Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileRoCA
Des Moines, IA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
RoCA pairs a serious craft cocktail program with a compact, well-priced wine list. The Pig & Fig Manhattan leads a creative menu built on house-made bitters and infused vermouth, while wines from Cava to Zinfandel cover familiar ground without pretension. A reliable stop for a considered drink before or after a shared plate.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Pig & Fig Manhattan: bacon fat-washed bourbon, fig-infused sweet vermouth, and house chicory maple bitters over candied bacon. For something brighter, the Smoked Margarita brings applewood smoke to Cazadores blanco, lime, and agave.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail drinkers who appreciate house-made ingredients and savory, smoky twists will find much to like. Wine drinkers seeking a concise, moderately priced list with recognizable regions will feel at home.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail list leans on house-made components: fig-infused vermouth, chicory maple bitters, and cold brew coffee appear in signature drinks. The self-described 'shared plates wine bar and craft cocktails' format pairs these with a compact wine program.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A strong list of handcrafted cocktails features creative ingredients and house-made components. The menu includes the Pig & Fig Manhattan, Smoked Margarita, and Cold Brew Martini, with several drinks priced between $12 and $15.
Menu strengths
- — House-made bitters, infused vermouth, and vanilla bean syrup show attention to detail.
- — Creative combinations such as bacon fat-washed bourbon and applewood smoke are offered.
- — A recent customer account highlights several signature cocktails, including a bacon-washed bourbon Manhattan and a smoked margarita.
Standout selections
- — Pig & Fig Manhattan – bacon fat-washed bourbon, fig-infused sweet vermouth, house chicory maple bitters, candied bacon ($14)
- — Smoked Margarita – Cazadores blanco, lime, Cointreau, agave, applewood smoke ($15)
- — Cold Brew Martini – vodka, Averna amaro, Madagascar vanilla bean syrup, house cold brew, cream ($14)
Pricing: $12–$15
Wine
The wine list covers a range of varietals and regions, from Spanish Cava to California Cabernet. With glasses from $10 to $13 and bottles from $36 to $50, it offers approachable pricing across a diverse selection.
Menu strengths
- — Selection spans sparkling, white, rosé, and red, including Cava, Prosecco, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel.
- — Pricing is moderate, with most bottles under $50.
- — The venue's storefront sign and self-description identify it as a wine bar, indicating a focus on wine.
Standout selections
- — Segura Viudas Cava Brut – Spain, $10 glass / $36 bottle
- — Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand, $13 glass / $48 bottle
- — Earthquake Zinfandel – Lodi, California, $13 glass / $50 bottle
Pricing: $10–$13 by the glass; $36–$50 by the bottle
Spirits
Spirits are presented as components of the cocktail program rather than as a standalone selection. The list includes Gordon's Gin, Kasama Rum, Absolut Pear Vodka, and Glendalough Rose Gin, each used in specific house drinks.
Menu strengths
- — The use of Glendalough Rose Gin adds an Irish craft option to the mix.
Standout selections
- — Gordon's Gin features in the Blackberry Bramble.; Kasama Rum anchors the Julius Orange.
- — Absolut Pear Vodka is used in the Rusty Pear.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.