Mercado Modern has unveiled a new fall cocktail program highlighting its extensive list of specialty Mexican spirits, including mezcal, tequila, whiskey, corn liqueurs, and select pisco. The drinks are brought to life with authentic Mexican ingredients like chamoy, jamaica, maracuya, tamarind, and purple corn. Its new lineup of inventive libations aims at taking guests on a flavorful journey through the different regions of Mexico.
Founded by Jose Cerrudo and Chef Fernando Franco in 2016, Mercado Modern is a contemporary Mexican restaurant and agave spirits-driven bar in the heart of downtown Santa Ana. In 2020, the restaurant earned a nod from the Michelin Guide as a “culinary microcosm of the distinctive regions of Mexico.” Mercado Modern’s exceptional interpretation of regional Mexican cuisine is heavily influenced by seasonal ingredients and high-quality specialty imports from Mexico. This September, Cerrudo and Franco will celebrate a 5-year milestone with Mercado Modern.
Much like its menu, Mercado Modern’s cocktail program plays with the balance of classic and contemporary, drawing inspiration from time-honored libations reinvigorated through innovative infusions and housemade shrubs and tinctures. Cerrudo draws upon his own childhood growing up in Peru to further infuse a bit of history and storied nostalgia into the drinks.
“Lesser-known spirits like Chulavista Reposado and artisanal liqueurs like Araceli Marigold Liqueur reflect the culinary artistry throughout Mexico. We’re proud to carry a variety of unique brands and take pride in showcasing them in our cocktails,” comments Jose Cerrudo, whose 20-year career in the hospitality industry began at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point. “While the menu focuses on Mexican cuisine and agave-based spirits, you’ll find infusions of inspiration from my childhood in Peru.”
The following cocktails are new fall additions to the beverage program at Mercado Modern:
Refreshing
La Flaquis – Abasolo Mexican Whiskey, Chulavista Reposado Tequila, chicha morada shrub, Mixta Mexican Corn Liqueur, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice
No, No, No – tamarind liqueur, mezcal, egg white, tamarind candy, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice
Yerba Luisa – Blinking Owl Gin, Pomp & Whimsy, fresh lemon juice, lemongrass, simple syrup
I’m Not Fancy – Los Vecinos mezcal, guanabana liquor, orange juice, fresh lime juice, chamoy, simple syrup
Not So Basic – Cachaca, Park Cognac, lemon, pumpkin spice, clove
#MercadoModern – Mestiza Negra Mezcal, turmeric liquor, fresh lime juice, passion fruit, purple corn ice cube
La Dama – Viejo Tonel Pisco, maracuya, egg white, fresh lime juice
Spirit Forward
Sake Old Fashioned – sake, Montenegro, Araceli Marigold Liqueur, Australian bitters
Somos Unos – Viejo Tonel Italia, Xicaru Pechuga Mezcal, Tenuta Tamburnin sweet vermouth, Mexican Fernet Vallet
Agua Santa – Mestiza Negra Mezcal, coca leaf liquor, guanabana liquor, peach bitters
Desde Bedoya – Viejo Tonel Mosto Verde, Ex Gratia Genepi, simple syrup, orange bitters
Curativo – Mezcal Conviente, Bruto Americano, Marsala, bourbon bitters
El Inquieto – Carreno Ensamble 7 Mezcal, maraschino liqueur, Fernet Vallet, mole chocolate bitters
Guests can also expect seasonal updates to the menu and new fall specials, including caramelized calabaza and milk, pork chile Colorado pozole, slow-cooked short rib and polenta, tamales, Tlalpeño soup, and mole de olla. Mercado Modern will continue to offer its popular Happy Hour with special pricing on select cocktails and bites from the kitchen all night on Wednesday, Thursday-Friday from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. until close. Its popular Taco Thursday allows guests to experience a trio of tacos – which change weekly, allowing the chef to showcase his creativity and appreciation for seasonal ingredients.
Mercado Modern is located at 301 N. Spurgeon St. in the heart of Downtown Santa Ana. The restaurant is open Wednesday – Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. and is open until 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Brunch is available every Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information, please visit www.mercadomodern.com or connect with them on Instagram.
