Flor Roja

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes for Flor Roja Rhubarb Liqueur Cocktail

Sheringham Distillery features this Mexican-inspired cocktail that combines Fresh Rhubarb Liqueur with raicilla for a unique margarita variation. The Flor Roja delivers sweet-tart rhubarb flavors balanced with smoky agave notes, creating a sophisticated twist on traditional Mexican cocktails that appeals to adventurous drinkers.

How Rhubarb Liqueur Creates Complex Flavors

The cocktail opens with bright lime acidity that awakens your palate, followed by the sweet-tart complexity of Sheringham’s Fresh Rhubarb Liqueur. Raicilla adds earthy, smoky undertones that ground the fruit flavors, while cardamom bitters provide aromatic spice notes. The grenadine rounds out the profile with pomegranate sweetness, creating layers that evolve with each sip. For less sweetness, reduce the grenadine to 1/4 ounce.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

The Flor Roja adapts beautifully to personal preferences and seasonal availability. Replace raicilla with mezcal for more smoke, or use Sheringham Seaside Gin for a lighter botanical version.

Alternative Ingredients and Modifications

• Substitute hibiscus syrup for grenadine to enhance floral notes
• Add 1/2 oz triple sec for higher ABV and citrus complexity
• Use pink peppercorn bitters instead of cardamom for different spice
• Create a frozen version by blending with 1 cup crushed ice
• Serve in a coupe for elegant presentation at formal events
• Make it non-alcoholic with agave tea and extra rhubarb liqueur

Equipment, Preparation and Make-Ahead Tips for Flor Roja

Creating the perfect Flor Roja requires proper tools and technique. You’ll need a cocktail shaker, jigger, fine strainer, and citrus juicer. The salt rim adds essential flavor contrast, so prepare rocks glasses with coarse sea salt before mixing.

Essential Techniques for Rhubarb Cocktails

• Chill all ingredients except bitters for 2 hours before mixing
• Use fresh lime juice squeezed within 4 hours for best flavor
• Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to properly dilute and chill
• Double strain to remove ice chips and create silky texture
• Pre-batch base ingredients (excluding lime juice) up to 24 hours ahead
• Prepare salt rims and store covered glasses for party service

Perfect Occasions and Food Pairings for Flor Roja

This vibrant cocktail shines at summer gatherings, Mexican-themed parties, and sunset celebrations. The refreshing rhubarb liqueur base makes it ideal for warm weather entertaining from May through September.

Complementary Foods for Rhubarb Cocktails

Pair the Flor Roja with grilled fish tacos, ceviche, or shrimp aguachile to complement its citrus notes. The cocktail’s sweet-tart profile balances spicy foods beautifully, making it perfect with jalapeño poppers or chile-dusted mango. For appetizers, serve alongside guacamole, fresh salsas, or Mexican street corn. Finish with churros or flan to echo the cocktail’s sweetness.

Cocktail History and Similar Drinks

The Flor Roja belongs to the margarita family but draws inspiration from Mexico’s craft cocktail movement. Using raicilla, a traditional agave spirit from Jalisco, connects this modern creation to centuries-old Mexican distilling traditions.

Related Cocktails with Liqueur Bases

• Traditional margaritas share the lime and salt rim elements
• Palomas offer similar Mexican heritage with different fruit notes
• Rhubarb Gin Sour features the same liqueur in a different style
• Mezcal cocktails provide comparable smoky agave flavors
• Hibiscus margaritas echo the floral “red flower” theme
• Pink Flamingo cocktail offers another colorful rhubarb option

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations for Flor Roja

Each Flor Roja cocktail contains approximately 180-210 calories, with most sugar coming from the grenadine and rhubarb liqueur’s natural sweetness. The drink contains 15-20 grams of sugar per serving, making it a moderate-calorie cocktail option.

This cocktail is naturally gluten-free when using pure grenadine and verified gluten-free bitters. All ingredients are vegan-friendly, though some grenadine brands use carmine coloring. For lower calories, use sugar-free grenadine and reduce the rhubarb liqueur to 3/4 ounce. The cocktail contains approximately 1.5 ounces of alcohol (18% ABV). Those with citrus allergies should avoid this drink, while diabetics can request half portions of sweet ingredients.

Sheringham Distillery connects traditional Mexican cocktail culture with Pacific Northwest innovation through recipes like the Flor Roja, showcasing how their premium spirits elevate classic cocktail formats into contemporary craft experiences.