BOTTOMS-UP
Award-winning Mexico City bar shakes up San Antonio with 2-day pop-up
While on a sweaty dance floor, a vodka soda slaps, but one hardly recalls the nuances of Monopolowa once the beat drops. A truly memorable cocktail marries finesse with flavor and no small measure of je ne sais quoi.
Mexico City bar Rayo, however, strives to be unforgettable. Inspired by Mayahuel, a pre-Columbian goddess often associated with agave, the Roma Norte lounge has racked up multiple plaudits since opening in 2022 — including a ranking on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
While the fantastically garnished creations of bartenders Alvaro Garcia and Tito Pin-Perez are only a nonstop flight away, on February 19-20, cocktail enthusiasts only need to spring for an Uber downtown. Sojourn Trading Co. is hosting two days of activations starring the world-renowned team.
The experience will launch with a brunch masterclass at 1 pm on February 19. Participants can improve their mixology skills while enjoying face time with Garcia and Pin-Perez.
Those with day jobs can participate in the action later in the day. Starting at 7 pm, Rayo will take over the Sojourn bar. Guests will enjoy sets from DJ Principe Q, bites from the Sojourn kitchen, and a mercado experience from El Weinicero on the corner of Houston Street.
February 20 kicks things off at 3 pm with a mural bike ride and happy hour at Bar 1919. The two-day series culminates at East Side bar Maeve at 7:30 pm, where some of San Antonio’s most promising bartenders will mix things up in a cocktail competition judged by Garcia and Pin-Perez.
Neither the brunch class nor the cocktail competition requires advanced registration. Reservations for the takeover and industry only bike ride can be made through Sojourn’s website.