We Ask Bartender and Flavor Alchemist Aaron Melendrez About Crafting Cocktails

Aaron Melendrez’s path to becoming a mixologist was shaped by his early experiences in hospitality and his passion for exploring new flavors.

He worked his way up through various roles in the restaurant industry and developed a deep understanding of ingredients and flavors. Over time, he found himself working alongside bartenders, and that’s when he felt a calling to be behind the bar. “I believed I could not only match what was being done but also bring something unique to the craft that didn’t already exist.” This desire to create something fresh and innovative drove him to pursue mixology and to develop his own approach to the craft.

Although Aaron is sometimes described as a “flavor alchemist,” he prefers to call himself a “flavor expert,” particularly in beverages. For him, mixology is an opportunity for self-expression.

“Most importantly, I make flavors for myself, things I know I’ll enjoy, hoping that by putting a bit of myself out there, people will connect with it.”

Aaron creates drinks that reflect his personal experiences and moments in his life. He compares the process to writing a song or a poem, noting that mixology is, at its core, “about recreating memories in the form of a beverage.”

Aaron’s Mexican-American heritage plays a significant role in shaping his mixology style, especially in his approach to what he calls “Mexology.” Growing up in a lower-middle-class household, Aaron learned to be resourceful and creative with what was available.

“That’s what being Mexican-American means to me—coming from a family that didn’t have all the opportunities or privileges but embracing that migrant life of working with what you have.”

This sense of resourcefulness has directly influenced his ability to create unique, flavorful drinks using simple, accessible ingredients.

Aaron’s collaboration with Hpnotiq is another example of how he brings his personal touch to mixology. Hpnotiq has always been a part of his drinking history, but not in the context of mixology.

“Hpnotiq complements what I do because it’s connected to so many memories of drinking it in different ways, but never in the form of mixology.”

The opportunity to use Hpnotiq in classic cocktails has allowed him to experiment with its unique qualities and integrate it into more refined drinks.

One of Aaron’s most exciting combinations involves blending Hpnotiq with mezcal, a drink he associates with the bold, smoky flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico. When he drinks Hpnotiq, he immediately tastes notes of tropical fruits, which led him to pair it with mezcal, whose smoky flavor complements those notes. This combination reflects his love for both ingredients and his desire to create something fun and refreshing that brings out the best in each.

For novice and at-home bartenders, Aaron’s advice is both simple and encouraging: “Have fun and don’t be afraid to mess up. Drink all your creations and learn from them.” He believes that making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process, and he encourages others to keep refining their recipes and not to gatekeep.

“Keep trying to perfect that recipe, and when you get it right, share it with your friends.”

Looking to the future, Aaron is excited about the growing trend of making high-end cocktails more accessible to a broader audience.

“What really excites me are bars and restaurant concepts that can execute highbrow drinks but present them as approachable, social drinks.”

He envisions a future where great cocktails are available in casual settings. “Think of it as democratizing the elevated drinking experience—having amazing cocktails in a casual day-drinking patio bar setting, rather than limiting great drinks to upscale venues.”

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