Top 11 Local Alcoholic Beverages
in Northern Mexico

Rancho Tepúa, run by the Contreras family, has been producing Bacanora in Sonora, Mexico, for over a century. Established formally in 2006, Rancho Tepúa preserves traditional Bacanora-making methods, including harvesting agave with a "Jaíbica" ax, honoring the heritage of the Ópata indigenous people. Despite Bacanora's 77-year prohibition in Sonora, the Contreras family maintained production, creating a legacy of artisanal Bacanora known for its earthy, herbaceous flavors that reflect Sonora's rich cultural and natural landscape.Expand

Kilinga Bacanora is a family-owned distillery founded in 2018 in Álamos, in the Mexican state of Sonora, by Rodrigo Bojórquez Bours. Named after his mother, Kilinga produces authentic bacanora, a traditional agave distillate unique to the Sonora region. The distillery uses agaves grown on their own family farm, employing sustainable and environmentally friendly farming methods. Kilinga is the first officially registered bacanora available in the United States, reflecting its quality and commitment to preserving Sonora’s cultural heritage.Expand

Acrónimo is a premium spirits brand based in Chihuahua, Mexico, dedicated to crafting authentic beverages that honor the region's rich heritage while embracing innovation. Founded by siblings Alessandra and Jose Luis, along with their mother Denise, the brand emerged from their family-owned Central Hotel Boutique, driven by a passion for gin and a desire to share Chihuahua's traditions with the world. Acrónimo is a premium spirits brand based in Chihuahua, Mexico, dedicated to crafting authentic beverages that honor the region's rich heritage while embracing innovation. Founded by siblings Alessandra and Jose Luis, along with their mother Denise, the brand emerged from their family-owned Central Hotel Boutique, driven by a passion for gin and a desire to share Chihuahua's traditions with the world. In addition to Sotol, Acrónimo has pioneered a distinctive gin crafted from Sotol, blending ten locally sourced botanicals, including juniper from the Sierra Tarahumara, citrus zest, peppercorns, lavender, anise, and cardamom. This innovative spirit seamlessly merges tradition with modernity, offering a unique flavor profile that reflects the terroir of Chihuahua. Expand

Cerveza Rrëy is a Mexican craft beer brand known for producing premium beers with distinctive flavors. The brewery focuses on high-quality ingredients and a variety of styles, including lagers and IPAs, aiming to deliver balanced and enjoyable brews. Rrëy is recognized for its attention to detail and quality, making it a popular choice among craft beer enthusiasts in Mexico.Expand

Sotol is a clear Mexican spirit distilled from a group of plants of the Dasylirion genus. The plants are known as sotol in Spanish, while the most common English term is the desert spoon. Sotol is an ancient Mexican spirit, often dubbed as a close relative to tequila and mezcal. It is mainly produced in Chihuahua. The drink is made by roasting, fermenting, and then distilling piña—the center of the plant. The final result is a drink with a smoky character similar to mezcal. The flavor is smooth and mellow, and the drink has a long-lasting, warming finish. In Mexico, sotol is served neat, and it should be sipped. It is also promoted as an excellent cocktail ingredient. Expand

Bacanora is a native Mexican spirit exclusively made in the Sonora region. It is made with a specific type of agave called Pacifica (agave Angustifolia). Despite its turbulent history, in 2000, this once outlawed spirit has been awarded a denomination of origin status. Bacanora is a type of mezcal and a close cousin to tequila. It tends to be smoother than mezcal, while it typically has more smoky notes than tequila. Due to specific terroir, bacanora attains distinctive, complex character, smoky nuances, and an earthy finish. Bacanora has a long and rich history, but in the early 1900s, the government issued a ban on its production and consumption. It was only in 1992 that the ban was lifted. Following the decision, the tradition of making bacanora was slowly revived in Sonora. Bacanora is produced by mashing and fermenting roasted agaves. The mash is typically twice distilled, cut with water, and bottled between 40-50% ABV. Sometimes, the spirit is infused with anise or uvelama fruits. The spirit was named after the town of Bacanora in Sonora.Expand

Tesguino (tesgüino) is a type of beer made from malted corn that originated among the Tarahumara, a tribe from the Sierra Madre valleys in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The beer is made by soaking and then mashing corn kernels. The mash is boiled with water for several hours and then shortly fermented together with herbs, roots, or barks, which help ferment. The drink is strained and should be enjoyed immediately. It does not have a long shelf life, and it tends to go bad relatively fast. Tesguino is a vital part of everyday life among the Tarahumara. It is a staple on every celebration and special occasion. It is also tied to religious and ceremonial practices and has a status of a God-given elixir. Any social gathering that involves tesguino is usually referred to as tesguinada. At these gatherings, the beer is served from a gourd that is passed around among the people. Expand