A Farm-to-Table Cocktail Bar on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula
The Zapote Bar at the Rosewood Mayakoba is known for its meticulously crafted drinks.
It's not unusual to have a farm-to-table cocktail, and you might even have one that's good. In the mangrove jungle at Rosewood Mayakoba and its new open-air cocktail bar, Zapote, you will experience the ne plus ultra of "locally sourced" mixed drinks for the first time. A warm, relaxed workshop furnished by Mexican design firm La Metropolitana, which designed Noma in Copenhagen, bartenders curate beverages that use Yucatán ingredients sourced from the garden on-site.
The Mamey, which uses rums flavored for 24 hours with pineapple, lime, mamey seeds, sugar, and spices, is named after the amaretto-flavored fruit that grows on sapote trees.
As the chef at Rosewood Mayakoba's director of culinary operations, Juan Pablo Loza, who conceived and built Zapote for six years, says, "You won't taste it, but it clarifies the liquid." As the frozen bits melt, the drink becomes more flavorful, rather than watered down, as it drains in a coffee filter for 12 hours.
Loza prepares traditional cocktails with a regional twist, instead of aging them in clay or oak barrels. Gin, vermouth, and Campari are pre-batched, and zapote wood is steeped in the cocktail.
You should take advantage of the handmade volcanic-stone tables and munch some of the house-pickled jicama and radish while ordering a Mayayo, an artisanal Maya gin, sour oranges, guava and lemon leaves, and telling the waitstaff “cheers” from Yucatecan Maya.
The Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is famous for its stunning beaches, Mayan ruins, and unique culture. However, a new attraction is drawing foodies and cocktail enthusiasts to the region: a farm-to-table cocktail bar. Located in the city of Merida, the bar is called La Artesana and it offers an innovative menu of drinks made with local ingredients.
The concept behind La Artesana is simple: to showcase the flavors of the Yucatán through artisanal cocktails. The bar's menu is divided into three sections: classics, signatures, and seasonal drinks. Each drink is made with fresh, local ingredients that are sourced from small producers in the region. The bar's mixologists work closely with farmers, distillers, and other suppliers to ensure that they are using the best ingredients.
One of the most popular drinks on the menu is the Mestiza, which is made with mezcal, honey, lime, and achiote (a spice made from the seeds of the annatto plant). The drink is served in a clay cup, which is a nod to the region's pottery tradition. Another standout drink is the Mayan Old Fashioned, which is made with local rum, honey, and cacao bitters. The drink is garnished with a chocolate-covered coffee bean, which is a reference to the region's coffee production.
La Artesana has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The bar's commitment to using local ingredients has not only helped to promote the region's flavors but also supports small-scale producers. In addition, the bar's cozy and intimate atmosphere makes it a great spot to unwind and enjoy a drink after a day of exploring the Yucatán. Overall, La Artesana is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the flavors of the Yucatán in a unique and innovative way.
