BOOKED Trips is a travel company that specializes in intimate, immersive, and impactful experiences. A large part of our immersion principle is partnering with local experts and organizations. In this blog post we’ll introudce you to Jimena Alva Bravo, a mixologist who will lead a cocktail-making class in a speakeasy during our BOOKED Mexico City trip in May 2024.
Interview with Jimena Alva Bravo
Tell me about yourself and your business.
I was born and raised in Mexico City. I grew up watching my dad in the business of hospitality and restaurants, and becoming interested in this, I decided to become a chef. I studied at UCSJ in Mexico City, the best gastronomy school in the country. I always had the idea to be behind the bar, and in 2022 I got my shot when Claudia Cabrera contacted me to join her team at Paxia (the best restaurant of Chef Daniel OvadÃa). I then took the position of head bartender at Daniel’s new speakeasy, SOD.
What do you love most about where you’re from? What’s an underrated place tourists don’t get to visit in your city or country?
I definitely love food, not only Mexican food. I love that Mexico City has this amazing cultural exchange that results in unique gastronomic offerings. My favorite places to get a cocktail in the area would be: Rayo Cocktail Bar, Tlecan mezcalerÃa, Los Danzantes Coyoacán, and Corazón de maguey, to mention some.
An underrated place that tourists don’t get to visit is the Mercado de Sonora. It’s a traditional Mexican market where you can find everything from fresh produce to medicinal herbs to magical objects. It’s a great place to experience the authentic side of Mexico City.
What’s a book you love and think everyone should read?
A must for me and anyone in the industry of food would be The Art and Science of Food Pairing. It’s the key to understanding all the flavors and more so you can make an amazing meal, cocktails, and more!
Jimena Alva Bravo is a passionate and award-winning mixologist who is eager to share her knowledge and love of cocktails with others. BOOKED Trips is excited to partner with her to offer travelers a unique and immersive experience in Mexico City.
