Mystical and empowered. This is the cocktails enjoyed at Brujas, a bar located in the heart of the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City. Founded in 2019 by Walter Meyenberg and with an exclusively female team, it has become a beacon of the Mexican and international cocktail scene, ranking 64th on the prestigious list of The World's 50 Best Bars 2022 and at number 85 in Top 500 Bars.
Challenging stereotypes deeply rooted in the traditionally male figure of bars and mixology, Bruges stands as a pioneering establishment, where all the team members are women. “I always say that, since I arrived in Mexico, it was one of my favorite bars. A place where I felt at home, in an empowered, fun and charming environment. I don't know if I came more as a customer or now that I'm lucky enough to work at the bar,” says Bianca Bertoli, one of the team members. Like a puzzle in which all the pieces fit together, the bar is located in La Casa de Las Brujas, whose name not only refers to the building's resemblance to a witch's hat, but also pays tribute to the legendary Pachita, one of the most relevant shamans in Mexico.
Its gothic aesthetic, combined with a relaxed atmosphere, creates a captivating atmosphere that envelops visitors from the moment they walk through the door. The bar feels like an intimate and welcoming sanctuary, with wooden walls adorned with black leather furniture. The shelves display a fascinating collection of witchcraft objects, from taxidermy to tablets ouija and old books. Carefully labeled jars contain herbs, roots and fruit peels, essential elements for the combinations they offer. Windows frame the façade of the bar, giving visitors the opportunity to take in both the magic that unfolds inside and the vibrant energy of Mexico City that flows outside. The space, designed by Meyenberg, highlights his special sensitivity towards decoration and concept, without forgetting the acoustic and environmental quality, which reveal her past as a musical artist.
But the magic lies not only in the aesthetics of the place, but also in the cocktail program that pays tribute to the healing traditions of Mexican herbalism. Each drink is a tribute to the grandmothers, great-grandmothers, mothers and healers who, with the help of herbs, flowers and bark, healed broken hearts and fought illnesses.
The latest menu —”Women in action,” launched last year on March 8, International Women’s Day—is a testament to their commitment to 12 cocktails dedicated to notable women who lived at different times, from Simone de Beauvoir to Mexican mural painter Aurora Reyes. The proposal goes beyond being a drinks menu, it is a celebration of the legacy that they provided to our society. Thus, the elaboration inspired by the French philosopher takes the name of one of her works, A very easy deathand his legacy is interpreted with Tío Pepe, Hpnotiq liqueur and lemon soda.
One of the most emblematic cocktails on the menu is the “Ayuuk”, in honor of Yásnaya E. Aguilar. “Ayuuk” refers to the language of the Mixe people, one of the indigenous communities of Mexico, and is also the name of a column written by Aguilar. Born in Ayutla Mixe (Oaxaca) in 1981, Aguilar is a linguist, researcher, activist, writer and translator. Her dedication to the defense and study of indigenous languages, Mixe culture, and environmental water management have made her one of the most prominent activists in Mexico. One of the main focuses of her activism is the protection of indigenous rights and the needs of speakers of the Ayuuk language, which is at risk of disappearing. The cocktail in question, created by the bartender Claudia López, is made with mezcal, wine infused with cocoa and pixtle (inner bone of the mamey fruit), corn liquor and bitter of cocoa. The decoration includes caramelized corn with pasilla mixe, a chili very representative of the mountains of Oaxaca.
Bruges is not limited to what is served in the glass. One of the most distinctive rituals is the unique sound of “shamanic rattles” (also called maracas or rattles). These ancient instruments, used to purify and summon the spirits of nature, resonate in any corner, announcing a magical summons that adds an enchanting touch to the atmosphere. Whether serving the terrace or preparing a drink, the vibrant sound of the maracas during certain moments of the service summons the bartenderswho leave everything for a moment, to meet in a toast where they can exchange strength and flood the space with mysticism and good energy.
Their “Convent Nights,” covens where mixologi
sts from all over the world are invited, provide dynamism, exchange of ideas and new experiences to both clients and professionals. In addition, the team members actively participate in global events, bringing Bruges brews with them to bars in various parts of the world. Internally, the bar promotes a comprehensive team care program that includes everything from English classes to training on creativity, inclusivity, fermentation, beverage innovation, and a wide variety of activities designed to enrich and support the personal and professional development of each member.
Historically misunderstood, the female roles of witches, healers and sorceresses reflect women's connection to nature, knowledge, innovation, unusual ingredients and contemporary techniques. Bruges has woven a unique community that constantly reminds us that all of these pioneering women were truly avant-garde. This achievement is strengthened by each of the bartenders who make up the team, not only for their skills in creating drinks, but also for their ability to offer an experience that transforms into an environment full of charm, mysticism and empowerment.
More than a bar, Bruges is a daily tribute to the significance of women in history, where the connection to female heritage is celebrated in every sip.
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