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Beverages
Spirits, wine, beer, coffee and traditional drinks, with a focus on Mexico.
Agave spirits
Agave spirits
Tequila
Tequila is a spirit distilled from blue Weber agave (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul), protected by a denomination of origin since 1974. Young, it is fresh and herbal; after time in oak it turns rounder and spicier.
Agave spirits
Mezcal
Mezcal is a spirit that can be made from many agave species, protected by a denomination of origin since 1994. Its smoky character comes mainly from cooking the agave in earthen pit ovens.
Agave spirits
Raicilla
Raicilla is a traditional agave spirit from Jalisco and Nayarit, made by small producers. It received a denomination of origin declaration in 2019.
Agave spirits
Bacanora
Bacanora is Sonora's agave spirit, traditionally made from Agave angustifolia. It has had a denomination of origin since 2000.
Spirits
Spirits
Sotol
Sotol is a spirit from northern Mexico made from Dasylirion, the "desert spoon"; it is not an agave, though its process resembles mezcal's. It has had a denomination of origin since 2002.
Spirits
Charanda
Charanda is a sugarcane spirit from Michoacán, protected by a denomination of origin since 2003. It resembles rum but has its own identity tied to the Uruapan region.
Spirits
Rum
Rum is a spirit distilled from sugarcane, either fresh juice or molasses. It ranges from light whites for mixing to complex aged rums for sipping.
Spirits
Gin
Gin is a neutral spirit flavored with botanicals, with juniper as the leading note. It is the base of many classics, from the martini to the negroni.
Spirits
Vodka
Vodka is a high-purity spirit with a subtle flavor, made from grain, potato or other raw materials. Its neutrality makes it very versatile in cocktails.
Spirits
Whisky
Whisky is a spirit distilled from malted or unmalted grain and aged in wooden casks. Scotland, Ireland, the United States and Japan are its great traditions.
Spirits
Brandy & Cognac
Brandy is a spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit, usually aged in oak. Cognac is the grape brandy of France's Cognac region, made under strict rules.
Spirits
Pisco
Pisco is a grape spirit from Peru and Chile, both of which claim it as their own. Peruvian pisco is aromatic and bottled without wood aging.
Traditional Mexican
Traditional Mexican
Pulque
Pulque is a fermented, not distilled, drink made from maguey sap (aguamiel). It is milky, slightly tart and viscous, with pre-Hispanic roots.
Traditional Mexican
Tepache
Tepache is a traditional fermented drink, today almost always made from pineapple rinds, piloncillo and spices. It is refreshing, sweet-tart and very low in alcohol when young.
Vermouth & aperitifs
Digestifs
Sake
Wine
Wine
Mexican Wine
Mexico has the oldest winemaking tradition in the Americas and a fast-growing modern scene. Valle de Guadalupe, in Baja California, is its best-known region.
Wine
Red Wine
Red wine is made from dark grapes fermented with their skins, which give color, tannin and structure. It ranges from light, fresh styles to powerful wines for aging.
Wine
White Wine
White wine is generally made by pressing grapes before fermentation, without extended skin contact. It stands out for freshness, acidity and aroma.
Wine
Rosé Wine
Rosé is made from red grapes with brief skin contact, just enough to take on color. It is fresh, fruity and very versatile with food.
Wine
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wines get their bubbles from a second fermentation. Champagne, Cava and Prosecco are the best known, and Querétaro stands out in Mexico.
Wine
Grape Varieties
Each grape variety brings different aromas, acidity and structure to wine. Knowing the main ones helps you recommend with confidence, including Baja California wines.
Beer
Beer
Mexican Lager
Mexican lager ranges from light, refreshing pale beers to amber and dark Vienna-style lagers. It's the beer that accompanies everyday food across the country.
Beer
Craft Beer Styles
Craft beer spans very different styles, from hoppy ales to roasty stouts and tart sours. In Mexico the craft scene has grown strongly, with Baja California as one of its hubs.