A warm and starry night, overlooking the stunning terrace of the beautiful Villa del Oso in the charming town of Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, Mexico. A wedding guest approaches the bar, intrigued by a sign pointing to stickers inside a coconut shell labeled "Materaicilla." She picks one up, and the bartender, with a welcoming smile and utmost professionalism, begins a conversation. He explains each of the available options in detail. The chat flows naturally, blending recommendations with anecdotes, culminating in a perfect choice: a drink that surprises as much with its freshness as with its story. This encounter not only encapsulates the essence of great service but also marks the beginning of a delightful tasting experience at this event.
Alina and Israel are two artists and entrepreneurs who skillfully merged and created a synergy between their connection and love for the land and its fruits. Keep reading to discover their story.
How did the idea of creating Mate Raicilla come about?
Mate Raicilla was born in 2020 with the intention of offering authentic and creative experiences that combine flavors, sound, and ambiance. Inspired by our personal and professional journeys, we decided to merge our tastes and values to create a project that reflects not only quality but also a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. By blending our roots and visions, we brought something truly unique to life.
What does it mean for you to merge two cultures like mate and raicilla?
It’s a constant learning process. Mexico and Argentina have rich and diverse cultures, and we strive to showcase the best of both in our drinks, food, and events. This cultural fusion is reflected not only in the flavors but also in the way we design experiences that truly connect with people.
Environmental Commitment
Sustainability is one of the pillars of your brand. What eco-friendly practices do you implement?
Our philosophy is rooted in creating "Green Events." This includes composting and waste separation, using local and seasonal products, and crafting experiences that respect the environment. We carefully select our team members who share the same vision for environmental care, ensuring that our workflow and customer service always aim to mitigate our impact while promoting a message of preservation and positive environmental change.
How do you select ingredients and materials to minimize your environmental impact?
We focus on seasonal ingredients, preferably from local producers. We avoid single-use products and choose materials that are recyclable or reusable. Our menus are designed around what nature provides us at any given time. Similarly, we love collaborating with event organizers who are open to learning about our green bar services. With proper planning, events can benefit not only in logistics but also in cost efficiency.
Could you share a notable environmental initiative?
For the past three years, we have been organically cultivating some of the ingredients we use on a family-owned plot in Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco. There, we care for over 100 species of plants, including Persian and Criollo lime, papaya, mango, tamarind, and agaves. This project reflects our commitment to the environment and sustainable production practices.
Products and Processes
"What sets Mate Raicilla apart from other bar services in the market?"
"We stand out by offering a service with high-quality products and maintaining consistency between what we say and what we do. Additionally, we promote dignified work, responsible consumption, and create partnerships with brands and individuals who share our values."
"Do you have a drink that combines mate and raicilla?"
"Yes, our signature drink combines mate concentrate, raicilla from the mountains, orange and lime juice, and agave honey. This creation is inspired by 'tereré' (cold mate with juice) and celebrates the union of two cultures with deep roots."
"What additional benefits do your products offer?"
Our drinks not only delight the palate but also provide health benefits thanks to their natural and nutritious ingredients. We ensure that each creation combines flavor with well-being.
Eco-Sustainable Bars
What motivated you to specialize in eco-sustainable bars?
We wanted to offer something unique and meaningful, combining quality with a true commitment to the environment. After years of experience in gastronomy and tourism, we saw the need to break away from industrialized and mass-produced models to create something that would truly make a difference.
How do you ensure that your bars are truly eco-friendly?
We oversee every stage of the process, from product selection to event execution. We pay attention to the details, using natural and reusable decorations, and promote green practices like composting and waste separation.
Any interesting anecdotes from these events?
People appreciate the naturalness and visual harmony of our presentations. We've received feedback on how our colors, textures, and details stand out at each event, creating a memorable experience.
Community and Culture.
What role do community and culture play in your brand?
We work with communities that seek to consume in a conscious and responsible way. Our identity is deeply connected to these values, and we adapt our services to reflect these trends and support our local community. We love spreading the message to future generations, which is why we enjoy participating in local events where this message can be shared. We firmly believe that bartender services can contribute their part in the realization and logistics of events.
What led you to collaborate with HonkyTonk Magazine?
We believe in independent projects that offer new perspectives. HonkyTonk Magazine has a unique vision of the region and its communities, and we feel aligned with its mission of showcasing authentic stories.
How do you connect with your consumers on social media?
Our approach is organic, mixing professional content with homemade formats. This allows us to show authenticity and build trust with our followers, who appreciate the way we communicate our work.
Future and Expansion.
What are your plans for the future of Mate Raicilla?
We want to continue growing and reach more clients. We are expanding our team and working on new concepts for eco-sustainable events and drinks. Our goal is to strengthen our green footprint and continue creating memorable experiences.
A message for those looking to consume more consciously?
Being responsible with our consumption is a way to care for the planet and our communities. Informing ourselves and reflecting on our actions allows us to make more conscious and sustainable decisions. As we say: "Food is your medicine" and "Leave places better than you found them."
Final Reflections
What has been the most rewarding part of this project?
Seeing that our actions and words are aligned. Every time an event is successful, we feel we are fulfilling our mission of leaving a positive impact on people and the environment.
How would you like Mate Raicilla to be remembered?
As a strong and professional project that made a difference with its environmental and social commitment. We want to be remembered as a brand that transformed the way events are experienced.
Mate Raicilla is not just a service but a lifestyle philosophy that inspires conscious consumption, creation, and enjoyment. As a company, they aim to ensure that their team maintains self-confidence to develop their mixology skills and service, as well as their social skills at the bar. They keep the team's energy balanced during the event, allowing guests to simply enjoy a good seasonal drink.
They are an amazing option if you're looking for eco-sustainable quality and professionalism for your events.
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