“Lo Mexicano”: Why Is Mexico Having a Global Moment?
And best of all, this cultural wave is lifting tequila right along with it!
In recent years, Mexico has become one of the world’s most influential countries in culture, gastronomy, and tourism.
“Lo mexicano,” the distinctive character of Mexican culture, is not only enjoyed through tacos, tequila, and mezcal. It is desired, celebrated, and even replicated.
From cocktails to music, and from fashion and design to the kitchen, the country is living a golden era that goes beyond borders. For bartenders, this boom is a real invitation to find inspiration, create, and reconnect with the spirit of Mexican identity.
Cultural Fever: From Mexico City to the Global Spotlight
Mexico City has established itself as one of the most vibrant creative capitals in the world.
Every day, restaurants, bars, galleries, creative studios, and markets attract international attention thanks to their blend of tradition and modernity.
The influence is so strong that several global figures have joined the movement. Dua Lipa, for example, recently opened a pop-up taquería called “La Dua” in Condesa. This is clear proof of how Mexican gastronomy has become both cool and aspirational for locals and foreigners alike.
Tourism on the Rise
The numbers speak clearly. Mexico is trending and also experiencing real momentum.
According to Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism, the country received 19.9 million international visitors by air between January and November 2024, a figure that continues to grow.
During the first quarter of 2025, 6.1 million travelers arrived, and visitors from the United States represented around 3.86 million, which is a 5.1 percent increase compared to 2024.
The numbers speak for themselves. Moreover, North American travelers do more than visit Mexico. They return and recommend it, turning the country into a recurring destination where food, tequila, and authentic experiences play an essential role. This is happening even before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins.
More and more Americans are choosing to move to Mexico, drawn by the quality of life, the climate, the culture, the cost of living, the relaxed lifestyle, and the cultural connection. This growing mix of cultures benefits the hospitality industry, gastronomy, cocktail culture, and the consumption of premium spirits such as tequila.
Gastronomy and Cocktails: Mexico’s Calling Card
Mexico has found a global voice in its cuisine and its spirits, especially tequila and mezcal.
Bartenders in the United States know that guests consistently ask for more Mexican ingredients, more local flavors, and more tequila-based cocktails.
The popularity of our favorite spirit is not a passing trend. It is the result of decades of craft, innovation, and strong positioning. The result is that “lo mexicano” is now perceived as both authentic and sophisticated, a perfect combination for contemporary cocktail menus and modern mixology.
Mexico Inspires, Captivates, and Travels the World
Mexican culture now appears at international festivals, in the menus of world-class bars, in tasting menus, artistic collaborations, pop-ups, and global trends. The country has become a creative reference, and its strong presence in pop culture confirms this historic moment.
Bartenders have a special chance to reimagine classic flavors, delve into agave spirits, craft Mexico-inspired cocktails, and leverage U.S. audiences’ increased interest in Mexican culture.
What about you? Are you also participating in this new wave of “lo mexicano”?