The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit will once again raise a glass to innovation and tradition with the third annual Mexology Fest, returning October 28–29. Hosted by veteran mixologist Saeed “Hawk” House, this year’s theme, Liquid History, invites guests to journey through the ancestral roots and modern reinventions of Mexico’s most emblematic beverages: tequila, mezcal, raicilla, and tepache. Through immersive workshops, guided tastings, and interactive sessions, festivalgoers will discover the story of Mexico’s “liquid culture” told through flavor.
Mexology Fest has quickly grown into one of the luxury resort’s most anticipated annual events, celebrated for its ability to honor heritage while embracing contemporary creativity, all within the resort’s all-inclusive experience. Each activity will pay homage to centuries-old recipes while showcasing innovative cocktail techniques that highlight how Mexico’s iconic beverages continue to transform without losing their essence. Adding to the excitement, events will be hosted by master mixologists from around the world, each bringing a distinct perspective and signature style to the celebration.
Mexology Fest has quickly grown into one of the luxury resort’s most anticipated annual events, celebrated for its ability to honor heritage while embracing contemporary creativity, all within the resort’s all-inclusive experience. Each activity will pay homage to centuries-old recipes while showcasing innovative cocktail techniques that highlight how Mexico’s iconic beverages continue to transform without losing their essence. Adding to the excitement, events will be hosted by master mixologists from around the world, each bringing a distinct perspective and signature style to the celebration.
Event Highlights
- The Spice Within: Participants discover how the humble Ancho Chile’s smoky, spicy profile inspires cocktails that are as inventive as they are unforgettable.
- Beyond Taste: With Mexico City’s renowned Limantour, guests test their palates in a blind tasting of tequila, mezcal, and raicilla before stepping behind the bar to craft their own martini under the guidance of one of the world’s most acclaimed cocktail teams.
- Poolside Tepache: This experience turns an ancient fermented beverage into a playful modern treat, served as a refreshing amenity to guests lounging by the resort’s tiered infinity pools.
- Spirit & Color: A multisensory experience where guests explore the character of tequila while creating their own Huichol art piece, blending flavor with traditional craftsmanship for a cultural keepsake to take home.
- Chill Factor: Hosted by Jabin Troth of Licensed to Distill, this workshop shines a spotlight on the role of ice—often overlooked yet crucial—revealing how its size, shape, and clarity can change the entire drinking experience and elevate a cocktail from simple to extraordinary.
- Shakers & Stories: A farewell cocktail event blending lively conversation, storytelling, and innovative cocktails in a celebratory gathering that unites mixologists and guests in one final toast.
Mexology Maestros
- Saeed “Hawk” House (@cocktailsbyhawk) – With twelve years behind the bar, Hawk has worked across Southern California and beyond, earning features in Esquire, Forbes, Good Morning America, and LA Weekly. His popular platform, Cocktails By Hawk, merges his twin passions for bartending and photography, while his competitions and accolades, including Food & Wine’s list of “20 Black Mixologists You Need on Your Radar,” establish him as a leader in the craft. This marks his third year participating in Mexology Fest, where he returns as the official host and ambassador, guiding guests through the festival journey from start to finish.
- Jabin Troth (@licensed_to_distill) – Founder and CEO of Licensed to Distill, the world’s largest craft-cocktail community with over a million followers, Jabin has redefined cocktail storytelling for the digital age. Since launching in 2015, he has become a sought-after consultant, speaker, and collaborator for leading spirits brands, all while sharing the artistry and stories that inspire modern mixology.
- Limantour (@limantourmx) – Recognized among the World’s 50 Best Bars for more than a decade, Limantour has placed Mexico firmly on the global mixology map. The acclaimed CDMX bar, led by José Luis León Martínez, has been awarded Best Bar in Latin America multiple times and named Best Bar in North America in 2022, earning its reputation as a benchmark of innovation and prestige in the industry.
The festival will spotlight the ancestral spirits alongside modern brand sponsors including Tequila Tromba, Tequila Real de Ixtlán, Tequila Volcán de mi Tierra, Campari, Mezcal Distrito 20, Raicilla Reserva del Ciervo, AYCYA Raicilla, and Tepache Sazón.
