Wednesday, April 1, 2015

The Rosita Cocktail

The Rosita Cocktail

This beautiful drink tastes like a tequila Negroni

Quick, name a cocktail made with tequila. The Margarita, you say? Yeah, everybody knows that one. And maybe The Tequila Sunrise. But after that . . . ?

Well, meet the Rosita Cocktail: A colorful tequila-powered sipper that’s overflowing with flavor.

The Rosita is delicious enough all by itself. But because we’re publishing on April 1st this year, we’re giving you a second cocktail, as a special bonus. It’s the perfect drink for April Fool’s Day. You won’t want to miss it, so read on.


The Rosita Cocktail

Recipe: The Rosita Cocktail

The Rosita combines tequila with Campari, sweet vermouth, and dry vermouth (plus a dash of Angostura bitters). In appearance and taste profile, it resembles the Negroni Cocktail (which, in case you’ve forgotten, consists of Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin).

We learned about The Rosita from Robert Hess. The history of this drink is a bit confused, but it was probably popularized by Gary Regan. More in the Notes.

You can serve this drink over ice in a rocks (Old-Fashioned) glass or “up” in a cocktail glass. The recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and serves 1.

Ingredients
  • 1½ ounces tequila, preferably silver (or blanco—see Notes)
  • ½ ounce Campari liqueur
  • ½ ounce sweet vermouth (aka Italian vermouth, the red stuff)
  • ½ ounce dry vermouth (aka French vermouth, the white/clear stuff)
  • 1 dash Angostura bitters
  • lemon twist for garnish (optional, but festive looking)
Procedure
  • Place all ingredients (except garnish) in a mixing glass that is half-filled with ice. Stir briskly.
  • Strain either into an ice-filled rocks glass or into a cocktail glass (preferably one that’s been chilled). Garnish, if you wish, with a lemon twist. Serve and enjoy.
The Rosita Cocktail

Notes
  • If you’re serving this drink in a rocks glass, you don’t actually need to use a mixing glass. Instead, you can simply pour the ingredients into the ice-filled rocks glass and give them a quick stir to combine. Then garnish with a twist, of course.
  • Gary Regan likes to make this drink with a full ounce of Campari (instead of half an ounce). We think the drink tastes too “hot” that way, but you may prefer it.
  • Tequila has become increasingly popular in recent years—though not so much in cocktails. Instead, a lot of today’s action involves sipping fine reposado or añejo tequilas.
  • When it comes to cocktails, we like to use a silver (also known as blanco) tequila, preferably one made with 100% agave. Silver tequila tends to be less smooth than reposado or añejo, but the rougher taste makes it perfect for mixed drinks, in our opinion. Your taste may vary.
  • What brand to use? We like Jose Cuervo Tradicional, which you can find in just about any liquor store. Lately, we’ve also been using the Tres Agaves brand—and it has become a real favorite.
  • Reminder: We’re noncommercial and are not compensated for recommending brands. We suggest what we like (and buy with our own money).
  • Campari is a red-hued Italian liqueur with bitter flavor. Some people enjoy it over ice or with soda water before dinner. We tend to prefer using it as a cocktail ingredient.
  • Like Campari, vermouth can also be consumed as an apéritif. The sweet (red) variety is often associated with Italy, while the dry (white or clear) kind is associated with France. Martini & Rossi makes both sweet and dry vermouths, and both are good. We also like Noilly Prat for dry vermouth.
  • BTW, vermouth is a fortified wine with a fairly low alcohol content. Which means an open bottle will eventually oxidize, losing considerable quality in the process. We always store opened bottles of vermouth in the refrigerator, which greatly retards the oxidization process.
  • As is the case with many cocktails, the origins of this one are obscure. As noted above, we discovered it in a video by Robert Hess, who says he found it in a GQ magazine article by Terry Sullivan. When Hess asked Sullivan how he knew about it, Sullivan couldn’t immediately remember. He eventually determined that he had seen it in Gary Regan’s book, The Bartender’s Bible. Regan had totally forgotten about the drink, however. In fact, he thought he had learned about it from Sullivan! Ultimately, it turned out that Regan had found the drink in the 1988 edition of Mr. Boston: Official Bartender’s Guide, which he had used while researching his Bible. But who knows where Mr. Boston found it? Regan changed the drink slightly, adding more tequila, along with Angostura bitters.
  • The Rosita Cocktail would be a wonderful drink for Cinco de Mayo (especially if you’re looking for an alternative to the tried-and-true Margarita). It also makes an excellent before-dinner drink during the warm-weather months.
  • Searching for other cocktails that contain tequila? Well, some possibilities include the Paloma, the Diablo, the Frostbite, and the Prado. Eventually, we’ll get to all of them.
The Rosita Cocktail

April Fool’s Drink

“This Rosita is gorgeous,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Nothing foolish about it.”

“No, for that we need to make a Croton Cocktail,” I said. “Or a Croton Highball variation.”

“Croton?” asked Mrs K R. “As in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, where we used to live?”

“Indeed,” I said. “Home of the fabled Croton dam.”

“Right, the original dam was finished in 1842—and created the first reservoir for New York City,” said Mrs K R. “The city still uses water from an enlarged version of the reservoir, via the New Croton Aqueduct.”

“Correct. And this cocktail was named in honor of Croton’s contribution to public health,” I said. “The drink was developed soon after New York started getting pure, clear water from the reservoir.”

“Is it a difficult drink to make?” asked Mrs K R.

“I’ll let you judge for yourself,” I said. “For the highball version, you put some ice in a tall glass. Then add water, preferably from the Croton reservoir. Garnish with a lemon twist, and serve.”

“And how about the cocktail version?” asked Mrs K R. “I suppose you shake water with ice and strain it into a cocktail glass?”

“You’ve got it,” I said.

“Sounds refreshing,” said Mrs K R. “Not to mention economical.”

“Right, so we can afford to invite all our readers to our next April Fool’s Day party,” I said. “We’ll ask them each to bring a dish.”

“And we’ll provide the cocktails,” said Mrs K R. “Perfect.”

Happy April Fool’s Day!

You may also enjoy reading about:
Negroni Cocktail
Tequila Sunrise
Pimm's Cup
Aviation Cocktail
Income Tax Cocktail
Tom Collins
Cocktail Basics
Or check out the index for more

96 comments:

mymansbelly said...

You had me at Campari! Thanks for introducing me to another Campari cocktail to enjoy.

Marcela said...

oh.... what a lovely cocktail! I wish I could try it! Looks so delicious!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pamela, isn't Campari wonderful stuff? Lovely in this drink. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcela, it's a great drink! Definitely worth trying if you ever get the chance. Thanks for the comment.

Karen Harris said...

What a delicious sounding recipe. I will definitely be giving this one a try. As for the Croton, I have been drinking a local variation of that my whole life and didn't know it LOL!

thelady8home said...

Campari is the next on my list to try good stuff. Your drinks looks outlandishly beautiful John.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, this is a fun drink. Well, both of them, actually, but especially the Rosita. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Minnie, Campari really has a wonderful flavor. Try it in a Negroni -- the best way to use it, IMO. Although it's awfully nice in the Rosita, too! Thanks for the comment.

Dottie said...

Hi John,
You always have such an interesting post. I really don't drink, but I love the info you give us on these drinks. I never would have known so much about this drink. I love the idea of making the Rosita Cocktail for Cinco de Mayo. Love your photos as well. They are so clear and they show so nicely with the black background. Thanks for sharing...Enjoy the rest of the week...
Dottie :)

Shashi at SavorySpin said...

What a gorgeous ruby color this drink is!

Rocquie said...

I'm afraid my husband and I are not sophisticated enough to drink fancy cocktails. Not to mention that I hope the he refrains from drinking tequila forevermore, But I can pretend as I read your posts and admire your beautiful photographs. --Rocquie

Ansh said...

I also prefer cocktails made with a Blanco Tequila and we seem to like the same brand too - Jose Cuervo is my fav brand for tequila. What a gorgeous looking drink. Like a sunset rose!

~ Nee ~ said...

Hi John , beautiful cocktail as usual , I enjoy a great cocktail like everyone else , just in moderation , being a diabetic don't make me miss out on the good things in life . You can over indulged in anything .
I like the idea you are noncommercial and the ideas / point of views are your own . You make it so easy for us . Thanks for sharing Nee :)

Denise Browning said...

Love its name! Cheers to a very Happy Easter...

mjskit said...

The Croton Cocktail - ha ha. Good one John! Tequilla sure has come a long way since the 70's. Martinis, tequilla sunrise, and shots with lime and salt have been my experience. Sipping fine tequilla? Haven't gone there yet. However, I do like the idea of these cocktails, especially this one because it's so very pretty. Need to look up Campari liquor. I don't remember it. Thanks for another great cocktail!

Daniela Grimburg said...

Beautiful color and beautiful name ( one of my best friends is calles Rosita) and I'm sure it tastes divine too.
Happy Easter and cheers with a Rosita Cocktail!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dottie, since you don't really drink much, the Croton Cocktail is perfect for you. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shashi, isn't this pretty? Love its looks! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, even if one doesn't drink, it's fun to look at cocktails! They're so pretty! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ansh, Jose Cuevo isn't fancy, but they make a good tequila. And I love the way this drink looks! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nee, the best way to drink in moderation is for every one of these, indulge in 2 or 3 Croton Cocktails. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, isn't this a nice drink? Happy Easter, and thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, I usually don't sip tequila, but there are some out there that are smooth and nice when taken neat. Campari is wonderful stuff, although an acquired taste for some. Worth checking, out, IMO. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Daniela, agree both the name and the color are wonderful! Happy Easter, and thanks for the comment.

Tricia Buice said...

I really need to try this - not only does it sound refreshing but it is gorgeous! After a day of doing our taxes I think I at least deserve a bourbon. Happy April 1st!

Sippity Sup said...

Tequila doesn't usually reside in my liquor cabinet. I had a very bad experience with iy in college and have never forgiven it. Which isn't to say I don't like tequila. In fact, come to think of it, my bad experience was more with the margarita itself more than the tequila, so I'll give this a try. I love Campari. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, if you just did your taxes, your probably need something with alcohol in it. Plus something that contains chocolate. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, sure, it was all the Margarita's fault. The tequila was just along for the ride. :D The Campari really sounds out in this drink, so you'll like it. Thanks for the comment.

Carolyn Jung said...

That looks way more sophisticated than any ol' margarita. I like the touch of bitters, too. Definitely a cocktail I will savor.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, this sure tastes different than a margarita! But they're both good. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

I need Rosita NOW! We are big tequila drinkers and have all those ingredients on hand. YES! So now I've finished cleaning the house and I'm off on my first airport run. I'd much rather be having one of these!

Juliana said...

Beautiful cocktail John...I would like mine on the rocks...
Have a great week :)

Maureen | Orgasmic Chef said...

I am rolling my Rs, can you hear me when I say Rrrrrosita! I think I need one of these tonight to start off the long weekend. Australia shuts down from Thursday night til Tuesday morning.

Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen said...

It is a gorgeous drink! Thanks for sharing!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, after all your airport runs enjoy one. Or more. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, we prefer it on the rocks, too! Weird, because we like a Negroni "up." But the tequila has a bit more oomph, which the rocks help tame. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Maureen, have a wonderful long weekend! And several of these. Rolled Rs and all. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Peachy, isn't this pretty? Tastes good, too, which is the important thing! Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

It sounds tasty and looks pretty!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, it's a nice drink -- loads of flavor. And I love the way it looks! Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

Can you believe I've never ever had tequila? I need to change that with this drink, much less caloric than a margarita too.

Lux G. said...

This is a definite must try!

Julia | Julia's Album said...

Another sophistcated cocktail. You make me want to start drinking regularly by posting all these beautiful drink!

Beth said...

Excellent! I drink Croton Highballs every day of my life!

Carol at Wild Goose Mama said...

Wow----this is similar to the Negroni all right. Fun. Of course the post is as polished and interesting as one as comes to expect from you.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, you're right that this is less caloric than a margarita, particularly the huge ones that some places serve! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Julia, most of the time I post only 1 cocktail a month (there are exceptions, though, like in the summer), so your regular habit shouldn't be too bad. :D Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beth, yup, I'm a big fan of the Croton Highball too! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carol, it really is close to the Negroni, although with the flavor of the tequila. Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

I love finding new cocktails to make that use tequila - it's a favorite of mine!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lux, it really is! :-D Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, there aren't that many really good tequila cocktails, are there? But this is one of them! Thanks for the comment.

Everyday Maven said...

Beautiful and anything with tequila is a winner for me!

Hotly Spiced said...

Lovely looking cocktail and of course, I always like to have a drink to celebrate the resurrection. So this is timely. Do you miss living in NY? I think it would be a very difficult place to leave xx

All That I'm Eating said...

There's a serious amount of booze in this cocktail! Sounds good though!

Gourmet Getaways said...

This is a perfect addition to warm cold nights now that winter is coming!! Thank you, John!

Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx

Debra Eliotseats said...

Campari is an acquired taste but I think I have acquired it. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Alyssa, tequila has such an interesting flavor, doesn't it? And it works well with the Campari. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Charlie, NY is a wonderful place and we love to visit. But glad we don't live there now--it's so expensive and frenetic. Loved our time there, however. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolilne, a lot of booze indeed! Although much of it is pretty low proof. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Julie & Alesah, you make a good point -- although I like this as a warm weather drink, it's actually a bit warming, so it's really good in cooler weather too. Perfect fall drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

HI Debra, yup, I've acquired it too! Really good stuff. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl said...

These drinks look gorgeous and like they could really fancy up a party!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pamela, isn't this pretty? Tasty, too. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

dedy oktavianus said...

will you share how tou arranged the photo shoots my friend ???
georgeous looking as always!!!
Dedy@Dentist Chef

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dedy, for the photos, you really want to read Light, Science, and Magic. Specifically the part on dark field and light field photos (or whatever they call it – I’m going from memory here). These photos are all lit with 2 lights. On the black background photos (and this is easier to see with the cocktail glass ones), the photos are backlit, but with a black card behind them to block the light. But the edges of the background light illuminate the edges of the glass (you can see this in the stem in particular), lighting them and defining them from the black background. Then there’s a 2nd light, also from behind, but a bit to the side, that lights the drink itself. White bounce cards help light the front of the drink. On the white background ones (again, the cocktail glass provides the example that’s easier to see), the background light provides most of the illumination. Here I have black cards on each side of the glass (just outside of the view of the camera) to help define the shape of the glass (see how the stem is outlined in black? That’s the reflection of the black cards.). A 2nd light helps provide additional light, and again white reflection cards light the front of the drink. All photos are on black acrylic – in the case of the light ones, it’s the reflection of the background light that’s making the acrylic seem grey. You really want to read that book – it tells you everything you need to know to light anything. Thanks for the comment.

Suzanne Perazzini said...

After that introduction I was keen to see what was in the drink. It must be very powerful though it certainly looks beautiful.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Suzanne, the drink is a bit on the strong side -- a lot of ingredients, although some of them are rather low-proof. Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Thanks for the reminder to store my vermouth in the fridge---I pulled it out recently due to lack of space, but I think I'll squeeze it back in :) Nice cocktail---the color is gorgeous! Happy Easter to you and Mrs. K. R.!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, we lack space in our refrigerator, too. How do those things fill up so?! But we always find room for vermouth and sherry -- we don't use them all that often, so they'd lose quality if we didn't refrigerate them. Happy Easter, and thanks for the comment!

~~louise~~ said...

Indeed, one gorgeous looking drink John. I most certainly wouldn't mind a sip about now:) A very Happy Easter to You and Mrs. K.R!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Louise, Happy Easter to you and Marion! And thanks for the comment.

motherrimmy said...

My husband's coworker gives him bottles of tequila all the time. It'll be nice to have an alternative to the typical margarita.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kristi, margaritas are nice, but it's nice to have a variety of drinks to choose from, isn't it? ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Claudia said...

We left the cocktail wagon years ago while raising kids (easier to pour wine and/or beer). We recently discovered Manhattan's for a TGIF drink and are branching out. This is so pretty - will have to try it.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Claudia, the Manhattan is a wonderful cocktail! One of my favorites. This isn't as good (IMO), but it's awfully nice. And its color is gorgeous! Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

Another lovely cocktail, like you said we all heard of tequila sunrise and this is the first time I heard this

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi John, never knew there were so many types of cocktails available, love the stories behind them.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

I love the color of this drink! To be honest I don't think I have ever heard of this Rosita Cocktail. If if it taste as good as it looks it must be very tasty.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, this isn't that well known of a drink. But it should be! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cheri, isn't it interesting how many different drinks are out there? Makes research fun! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, isn't this a gorgeous drink? And it really does taste as good as it looks! Thanks for the comment.

Sue/the view from great island said...

Negronis are one of my favorite cocktails, and the color of this one is glorious!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sue, the Negroni is a real favorite of ours, too. This is a nice variation on that drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

dedy oktavianus said...

all i can say it's all worth the effort!!!!!
Dedy@Dentist Chef

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dedy, thanks so much!

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

As always, your cocktails look so tempting and tasty! I love reading about all the different drinks that I have never heard of before.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, isn't this a fun drink? And tempting & tasty is exactly the way I'd describe it. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

as like any other cocktail in your adorable blog...this is special,beautiful,has loads of layered flavors and is a definite winner,thanks so much :-)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kumar, it's a really great tasting drink. Pretty, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dana @ Simply Romanesco said...

What a great cocktail, John! So fun and the color is amazing :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dana, isn't this nice? And I just love the color! Thanks for the comment.

Adri said...

This sounds fab! Cheers!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Adri, it's really such a nice drink! Tasty and really pretty -- our favorite combo. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kristen @ The Endless Meal said...

This is brilliant! I LOVE negronis and boulevardiers but have never thought of using tequila. I'll be trying this pronto!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kristen, nothing compares with a Negroni IMO, but this is a really fun variation! Definitely worth a try. ;-) Thanks for the comment.