Patrón Perfectionists 2024 Mexico Finalists

Fernanda Mendez

Originally from Chiapas, Fernanda currently lives in Oaxaca working at Sabina Sabe. Passionate about fermentation, she always tries to experiment and use new fermented preparations in her drinks. Having worked in hospitality for three years, her first approach to the cocktail scene was at renowned Casa Prunes, in Mexico City. Today, Fernanda says that her work is defined by her passion for the coffee, pastry, ferments and Agave spirits, blending these into her signature liquid experiences.

Entry Challenge cocktail inspiration
Fernanda's cocktail is inspired by the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, a gem located among the mountains of Chiapas, full of culture, traditions and beautiful nature; recognized for its history and community life. It is a place where corn has been the soul and symbol for centuries, also as a link between people and their land. The area is also importantly renowned for plantains, whose sweetness and versatilty made them a key ingredient of the local gastronomy. This cocktail captures the essence and ingredients of San Cristobal, and it blends them with bee pollen and Patrón Reposado. The result is a tribute to the harmony, union and work between nature and the community of this magic city.

Fernanda Méndez's Cristobalita

Bar: La Perla Pixan, Playa del Carmen
- 50ml Patrón Reposado
- 60ml Lacto cordial coleto
- 120ml Soda water

Other finalists

Salvador Guzmán's Tehuacan Fizz

Bar: Zapote Bar, Playa del Carmen
- 45ml Patrón Reposado
- 45ml Cordial de toronja con hierbas del huerto y chabacano
- 60ml Soda water

Ana Livier Acevedo's The Queen Bee

Bar: Amaro Records, Guadalajara
- 45ml Patrón Reposado
- 45ml Royal grapefruit cordial
- 120ml Soda

Jorge Urbano's Suchil

Bar: Loco Marino, Guadalajara
- 60ml Patrón Reposado
- 45ml Grapefruit, honey, quince, Marigold & vodka cordial
- 100ml Soda

Emilio Torres' Pura Vida

Bar: Dos Chingones, Guanajuato City
- 30ml Patrón Reposado
- 60ml Grapefruit, honey & chilli cordial
- 45ml Soda water

Leslie Hernandez's Sandlome

Bar: Las Brujas, Mexico City
- 60ml Patrón Reposado
- 45ml Watermelon & smoked chilli cordial
- 45ml Soda water

Mario Asael Maldonado's Konditori Paloma

Bar: Handshake, Mexico City
- 45ml Patrón Reposado
- 30ml Coffee grapefruit cordial
- 90ml Soda water

Valeria García's El Dragón Dormido

Bar: Kaito Izakaya, Mexico City
- 45ml Patrón Reposado
- 70ml Cordial de Benevolencia
- 60ml Soda water