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I went in search of the best mocktail in Puerto Vallarta
Here’s how it started, “Hey Erin, would you like to write an article about the best mocktail in PV?” I mean, of course, I said yes! So I made a post on Facebook to see which business owners would respond and who people would recommend and very quickly it became something MUCH bigger. Bigger than me, bigger than I Heart Vallarta and so much more than a mocktail.
How Mocktails became Mock-tale nights?
It quickly grew from a search for the best mocktail into something bigger: “mock-tale” nights. Instead of focusing strictly on the drinks, I wanted to learn about the bar and restaurant owners behind them, who they are, and what inspired mocktails to land on their menu. I’ve met some fascinating people and learned incredible things about the history of Puerto Vallarta, and of Mexico itself. So instead of sharing the “best” mocktails in PV, I want to share the (mock) tales I’ve collected while searching for the best zero-proof beverages in this city I’ve come to love. You’ll hear about my favorites along the way.
The Blind Tiger
This place is truly a class act. Walking in feels like you’ve taken a step back in time. Like Sinatra era NYC. From the art on the walls to the bar itself with the giant mirror and the metal tiled ceiling. I think the kids these days would say “it’s giving, iykyk”. The golden globe pendant lighting gives the place a low lit glow.
I sat down with Alex to learn about The Blind Tiger and he shared the history.
It all started when he and his partner went on a search to find the best Old Fashioned in town. Like many others who have gone on this quest they came up empty, so they decided to open their own bar and give the city the best old fashioned you’ll find along with many other hand crafted beverages.
In true Covid fashion, it took a giant dookie on the service industry and the Blind Tiger was not exempt, they were forced to close. After two years of Old Fashioned famine, Alex and his business partner decided to re-open their speakeasy. Their current location presented itself and they jumped on it. While there is no password or hidden doors to find, it’s a whole vibe!
The Blind Tiger has live music after 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays and live Jazz on Sundays.
You don’t want to miss out on these mocktails.
How did mocktails become a part of the menu at the Blind Tiger?
Alex shared that about 5 months ago they noticed a trend of more and more people asking for mocktails. Almost 25% of their clientele start with mocktails or switch to mocktails at some point in the night. So they added them to the menu. They have 3 mocktails and one 0% beer on the menu and they are outstanding. The Blind Tiger makes everything that isn’t alcohol in-house, including their syrups. Truly creating a handcrafted cocktail.
Mocktails and Mock-tales
While enjoying these mocktails, I got to ask my favorite question to Alex. What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self. So often we see business owners as different from ourselves, we make assumptions about them and sometimes those assumptions cause us to lose that human factor.
Lisa from I Heart Vallarta came along for a night of mock-tails and I not only learned more about her personally but also how I Heart Vallarta was born and why building community is so important to her. We shared stories and some laughs over made up names and descriptions for these beautiful drinks.
The Day Dream was described in her words as: It tastes like a pink cloud that falls into a raspberry lemondrop candy lake. I think the description is accurate.
The Spritz without the Blitz mocktail is their take on the Aperol Spritz – it reminded us both of champagne.
The Red Herring was their take on a Bloody Mary. Tomato, a little spice and a little fizz. For a “bloody mary” it was well balanced. If I were going to repeat one it would definitely be the Day Dream.
Oh wait, you’re still waiting for Alex’s answer to the question. He thought for a long moment and then said, More risks. He shared that he had a friend who encouraged him to come to Puerto Vallarta and he kept saying, No…until one day he said Yes…and the rest is history.
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