The Vázquez sisters, renowned for their successful taco brand Veracruz All Natural, are excited to unveil their latest venture: La Mezca, a mezcalería located in the Mueller neighborhood of Austin.
Situated at 1905 Aldrich St., Suite 125-B, La Mezca will officially open its doors on Wednesday, marking a new chapter for the sisters after establishing eight Veracruz All Natural locations and the Veracruz Fonda & Bar.
The new mezcalería aims to celebrate small-batch agave spirits while honoring the generations of artisanal mezcaleros who meticulously craft these unique beverages.
In a city where tequila has become trendy and mezcal often relegated to a smoky sidebar, the Vázquez sisters are committed to finding a deeper connection to the culture behind the drink.
They believe mezcal is a complex spirit that embodies diverse flavors, regions, and histories.
La Mezca is conveniently located next to Veracruz Fonda & Bar, which previously introduced the family’s culinary expertise to the Mueller community.
After years of visiting Mexico City and Oaxaca, where they observed the craftsmanship of mezcal makers, the sisters found an ideal opportunity in an adjacent empty space to bring their vision to life.
The bar will feature an impressive selection of over 20 artisanal mezcals and ancestral agave spirits sourced from family producers across regions like Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango, and San Luis Potosí.
Many of these mezcals are produced by fourth-generation mezcaleros who utilize traditional methods that have remained unchanged for centuries.
As guests explore the bar, they will be guided through the stories behind each spirit, highlighting the differences between tequila and mezcal, the regional variations, and the diverse agave varieties available.
“Our goal is to educate patrons about the nuances of mezcal,” said Sebastian Cajas, the bar manager at La Mezca.
He emphasizes that while the same type of agave may come from Oaxaca, the variation in terroir and craftsmanship means each offering can taste completely different.
This rich variety is central to La Mezca’s mission.
The sisters also plan to invite mezcaleros to engage with customers through tastings and discussions, illustrating the unique qualities of agave types such as tepeztate and espadín, as well as sharing personal stories about the producers behind the bottles.
Honoring the maestros is a significant aspect of La Mezca’s ethos, as the names and histories of these artisans are inseparable from the beverages they create.
“It’s not just the juice,” Cajas explained, “it’s also the history behind each bottle.”
The experience at La Mezca will be complemented by thoughtfully curated food offerings.
Reyna Vázquez spoke about the desire to pair their small tacos, crafted with yellow corn tortillas, with new mezcal selections, dynamically adjusting flavors based on what the bar features.
La Mezca’s menu includes a variety of small taco options, such as barbacoa, mushrooms, or fish, each created to enhance the drinking experience.
The house-made salsas provide exceptional flavors, with ingredients ranging from matcha and peanut to traditional chile verde.
Signature dishes will feature taquitos de la calle, including carnitas de hongos garnished with cilantro, onion, and habanero popcorn salsa, as well as pescado al citrus piquín accompanied by crispy potato strips.
The décor at La Mezca reflects the careful intention behind the food and drink.
The sisters took charge of the space’s design, drawing inspiration from Día de los Muertos altars, incorporating elements such as candles, marigold tones, and incense to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Everything in the space is handmade, echoing the artisanal quality of the spirits served.
As Reyna puts it, this new venture represents “a new chapter” for their family’s restaurant legacy.
While their past locations have focused predominantly on food, La Mezca makes drinks the star of the show, although the interplay between food and drink remains an integral part of the experience.
When asked about their hopes for patrons’ initial visits, the sisters eagerly emphasize that they want people to leave with a greater sense of knowledge, respect, and joy.
They aspire to highlight that Mexico encompasses a broad range of agave-based spirits beyond mere tequila, including bacanora, raicilla, sotol, and even Mexican whiskey.
Ultimately, they want to infuse fun back into the mezcal experience, encouraging guests to savor their drinks slowly while appreciating the heritage behind them.
La Mezca will operate Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The mezcalería will reserve Mondays and Tuesdays for private events, master classes, and guest visits from small-batch producers.
image source from：statesman
