Rayo brings Mexican history and mythology to life through innovative cocktails

Located within a Porfirian-style mansion in Mexico City, Rayo is a hidden speakeasy that merges elements of Mexican history, mythology, and Prohibition-era bartending techniques. As the era of Prohibition in the United States resulted in poor quality alcohol due to bootlegging, bartenders adapted by creating innovative drink recipes. Rayo aims to evoke a similar spirit of creativity while honoring Mexican culture through its unique cocktail offerings, which highlight spirit traditions from various regions of Mexico, including mezcal from Oaxaca and tequila from Jalisco. The bar's decor and menu are infused with stories and symbols done in homage to these regions. The founder and owner, Victor Garibay, expresses that the establishment is designed to showcase Mexican hospitality and serve as a conduit for deeper cultural connections through the experience of drinking. Guests at Rayo embark on an engaging tasting ritual that encourages exploration of flavors, adapting classic recipes with a Mexican twist, such as the #1 Cocktail inspired by carne en su jugo and Cocktail #2 which creatively uses corn garnishes treated from sweet corn scraps. This experience transforms cocktails into storytelling elements that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Rayo's name is derived from Aztec mythology, specifically the tale of goddess Mayahuel and her lover Quetzalcoatl, which narrates their tragic transformation into an agave plant. This narrative deeply influences the bar's identity and visual design choices, as evidenced by the inclusion of a lightning bolt symbol in both the menu and the venue’s decoration. The building itself has a history reminiscent of speakeasies from Prohibition, with one of its past owners having turned the space into a horchatería, possibly functioning as a covert bar at that time. Through innovative drinks and a commitment to elevate Mexican culture, Rayo emerges not just as a bar, but as a space that fosters appreciation for the traditions and stories unique to the country. By connecting patrons to the past and the present through a curated drinking experience, Rayo beckons visitors to explore the depth of Mexico's historical tapestry, thus reinforcing its significance within the modern context of social gatherings and cultural exchange.