Where to Taste Mezcal in Mexico City
"In Roma I found a mezcalería that helped earn Mexico City international cocktail attention: Tlecān, a 50 Best Bars-listed spot named for the Náhuatl “place of fire” that celebrates Mexican heritage in both menu and decor. Earthen hues, clay pottery textures and a reverence for Prehispanic culture (including the iconic Disc of Death sculpture) evoke the desert landscapes where agave grows, while artisanal agave distillates sourced from small, independent producers are showcased both as neat pours and in inventive cocktails. Co-owner Eli Martínez, formerly head bartender at Pujol, designed a standing-room-only menu that highlights distillate differences—signature drinks include the Paloma Blanca (carbonated clarified grapefruit juice, mezcal, lime, and grapefruit salt) and the Tascalate Sour, inspired by an ancient Chiapas beverage; reservations are suggested though not required." - Lauren Mowery
