Monday, May 25, 2009

Cocktail tales: Eating LA's Jamaica Me Loca

I'm no expert mixologist, but I like to muddle around in the cocktail arena once in a while. So I accepted the offer to try a bottle of Rosangel Hibiscus-infused tequila because hibiscus, also known as the Mexican jamaica drink (or the main ingredient in Red Zinger tea) is one of my favorite flavors. It seemed like the perfect base for a summery cocktail, but what would be the best mixer? Tasted straight up, it wasn't bad, although jamaica can have a bit of a Hawaiian Punch quality if it's not blended with the right amount of sweetener and citrus. At Whole Foods, I picked up a bottle of Ooba sparkling hibiscus-lime drink. But the Ooba and Rosangel alone on the rocks still wasn't quite right.
For the next time, I added Trader Joe's margarita mix and a few drops of orange bitters over crushed ice. Perfect! I dubbed it the Jamaica Me Loca, since there's already a rum-intensive drink called Jamaica me crazy.
Here's the approximate ratio:
1 1/2 oz. Rosangel hibiscus tequila
4 oz. Ooba sparkling hibiscus-lime drink
1 oz. good quality margarita or sour mix
3 splashes of orange bitters

Combine over crushed ice and enjoy!

6 comments:

Wokcano Restaurant and Bar said...

Here's a good link if you want more on hibiscus cocktails... http://www.wildhibiscus.com/cocktails/

slowrider said...

Membrillo is another good Mexican liquor.....have never found it in the U.S. though.....
Gotta cross the border to get it.
It's made from the Quince fruit....really smooth and sweet...

Celia said...

so weird. i was just at trader joe's wondering how i could spice up their margarita mix for my boy/girl/taco party/wedding shower. i will definitely try this!
oh and about scott designing my apartment... i'm just going to have to wait until i win the lottery for that one. that, or i can sell my left kidney. hmmm...

H. C. said...

oh, nice idea to kick that hibiscus up a notch with the TJ juice -- when I tried the rosangel I found the jamaica flavor a too subtle. Nice sipping tequila and pretty color, though.

Amy Atwood said...

I have been dying to try RosAngel tequila since I am a lover of all things hibiscus. Where did you find it locally? Silverlake Wine does not carry it. I am thinking to mix it with tonic and fresh lime.
Cheers
Amy

Chuck said...

Don't ever use fake bottled sour mix. Use fresh lemon and/or lime juice and simple syrup (water and sugar, 1:1, heated or shaken until dissolved).