Rub the lime wedge around the rim of each chilled glass. Spread the salt on a small plate and gently press the rim into the salt to coat about half to three-quarters of the rim. Set glasses aside.

Shake the cocktail

In a cocktail shaker, add the reposado tequila (3 oz), orange liqueur (1 oz), fresh lime juice (1 oz), and agave syrup (0.5 oz). Fill the shaker with ice cubes. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty and the mixture is well chilled.

Strain and serve

Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared chilled glasses over fresh ice if you prefer on-the-rocks (optional). If serving straight up, fine-strain into the chilled, salt-rimmed glasses without ice. Garnish each drink with a lime wheel on the rim.

Optional Variation — Strawberry Small Rita

For a strawberry variation: muddle the 3 hulled and quartered strawberries and 0.25 oz agave in the bottom of the shaker until broken down. Add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and ice. Shake vigorously 12–15 seconds, then double-strain into the salt-rimmed glasses. Garnish with a small sliced strawberry or lime wheel.

Finishing & Notes

Taste and adjust sweetness: if the cocktail is too tart, add 0.25 oz more agave and stir gently. For a slightly brighter profile, use blanco tequila instead of reposado. To make a single large Small Rita for one person, use the quantities above; to make multiple, multiply ingredients by number of servings.