Mexology Fest · Fourth Edition | Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

The gateway to liquid alchemy

4th Edition

There are secrets that only the earth and the agave know. After tracing a legacy of innovation, the fourth edition of Mexology Fest emerges as the definitive tribute to our culture's sacred triad—the character of tequila, the mysticism of mezcal, and the ancestral purity of raicilla.

Under the November sky, signature spirits intertwine with sensory art and the duality of the Day of the Dead in a contemporary glitch where the ancient and the modern converge by the sea. An exclusive experience where poolside luxury transforms into an offering for the senses, guided by world-class mixologists.

Alchemists of the bar

Portrait of Saeed Hawk, bartender from Los Angeles

Saeed Hawk | Los Angeles

His passion for service was born during his college years, transforming into a full-time career upon returning to Los Angeles after completing his degree in audio engineering. This energy and creative freedom not only solidified his mastery behind the bar but also sparked a deep love for photography and visual design. With over eleven years of experience traveling through San Diego and the Bay Area, his craft is a journey of liquid textures and stories captured through the lens.

Portrait of Ahmad N. Rustom, bartender from Toronto

Ahmad N. Rustom | Toronto

Hailing from Cairo and based in Toronto, his mastery has been forged in the art of improvisation within the speakeasy scene. With an impeccable technical understanding of ice thermodynamics, precise glassware utilization, and flavor pairings, his philosophy strips mixology of laboratory rigidity to restore its purest essence—solid technique, artistic intuition, and a natural charm behind the bar.

Portrait of Danica McGuinness, bartender from New York

Danica McGuinness | New York

Lifestyle content creator and a three-time Emmy Award-winning news producer for NBC. Her artistic approach and sharp storytelling instinct allow her to transform recipes, travel, and everyday moments into memorable visual chronicles. As a trusted creative partner for exclusive hospitality brands, she connects audiences with new dimensions of contemporary culture, one sip at a time.

Portrait of Carolyn Pascual, bartender from San Diego

Carolyn Pascual | San Diego

Founder of one of the most influential cocktail and mocktail media platforms worldwide, The Social Sipper. Her background as a food stylist for globally renowned networks such as Food Network defines the aesthetic sophistication of her creations. Through visually flawless craft, she has become a leading authority for those seeking perfect balance in their glass, exploring classic spirits, subtle flavor notes, and contemporary mocktail recipes.

Interior of Rayo Cocktail Bar, CDMX

Rayo Cocktail Bar | CDMX

A disruptive cocktail concept born in Mexico City to pay homage to the legend of Mayáhuel and the divine origin of agave. Inspired by the ancestral lightning bolt that struck the heart of the maguey to reveal its sacred honeys, this iconic venue—ranked among the top 5 in North America’s 50 Best Bars and awarded Best New Opening—merges Mexican mysticism with avant-garde mixology. Its signature creations challenge tradition through high-precision laboratory techniques, extraordinary balance, and unexpected flavor profiles, transforming the heritage of our land into a sophisticated sensory experience by the Pacific.

Experience itinerary

Step by step, the agave mystique unfolds its sensory journey in an agenda crafted to transform your days by the sea.

2November
2nd

  • Craft Your Flavor

    Discover the art of building flavor as you create your own signature drink, from classic cocktails to elevated low- and no-alcohol creations, inspired by a local seasonal ingredient.

    12:00 p.m. | Terrace 812

    Host: Carolyn Pascual

  • The Mexican Cocktail Codex

    Go beyond the Margarita and uncover the stories, flavors, and traditions behind Mexico’s iconic cocktails. Discover classics like the Paloma, Cantarito, Batanga, and more.

    2:00 p.m. | Azul Terrace

    Host: Danica McGuinness

  • The Raicilla Journey

    Journey through the agave fields of raicilla through an immersive 360° experience, then savor its spirit in a handcrafted cocktail.

    3:00 p.m. | Pergola 3

    Host: Raicilla Del Ciervo + Marioneta

  • The Art of Freestyling

    Discover the art of cocktail freestyle through balance, flavor, texture, and intuition. Experience live creations, guest requests, and an interactive cocktail-making session.

    6:00 p.m. | Sen Lin

    Host: Ahmad N. Rustom

  • Rayo Bar Takeover

    Rayo Cocktail Bar takes over for an evening of signature cocktails, creative pours, and unexpected flavor combinations.

    9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Media Luna

    Host: Rayo Cocktail Bar

3November
3rd

  • The Art of Destreza

    Discover the story and craft of Dulce Destreza, then make it your own by painting your own bottle, inspired by the ancient legend behind this mezcal.

    12:00 p.m. | Media Luna Terrace

    Host: Mezcal Destreza

  • Farewell Cocktail at Majahuitas

    Raise a final toast to Mexology Fest with signature cocktails crafted by our guest mixologists, set to the rhythm of a live DJ and the magic of Majahuitas.

    3:15 p.m. Pickup at lobby

    4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Majahuitas

    Host: Saeed Hawk + all hosts + Vallarta Adventures / Majahuitas

    Dresscode: Boho + earth tones (beige, brown, olive, terracotta)

Reserve your favorite activities!

Activities are subject to change without prior notice.

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