Video: Jenn and Tonic: How to make a Rock-It Pop cocktail at an ‘80s speakeasy

The cocktail scene in Los Angeles is booming. There are new bars opening every month — sometimes every week — in trendy rooftops and backrooms. Cocktail menus are loaded with some of the freshest, rarest and most thoughtful ingredients from behind the bar and in the kitchen. And the best bartenders are celebrities in their own right.

In “Jenn and Tonic,” a new cocktail video series, we’re highlighting some of the city’s best libations. From an ‘80s-inspired Rock-It Pop drink to a classic martini, the “Jenn and Tonic” videos will feature creative cocktails, the stories and people behind them and their recipes.

For our first installment, we’re shining a spotlight on the Rock-It Pop, a playful cocktail at Break Room 86, a speakeasy in the Line Hotel in Koreatown.

Beverage director Joe Swifka named the cocktail after the old Herbie Hancock song. In the video above, he shows us how to make the drink, which looks like a red, white and blue Turbo Rocket popsicle, with a layer of raspberry black tea syrup, a middle layer of lemon juice and vodka, and blue Curacao on top.

Yes, hair scrunchies and parachute pants are encouraged for this one.

ROCK-IT POP

Makes 1 drink

3/4 ounce raspberry black tea syrup

3/4 ounce lemon juice

1 1/2 ounce Absolute Elyx vodka

1/4 ounce blue Curacao

1. Build in a Collins glass with pebble ice.

2. Garnish with three raspberries on a pick.

*Please note this recipe has not been tested in the L.A. Times test kitchen.

3515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, www.thelinehotel.com.

For me, it’s always cocktail time. Follow me on Twitter @Jenn_Harris_