Luis Gerardo Méndez Talks Mezcal, Cocktails and the Story Behind Ojo de Tigre

Mexican actor Luis Gerardo Méndez has made a name for himself on screen, but his passion for mezcal has also led him into the spirits business.

As the co-founder of Ojo de Tigre, Méndez is helping introduce one of Mexico’s most celebrated spirits to a wider audience, with a philosophy that mezcal should be enjoyed by everyone, whether they’re longtime enthusiasts or discovering the category for the first time.

Launched in Mexico in 2018 and in the United States in 2020, Ojo de Tigre was created by Méndez in partnership with Casa Lumbre. The artisanal mezcal combines Espadín agave from Oaxaca with Tobalá from Puebla, bringing together sweet, smoky flavors and herbal complexity in a spirit designed to be approachable without losing its traditional character.

The brand has earned several industry accolades, including Gold medals at the 2022 Tequila & Mezcal Masters, International Wine & Spirit Competition, and San Francisco World Spirits Competition, along with Platinum at the 2022 SIP Awards.

For bartenders, Ojo de Tigre offers an opportunity to introduce guests to the diversity of mezcal while exploring its versatility in cocktails. We caught up with Méndez to discuss the inspiration behind the brand, the traditions that make mezcal special, and his thoughts on how bartenders can bring the spirit to life behind the bar.

Ojo de Tigre combines Espadín from Oaxaca with Tobalá from Puebla. What does each agave bring to the final flavor profile?

For me, what’s interesting isn’t so much separating what each agave does, but what happens when they come together. The result is a mezcal that has character and complexity but is also very approachable.

That balance was important to us from the beginning. We wanted to create something a mezcal lover can appreciate, but also something you can pour for a friend who tells you, “I’ve never really had mezcal before.

For someone who may be newer to mezcal, what makes Ojo de Tigre a good introduction to the category?

That’s almost exactly why we created it. Our idea has always been “mezcal for all.” You don’t need to know everything about agave or production methods before you can enjoy a glass of mezcal.

Ojo de Tigre is approachable and easy to drink while still having the character you expect from mezcal. You can have it neat, on the rocks or discover it through a cocktail. Hopefully, it’s your introduction to the category and then makes you curious to explore more.

As more consumers discover mezcal, what do you think they should understand about the category and the traditions behind it?

Probably the first thing is that mezcal is much bigger than one flavor or one idea. There are different agaves, different regions, different people making it and generations of tradition behind every bottle. You don’t have to become an expert overnight, but I think understanding that makes the experience much richer.

Be curious. Ask where your mezcal comes from. Try different ones. And most importantly, enjoy the process of discovering it.

For bartenders, what flavors or ingredients do you think work particularly well with Ojo de Tigre behind the bar?

I love seeing what bartenders do with Ojo de Tigre because they usually come up with things I would never think of. [Laughs.]

Citrus and fresh flavors work incredibly well with it – orange, grapefruit, cucumber – and I think it can also be really interesting with something spicy or slightly sweet.

But I’m also a big believer that you don’t need fifteen ingredients to make a great drink. Sometimes keeping it simple lets the mezcal do the work.

And, of course, there’s always the easiest cocktail in the world: Ojo de Tigre on the rocks, or even better… neat.

Ojo de Tigre Earns Double Gold at the 2026 Chilled Awards

Adding to its growing list of industry accolades, Ojo de Tigre Mezcal earned 91 points and a Double Gold medal at the 2026 Chilled Awards. The recognition highlights the brand’s commitment to creating an approachable yet distinctive mezcal that honors Mexican tradition. For bartenders, the award offers another reason to explore Ojo de Tigre behind the bar, whether introducing guests to mezcal for the first time or incorporating its smoky, herbal character into creative cocktails.

Think your brand has what it takes to earn a Chilled Award? The Chilled Awards celebrate excellence in spirits, wine, and beverages through blind judging, recognizing outstanding quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Visit Chilled Awards to learn more and enter your brand in the next competition.

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