A Florida-based chain recently opened in Brooklyn — Rocco’s Tacos is the perfect place to discover a true taste of Mexico. With a rich history and an even richer tequila selection, Rocco’s Tacos has a vivacious atmosphere, with everything from elaborately painted Day of the Dead skeletons to pages upon pages of margaritas, specialty drinks, and tequila (though make sure to check out the bathrooms, which play Looney Tunes cartoons on screens in the stalls…). From the dim, mood lighting to the expansive booths and incredibly knowledgeable servers, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to another world.
Our tasting began with margaritas. If you’re craving something light and sweet, try one of their local favorites, the Strawberry Basil Margarita. A perfect blend of sweet and savory, this drink is mixed with fresh squeezed lime, agave nectar, basil leaves, and fresh strawberries. Another contender was the Casamigos Lemonade, containing agave nectar, club soda, Casamigos Blancos, and fresh lemon juice: a sweeter lemonade for adults.
Now, experiencing Rocco’s Tacos and experiencing tequila go hand in hand — it even has its own menu, with four pages of different types of tequila. From Plata (unaged and bottled fresh), to Reposado (aged in wood barrels for two to twelve months to aged in oak casks for at least a year), to Anejo (aged in wood barrels for two to twelve months), the range of tequila can seem daunting and delicious. We were given a variety of selections across the board. The Dos Lunas Reposado claimed an early favorite, as we enjoyed the oak flavor and subtle undertones of other elements that came together to create a smooth finish. The Chinaco Anejo, known as one of the more old school Mexican tequila styles, had a more amber color and wood flavor. As one of the managers noted, it really “warms the soul.” Next, we tackled the Tequila Revolución Plata. Perhaps indicative of the side by side pistols on the front and back of the bottle, this tequila is sharp with a salty aftertaste: refreshing, quick, and quite the kick. Our last drink was the Casa Azul; this one was a little darker in color, tasting like butterscotch but with a little more intensity.
Of course, after all of that tequila, we couldn’t leave without trying their amazing churros topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate, and whipped cream. We even received a final specialty drink (not on the menu!), a delicious concoction of sour apple martini and Peligroso cinnamon tequila. It paired perfectly with our dessert, which we quickly devoured without remorse.
Rocco’s Tacos has plenty to offer, especially when it comes to tequila: they enjoy educating their customers on their various styles and flavors, and the staff has a wealth of knowledge to prove it. Whether you’re looking for hearty Mexican food, a new tequila flavor, or even a brief reprieve from the cold, you’ll certainly find your fix here.
Twisted Talk: What’s your favorite tequila brand? Will you check out this new Brooklyn hot spot? Discuss below!
