Raicilla, proudly from Vallarta: taste, history, and heritage to the world.

Did you know that Mexico already has 18 denominations of origin? One of the most recent additions to this legacy from Mexico to the world is raicilla, whose extraction dates back to Colonial Times, and is still alive thanks to dedicated raicillera families. When you visit Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find many trendy spots, bars, and restaurants that integrate raicilla to their mixology creations, proudly bearing the denomination of origin and presenting it to domestic and international travellers. 

One particular raicilla, Jorge Carbajal’s Hacienda El Divisadero, has extracted artisanal raicilla for five generations, resulting in such extraordinary quality spirit that has been recently recognized at the Top World Spirit Awards with the Gold Medal for this 2021 edition, celebrated at the beginning of the month in Paris, France.

You’ll find their distillery in Cabo Corrientes – a little more than 2 hours away from Puerto Vallarta –, one of the only 15 municipalities from Jalisco that is registered to produce raicilla.

To bring a little taste of raicilla right to your table, Hacienda El Divisadero’s Ambassador, the spirit sommelier Marco Juarez, shares with us the recipe of the first signature drink created by the brand:

Sweet Freshness (Dulce Frescura)

1½ oz Raicilla Hacienda El Divisadero

½ oz fresh lime or lemon juice

2 fresh ginger slices

4 fresh basil leaves

1 pinch of cardamom

50 g fresh pineapple

1 oz agave syrup

Macerate the ingredients and strain on a rocky glass. Decorate with a slice of dried pineapple and a fresh basil leaf slightly pressed with the fingertips to unlock its flavor.

Enjoy!