Hotel Matilda is raising the bar at its popular lounge by bringing on a rising star on the international mixology stage to re-energize and re-imagine Bar Matilda.
The new Mixologist at Bar Matilda is Alberto “Riesler” Morales Perez, an accomplished and innovative barman with numerous recognitions and achievements to his name, from winning national cocktail competitions to serving as bar manager for a trend-setting hotel company.
He uncorked his creative juices immediately upon arriving at Hotel Matilda by creating a signature drink for Bar Matilda that meshes the latest global trends with Mexican and indigenous elements. ‘Handu’ is a vodka infused with cactus, scented with lavender, accented with Otomíes citrus (local fruits), and made effervescent with sparkling Perrier.
“Our mission is to infuse Bar Matilda with global cache by introducing evolving concepts and trends as well as original ideas,” said Bruce James, Director of Hotel Matilda. “The sensory experiences will come from all corners of the world and be merged with Mexican culture.”
Among the changes Mr. Perez is planning are a ‘Classic Mexican’ menu that will tap rituals of Mexican culture to create unique versions of international cocktails; taking to the next level the worldwide trend of substituting the spirits traditionally used in cocktails with mezcal and tequila; and putting his own spin on the latest in European and American mixology. Bar Matilda also will develop many of its own ingredients, from mixers and syrups to bitters. And to involve the local community and guests, it will offer mixology clinics, cocktail contests and tasting events as well as invite guest bartenders.
“We are going to make Bar Matilda a hub of creative, sensory mixology, both locally in San Miguel and nationally in Mexico,” said James.
Mr. Perez was bar manager for two Grupo Habita properties in Mexico, Hotel Deseo and Hotel Basico, and bar manager/consultant for the Thai Gardens network with locations in Mexico, Brazil, Morocco and Spain. He has taken first place in mixology competitions in Mexico City, including the Bacardi National Championship 2010, Bols Around the World 2012 and Jameson 2013. Extensive education and training has earned him a variety of degrees and certifications, including Sommelier, Cloister of Sor Juana and Mexican Association of Sommeliers; Master Mezcalier, Mezcaliers Association of Mexico; and Master Barman, Domecq Academy, Playa del Carmen. He also trained at several of London’s most famous hotels, the Savoy Hotel and The Lanngham Hotel’s Artesian Bar, ranked the #1 bar in the world. He has been featured in magazines worldwide and on Spanish television.
About Hotel Matilda
Hotel Matilda is a dynamic contemporary hotel celebrated for its chic lifestyle-focused guest experience and one-of-a-kind art and culinary events, from exhibits by noted artists to Supper Club culinary evenings with acclaimed guest chefs. The ‘Matilda lifestyle’ guest experience combines award-winning Spa Matilda; popular Bar Matilda; designer rooms and suites; a vibrant art-gallery-like interior – the first and only contemporary ambiance in colonial San Miguel de Allende – filled with a eclectic collection of dramatic contemporary works by noted artists, many specifically commissioned for the hotel; and world-class dining by internationally renowned Mexican chef Enrique Olvera in Moxi restaurant. For more information please visit www.hotelmatilda.com
About San Miguel de Allende
Hotel Matilda is located in the heart of historic San Miguel de Allende, the colonial jewel of Mexico that was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. San Miguel is celebrated for its intact 500-year-old Spanish architecture of graceful arches, beautiful bell towers, ornate churches, cobbled lanes and walls aflame with bougainvillea. In 2013, in its annual Readers’ Choice Survey, Condé Nast Traveler named the colonial charmer the world’s #1 destination.
