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Mecenas

Guadalajara

New Entry

Homemade is the name of the game at this Guadalajara bar, led by José Luis Hinostroza of Arca, Tulum, fame and head bartender Arturo Santos. Named after Roman arts patron Gaius Cilnius Maecenas, the bar draws inspiration from the arts, culture and the beauty of craft. Guided by that north star, everything is created in-house.

Liqueurs at Mecenas honour the region's cane alcohol tradition, using 96% neutral cane alcohol as the base for liquids infused with aromatic botanicals and fresh fruit, such as lavender cream liquor and limoncello, while Guadalajara-based distillery Satvrnal is in charge of producing artisanal, mono-botanical spirits, featuring profiles like lemongrass and chamomile. Fortified wines, made in partnership with Discográfica winery in Valle de Guadalupe, include white and red vermouth, as well as a marigold-infused vin d'orange.

Set in a reimagined garage in the heart of the city's hip Colonia Americana, the bar showcases the work of local creators and artists in a setting that is as mystical as it is sexy, with high ceilings, moody lighting and candles bringing a sense of intimacy. The absolute star of the space is the stunning rainbow of colour-coded bottles lining the bar, each hiding a unique house creation.

On the menu, the beauty of each cocktail lies in its simplicity, with standouts like the Jardín de Giverny, a floral, fizzy combo of lavender liqueur, bay leaf spirit and sparkling water, and the Monje, prepared with pineapple eau de vie, lemongrass and green chartreuse. Perfect pairings come in the form of street snack-inspired bar bites, like bluefin tuna tostadas and a fried chicken sandwich with pickled charred chilies.

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