The Vibrant Drink Experience at Salón Las Tertulias: Journey Through Agave, Citrus, and Hops
In the heart of Mexico City’s culturally rich Roma Norte neighborhood, nightlife is more than just a weekend pastime; it is an art form. While there are countless bars catering to the trendy and minimalist crowds, Salón Las Tertulias (located at Avenida Cuauhtémoc 19) approaches its beverage program with a deep reverence for tradition, celebration, and liquid craftsmanship. To step inside this lively establishment is to tertulias immerse yourself in a curated beverage environment that effortlessly honors Mexico’s rich distilling heritage while embracing the playful, high-energy needs of a modern, music-loving crowd. Whether you are settling in for a long afternoon family lunch or gearing up to dance to a live salsa orchestra at midnight, the drink experience here is designed to elevate the spirit and ignite conversation.
The Soul of Mexico: Curated Agave Program
At the absolute foundation of the bar menu at Salón Las Tertulias is an extensive, meticulously sourced collection of artisanal mezcals and high-quality tequilas. Rather than treating these ancestral spirits as mere cocktail bases, the bar program treats them with the respect of a specialized tasting salon.
For purists who prefer to sip their spirits neat, the experience is beautifully ritualistic. Orders of premium agave spirits are served in traditional glassware, accompanied by fresh orange slices and a house-blended sangrita. This traditional chaser—crafted from a secret house recipe of fresh tomato juice, squeezed orange, lime juice, and a blend of savory Mexican chilis—is specifically calibrated to cleanse the palate between sips, highlighting the complex earthy notes of a smoke-infused Oaxacan mezcal or the bright, peppery finish of a Jalisco highland tequila. The venue takes pride in introducing guests to small-batch, regional distillers, giving international tourists and locals a taste of genuine Mexican liquid history.
Mastered Classics: Fresh-Shaken Rhythms in a Glass
Beyond the neat pours, the mixologists at Salón Las Tertulias have perfected the staples of Mexican cocktail culture. Every drink relies on freshly squeezed juices, homemade syrups, and premium spirits, avoiding the cloying, pre-made artificial mixers found in standard nightclubs.
The House Chili Margarita
The margarita here is an exercise in perfect structural balance. Combining crisp blanco tequila, orange liqueur, and a generous squeeze of tart key lime juice, the cocktail is shaken vigorously with ice to create an incredibly refreshing drink. The true signature, however, lies on the rim of the glassware. Instead of simple table salt, the bar utilizes a custom-blended, smoky house chili powder that provides a mild, complex heat, instantly elevating each sip.
The Classic Paloma
Widely considered the true favorite cocktail of Mexico, the Paloma at Salón Las Tertulias is a masterclass in effervescence. Crafted with smooth reposado tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, a splash of lime, and a pinch of sea salt, it is topped with crisp sparkling mineral water. The result is a bright, cutting, and incredibly refreshing beverage that pairs perfectly with the rich, savory profiles of the kitchen’s pork chicharrón and grilled meats.
The Beer Culture: Cold Cervezas and Custom Micheladas
For many regulars, an evening spent listening to live mariachi or singing along with local rock tributes requires a cold beer in hand. Salón Las Tertulias boasts an impressive inventory of ice-cold domestic lagers and rich dark beers that cater to every preference.
However, ordering a beer here frequently means transforming it into a personalized michelada. The bar staff excel at customizing beer preparations based on individual guest preferences:
- The Standard Michelada: Your choice of beer served in an ice-cold, heavy glass mug heavily rimmed with chili-salt and filled with fresh lime juice.
- The Michelada Cubana: An intensely savory variant that adds a complex mixture of English sauce (Worcestershire), Maggi seasoning, and hot sauce to the lime base, creating a deeply umami flavor profile.
- The Clamato Mix: A festive, hangover-remedying option that incorporates savory clam-and-tomato juice, ideal for weekend afternoon gatherings.
Late-Night Fuel: Energizing the Dance Floor
As the clock strikes midnight and the venue transitions from a casual dining space into an energetic, packed dance floor, the beverage needs of the crowd naturally shift. To keep dancers moving to the high-energy salsa and tropical orchestras, the bar serves a stellar lineup of craft carajillos.
This wildly popular Mexican nightlife staple combines a hot, freshly pulled shot of aromatic espresso with Licor 43—a Spanish liqueur boasting notes of vanilla, citrus, and aromatic spices. Shaken hard with ice until a thick, luxurious foam forms at the top, the drink provides a perfect dual sensation: a rich, sweet treat that delivers a sharp jolt of caffeine and alcohol to sustain the crowd well into the early morning hours.
Safe, Inclusive, and Accessible Experience
What truly rounds out the beverage experience at Salón Las Tertulias is its highly accessible pricing and warm, professional hospitality. Located in an area of Roma Norte where many bars charge premium tourist prices, this establishment keeps its drink menu moderately priced (typically averaging MXN 200–300 per person for a round of drinks and snacks).
The service is fast, attentive, and incredibly welcoming, reinforcing the venue’s well-earned reputation as an inclusive, trendy, and LGBTQ+-friendly haven. No matter who you are or what you choose to put in your glass, the drinks at Salón Las Tertulias are crafted to build community, break down social barriers, and keep the timeless spirit of the tertulia alive and flowing.