San Miguel de Allende is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Mexico. No matter what time of year you go, one of the places you can’t miss is Fabiola Padilla’s Bekeb bar.
If you haven’t tried her creations yet, at Menu we bring you everything you need to know about the proposal of the outstanding Mexican bartender who acquired her skills in New York.
At the top of the boutique hotel Casa Hoyos in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, is the terrace with a pool where Bekeb operates. To get there, you have to enter the building, walk to the back and go up the stairs on the left.
Although the great view from the rooftop of the magical town is undoubtedly a plus, the stars are its cocktails, which honor the name of the bar: “bek” is the Tzotzil word for “seed,” in reference to the Mexican origins that can be tasted in every glass they serve.
What to order at Bekeb?
In an interview with EL UNIVERSAL, the Bekeb team shared suggestions for their most requested cocktails and some foods that will surely give you the best experience when you visit them.
The place specializes in cocktails, rather than food, so their edibles are more like appetizers. Still, you shouldn’t miss the fresh tuna tostadas, the Ensenada tacos or even the cochinita pibil tacos.
They recommend pairing the tuna tostadas with drinks with fruity and refreshing notes, such as their “Manzanilla,” which has tequila, freshly made Granny Smith apple juice and vermouth emulsified with chamomile.
Another good alternative is the “Garambullo,” in which the main ingredient is a shrub (vinegary syrup) of the fruit that grows in the desert and bears the same name, and whose flavor is described as a cross between blueberry and pitaya.
If you fancy closing the day with something sweet, they don’t serve desserts but they do have cocktails based on banana or amarena liqueurs that promise to satisfy any sugary whim.
A great example is “Polen”: Fabiola Padilla was inspired by the classic Ramos Gin Fizz but put her personal stamp on it by adding a little Italicus bergamot liqueur and artisanal mesquite honey fermented with orange blossoms to the gin and cream.
What is Fabiola Padilla’s signature cocktail like?
One of the reasons why this bar is a good plan at any time of the year is the fact that its menu always offers both classics and signature drinks, always giving prominence to some seasonal and national ingredient.
Two cocktails that were a hit last summer were “Despertar en Oaxaca”, which added citrus and carrot to the base of mezcal with Alma Finca orange liqueur; and “El Diablo”, in which Fabiola Padilla incorporated Gin de las Californias Citrus, grapefruit, Aperol and the star ingredient: pasilla mixe chili liqueur.
Autumn, on the other hand, was the time to shine for “Calabaza”, which in addition to the Castilla pumpkin itself offered the flavors of Casa Dragones Blanco tequila, ginger, piloncillo, cloves, citrus and coconut milk to clarify.
For the rest of 2024, there is still an opportunity to try out the current “Ancestral Mexico” menu, thanks to the enthusiasm with which the public has received it. If your next visit is not so soon, you will surely see the return of spring or summer drinks.
Why visit Bekeb in San Miguel de Allende?
There are three factors that distinguish this bar and make it a space that always makes you want to return to:
The creativity of the bartender
The mixologist’s creations may sound complex on paper, but the truth is that Fabiola knows her ingredients perfectly and offers drinks that are as delicious as they are extraordinary.
It is worth mentioning that the bar was awarded this year as number 27 of the 50 best bars in North America.
The pleasant atmosphere
A detail that is never missing is the family atmosphere with the public, from the treatment they give to each visitor to the openness to make themselves known as a safe space for the LGBT+ community.
The friendly service
Whether you come as a mixology lover or out of curiosity, you will always find a drink to your liking, as the staff will answer every question you may have and understand your preferences until they come up with the right suggestion.
As a final tip, don’t forget to take the weather into account when you go: wearing sunglasses, a hat, or dressing warmly will help focus your senses on the artisanal cocktails.
Source: eluniversal
