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One sleepless night I went to bed thinking about blood oranges and other fruits that are in season. And then I was thinking about Chupacabras — I said it was a sleepless night. You know, one of those really weird nights when all you think about is gibberish.

Anyway, is it me or have you heard about Chupacabra sightings lately? I thought, “Chupacabra,” that’s a funny word and wouldn’t that be a perfect name for a cocktail made with blood oranges. I must have gone to bed thirsty that night.

The next day I could not stop thinking about my wild idea and enlisted the help of Chupacabra aficionado, Joe Ray. You may remember him — He wrote the Remedios guest post.

He is quite the talented hombre and we are honored that he was on board to share a little Chupacabra anecdote.

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Drinking with the Chupacabras
by Joe Ray

I must admit that I’ve never seen a real Chupacabra.

I used to know a bunch of guys who played guitars badly, wore vaquero boots and sang passionately loud when drinking. I think the accordion player was the only one who knew how to actually play an instrument. I tried telling them they should call themselves Los Chupacabras del Norte but they broke up before really taking off. A couple of the guys in the band blamed the accordion player’s girlfriend (for the breakup of the band). They referred to her as La Pinche Yoko.

Anyway, I think Chupacabras originated in the Caribbean, maybe in Puerto Rico, then migrated to Mexico and have been spotted by drunks during late nights in the southwest and the deep south, as well as parts of the Pacific northwest, where they wear flannel.

The term Chupacabra literally means Goat Sucker. I guess vampires were too common, so this creature showed up. They suck the blood out of goats. I guess goats are easier than cows. Although I kind of like the Chupavaca moniker too.

Chupacabras are reported to be terrifying creatures of the night. Their legendary reputations precede them. But let’s not be so rash in judgment of things we don’t entirely understand. After all, it’s only blood and goats.

Currently, Sasquatch is doing jerky endorsements, right? So, why can’t the Chupacabra have its own cocktail? Why not a martini? Those are fun little glasses they’re served in. How about tossing some blood oranges into the drink?

Better yet, how about a Valentine’s Day martini?

Blood oranges are in season soon and definitely around V-Day. You can drink a couple of these and bring out your own inner romantic Chupa by administering hickies to one another. What’s not to like?!?!

First priority, any Chupacabra cocktail should be sexy and delicious. And this one is definitely both…check it out!

Purchase El Chupacabra Martini print here.

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Author Bio: Joe Ray is a Latino painter and printmaker living in Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as Creative Director and President of Estudio Ray, a branding/marketing agency in Phoenix.