Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar, South Florida’s go-to restaurant for authentic Mexican dining and drinking, has tapped David Ortiz to head the growing chain’s beverage program. Ortiz found his passion for the hospitality industry at a young age after his father ofered him a job at Miami Shores Country Club. A leader in the mixology movement early in his career, Ortiz became the founding president of the Florida chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild, and its frst craft spirits specialist in Florida.
“Since launching Rocco’s thirteen years ago, we’ve always remained dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences and that wouldn’t be complete without a great cocktail menu and beverage program,” says Rocco Mangel, owner of Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar. Mangel met Ortiz at a cocktail presentation, where they all instantly recognized their shared passion for great Mexican food, tequila and ofering unparalleled hospitality experiences. Ortiz taking on this new role means Rocco’s Tacos will continue to stay ahead of the curve and create the beverage trends rather than follow them. “Now you can come to any Rocco’s Tacos location to sample new cocktails that will set the trends for years to come,” Mangel said.
Notable menu additions from Ortiz include a full range of new cocktails crafted with fresh ingredients ranging from hibiscus, mango, passion fruit and Aqua Fava for a vegan twist:
- Frida Rita - An elevated version of the classic Margarita, the Frida Rita is shaken with Mi Campo Blanco Tequila, Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur and Rocco’s Lime Mix. Served in a classic Double Old Fashioned Glass with a dehydrated lime and mint leaf.
- Skinny Senorita - A light margarita shaken to perfection with Partida Blanco Tequila, Agave Nectar, fresh squeezed lime juice, and Aqua Fava. The Skinny Senorita is served in a delicate coupe glass and garnished with vibrant edible fowers and a dehydrated lime.
- Rocco Mango - Crafted with Mango Rock & Roll Tequila, Blanco Rock & Roll Tequila, J.F. Hadens Mango Liquor and Rocco’s Lime Mix. This refreshing drink is served in a highball glass garnished with Hibiscus Salt and a mint sprig.
- Hibiscus - This refreshing fruit infused margarita is crafted with Mango Rock & Roll Tequila, Blanco Rock & Roll Tequila, Mango Liqueur and Rocco’s famous Lime Mix. Enjoy this margarita in a highball glass garnished with hibiscus salt on the rim and a mint sprig.
- Old Fashioned - A twist on a class with Herradura Anejo Tequila, Chocolate Bitters, Orange Bitters, Agave, Orange Peel Twist with Chocolate.
- Coco Pacifco - The perfect cocktail that will transport you to a tropical holiday. The Coco Pacifco is a blend of Real coconut, Rocco’s Lime Mix and Coconut Tequila topped with a mint sprig in specialty glass.
“I’m thrilled to take on this new role at Rocco’s Tacos and to be able to use my passion for cocktails to create an authentic and exciting dining experience for all of our guests,” says Ortiz.
