Cocktail of the Week: Roja Loca

Unlike most cocktails, which are made for specific seasons, Roja Loca is meant to satisfy our tastes for any time of the year. While it’s both light and refreshing for BBQs or weekend picnics, Roja Loca is flavorful enough to make us forget the sudden chilly days of autumn, all thanks to epazote syrup, containing the taste of spicy lemons and mint. It’s rich, raspberry color from red wine, Ruby Port, and freshly picked strawberries combined inspires us to admire once unnoticed trees dazzling with leaves dipped in gold and chocolate. A touch of grapefruit and jalapeno makes the Roja Loca, much like fall, both sweet and bitter, a perfect cocktail that truly exemplifies how the new season is making us feel. The Roja Loca can be found at the Mercadito Restaurants in New York City, Chicago and Miami, but you can also prepare it at home and enjoy living la vida loca.

Roja Loca Recipe

Ingredients:
3 oz. Red wine
½ oz. Ruby Port
2 oz. Grapefruit juice
1 oz. Epazote syrup
¼ Jalapeno (seeded and devain)
1 Strawberry

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients and shake over ice. Strain drink into a glass and garnish with a strawberry.