. La Picante brings its own habanero heat, which makes it a surprisingly brilliant match for spicy food, the citrus and sparkle cool the burn while the habanero says yeah, I get it.
Best picks:
- Buffalo wings or chilli-glazed chicken wings
- Spicy dumplings or gyoza with chilli oil dipping sauce
- Loaded nachos with jalapeños and a smoky chipotle salsa
- Thai green curry. Seriously, try it
The contrast between the heat on your plate and the cool citrus hit in your can is genuinely one of life's great pleasures.
3. Grilled & Charred Meats
This is where the charred agave notes in La Picante really come into their own. Smoky, caramelised flavours from the grill are a natural companion, like they were made for each other (because honestly, they kind of were).
Best picks:
- Beef skewers or carne asada straight off the barbie
- Smoky pork ribs with a sticky glaze
- Chargrilled halloumi or corn for the plant-based crew
- A proper Aussie BBQ spread — La Picante fits right in
The move: Pour La Picante over ice with a salted rim for a more elevated serve alongside your grill spread. It levels up any backyard situation instantly.
4. Fresh, Zingy Dishes
The sparkling bubbles and bright lime in La Picante act as a palate cleanser, which makes it a dream alongside fresh, vibrant food.
Best picks:
- Ceviche: citrus on citrus, in the best possible way
- Prawn cocktail or fresh tiger prawns with a tangy dipping sauce
- A good Mexicana-style chopped salad with avocado, tomato and coriander
- Smashed avo on sourdough (yes, this works - the salt and lime are chef's kiss)
5. Salty Snacks & Shareables
Sometimes the occasion is less "sit-down dinner" and more "everyone's standing around the kitchen bench." La Picante was absolutely made for that too.
Best picks:
- Salted corn chips with guacamole and fresh salsa
- Marinated olives. The brine plays beautifully with the salted lime
- Cheese board with sharp cheddar and a bit of pickled something
- Salt and pepper squid (a very strong choice)
The saltiness in La Picante acts like a flavour bridge with anything briny or well-seasoned. Once you try it with a good marinated olive, there's no going back.
The La Picante Serve That Ties It All Together
However you're eating, the best way to serve La Picante is straight from the can or poured over ice. For a slightly more elevated moment (especially if you're hosting) try it with a salted rim and a fresh squeeze of lime. It transforms the whole experience without any effort at all.
At just 22 calories and with zero alcohol, La Picante means everyone gets to have the full flavour experience, no matter what they're drinking for.
Ready to stock up? Grab a 4-pack or go big with a 24-pack here.
La Picante Sparkling RTD is available now from Sammy Piquant. Charred agave, salted lime, habanero. No alcohol. Just good times
