Shaken and Stirred: Luis Villanueva Mixes Up Magic at Casa Bond
A Mixologist's Tale of Flavor and Flair
From Central Mexico to NYC's Casa Bond
With a shaker in hand and a palette as vibrant as the city he now calls home, Luis Villanueva is no ordinary mixologist. At Casa Bond, where refined Mexican cuisine meets the cosmopolitan buzz of New York, Luis weaves tales of his heritage with dashes and splashes of spirits that dance on the taste buds. In this Q&A, I uncover the zest and zeal of Luis's journey from a budding flavor enthusiast in Mexico to a maestro of mixology, Managing Partner, and Beverage Director in one of the world's culinary capitals. Grab a glass, and let's dive into the spirited world of Casa Bond's very own cocktail wizard, who believes that every sip has a story and every story deserves a perfect sip.
Q. Luis, imagine you're crafting a cocktail that encapsulates your journey from Mexico's heartlands to the vibrant pulse of New York City. What's the name of this signature creation, and which ingredients are essential to its story?
I feel a cocktail that best represents my journey would have to be the ‘Óaxaca Mágico’, a signature cocktail I created for Casa Bond, which translates to “magical Oaxaca”. The cocktail highlights one of the spirits that México is most known for mezcal. In this cocktail I combine Agua Mágica Mezcal, passion fruit liquor, Nixta Liqueur (Mexican corn liquor), egg whites, grapefruit syrup, and Meyer lemon.
Q. When inspiration strikes for a new cocktail, can you describe the journey from initial concept to the final flourish? How does a cocktail make it onto Casa Bond's menu?
At Casa Bond, the creation of new cocktails is directly tied to our menu offerings, as each cocktail is thoughtfully designed to complement specific dishes.
Before I begin crafting a new cocktail, I sample the corresponding dish or dishes. I then conceptualize the cocktail based on the flavors that I believe would harmonize well with the dish and enhance the sensory experience.
The final step in this creative journey is the presentation of the cocktail to my team, who act as discerning judges. Their feedback is pivotal in determining the cocktail's fate. Only when the consensus among the team is favorable does the cocktail earn its place on Casa Bond's menu.
Q. With such a varied and vibrant menu, which cocktail do you feel a personal affinity for, and what story does it tell about your mixology style?
The cocktail that holds a special place in my heart is the 'Bond-ing' cocktail. It represents a personal challenge I set for myself to craft a unique drink featuring the three most renowned spirits from Mexico and Latin America. I have a genuine penchant for challenges, and the idea of blending tequila, mezcal, and rum in equal proportions intrigued me.
For seasoned mixologists, the complexity of using three distinct hard liquors in equal amounts within a single cocktail is no small feat. The 'Bond-ing' cocktail, however, stands as a testament to my mixology style, showcasing a fusion of flavors that harmoniously highlights the best qualities of each spirit. It's a vibrant representation of my commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional mixology and creating innovative, memorable experiences for our patrons.
Q. You've been immersed in the world of flavors since childhood. Was there a defining moment when you knew mixology was your destiny?
Initially, my passion led me towards pursuing a career as a chef. However, I discovered that I couldn’t handle the intense heat in the kitchen, so I redirected my passion into mixology. In this liquid realm, I found a way to express my creativity using similar ingredients and imagination, transitioning from crafting plates to artfully concocting beverages in glasses. The decision to embrace mixology became a defining moment, leading me to realize that this was indeed my destined path.
Q. For the aspiring mixologists out there, what golden piece of advice would you offer to help them navigate the industry and craft their own success?
Not everyone is suited for this industry; it goes beyond a weekly paycheck. Genuine passion, continuous self-education, and unwavering hard work are essential in this challenging craft.
Personally, it took me 18 years to arrive at this beautiful moment in my career. Therefore, I urge aspiring mixologists not to give up on themselves, especially during times when things may not unfold as expected. Success in this industry is crafted through dedication, perseverance, and an enduring love for the craft.
Q. At Casa Bond, you're pairing cocktails with refined Mexican dishes. What's your philosophy behind a perfect pairing, and could you give an example of a pairing that you're particularly proud of?
I believe a well-crafted cocktail has the versatility to complement any dish, but it all depends on the quality of the dish’s ingredients.
At Casa Bond, we prioritize the use of fresh ingredients in both our culinary and mixology creations. I invite you to experience the harmony by trying any of our ceviches paired with the 'Bond-ing' cocktail. I believe it's an impeccable pairing that perfectly encapsulates our commitment to refined Mexican flavors and elevated dining experiences.
Q. The creation of a signature cocktail can be a hallmark of a mixologist's career. What's your approach to this process, and is there one drink you'd call the Luis Villanueva hallmark?
I begin with the selection of premium ingredients, I meticulously craft drinks using specific brands known for their quality, ensuring the final product meets my desired standards.
As for a Luis Villanueva hallmark drink, I'd point to the 'No. 9' cocktail as a distinctive representation of my mixology approach. It showcases the culmination of my years of experience and what I have learned all in one elegant and classy cocktail.
Q. How do you use your cocktails to communicate a narrative or experience to your guests, and why is this connection important to you?
When you visit establishments and order a drink, the quality is often indicative of the bartender's experience. I would never serve a drink I don't personally enjoy. Each of my cocktails are meticulously crafted, measured with precision, and infused with a genuine passion that communicates my dedication to creating a memorable experience for every guest.
Q. Your experience involves aligning drink flavors with culinary offerings. How has this shaped the cocktail experience at Casa Bond?
Food plays a pivotal role in shaping the cocktail menu at Casa Bond. It serves as the foundation for every cocktail, with each drink meticulously crafted to complement our exceptional menu offerings. This alignment of flavors enhances the overall cocktail experience, creating a harmonious and cohesive dining and drinking experience at Casa Bond.
Q. With your current success as the backdrop, what's the next big dream or venture you're stirring up?
Currently, we are in the process of building our brand and actively working towards achieving our goals. Although there are numerous projects on the horizon, I prefer to approach them one at a time, ensuring a focused and strategic progression.
Q. To conclude, could you share a memorable instance from your mixology career when you felt you had concocted something truly exceptional?
I believe the pivotal moment in my mixology career occurred when I secured the position as a beverage director for the first time. Following a presentation of my cocktails, the affirmation I received assured me that I was on the right path.
In regard one specific drink concoction, that is a challenge for me; it's like asking a father to choose a favorite son.
As the final ice cube settles and the citrus twist finds its place atop a meticulously crafted concoction, our time with Luis Villanueva, the visionary mixologist and Managing Partner at Casa Bond, comes to a bittersweet end. Through his lens, cocktails become more than a drink; they are a narrative, a carefully curated experience, and a bridge between cultures. We raise our glasses to Luis for not only sharing his recipe for the Bond-ing Cocktail but for pouring out his story and stirring up inspiration for future artisans of the shaker and stirrer. Here's to the maestros like Luis, who remind us that the essence of mixology is not just in the craft itself but in the passion and persistence that blend together to create the perfect sip. Cheers to that!
Bond-ing Cocktail: Casa Bond by Mixologist Luis Villanueva
Ingredients:
1 oz silver tequila
1 oz mezcal
1 oz coconut rum
1 oz passion fruit
1 oz pomegranate juice
Coconut flakes
Fire stick flower
Instructions:
Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker
Then, add ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10 seconds
Next, strain into a highball glass with crushed ice
To garnish: sprinkle with coconut flakes and fire stick flower
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