This Just In: Spirits Of Mexico Is Coming To Chicago!

There are spirits, and then there are the Spirits of Mexico.  The Spirits of Mexico is the largest and most prestigious public event in the country for agave spirits, which showcases a variety of expressions of tequila, sotol, mezcal and bacanora in a high energy, refined and responsible environment.

While there will be plenty of agave spirits to sip and enjoy during the two-day Spirits of Mexico Festival in Chicago, attendees will also find an abundance of delicious Mexican foods as well - many of which have been selected specifically to pair with the more than 60 styles of agave spirits to be presented.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on July 11, Gaby Arriaga, Executive Chef of Adobo Grill, will put a spin on his culinary favorites by preparing a one-of-a-kind, three-course dinner infused with agave spirits.

Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Chef Arriaga has been creating refined Mexican cuisine for more than 10 years and is most well-known for incorporating different cooking styles and ingredients from several regions in Mexico to create flavorful dishes with flair.

Also while seated, guests will have the opportunity to taste some of the rarest and most expensive expressions of agave spirits, a small number of which can only be found in family vaults.

Windy City Live’s comedic co-host, Mark DeCarlo, will host a live auction at 8:30 p.m., where collectors and budding enthusiasts will be able to take home some of the select spirits they enjoyed at dinner. The event takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at Adobo Grill, 1610 N. Wells St.

The celebration will continue July 12, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., with the main tasting event at Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar, 358 W. Ontario St. 

Master distillers, industry experts, mixologists, mezcaleros, tequileros and brand ambassadors from world-renowned and new-to-market brands will all meet to share their skills, experience and spirits.  

A silent auction will take place throughout the night and seminars will be available for guests to learn about the history and culture of each spirit, current trends in the spirits industry and appropriate tasting techniques.

All proceeds from both the live and silent auctions will go to the Sky Ranch Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting at-risk youth since 1961.

Tickets for the opening night at Adobo Grill are $150. VIP tickets to the main tasting event at Zocalo Restaurant and Tequila Bar are $60 in advance and include early entrance at 6:30 p.m., gift bags for the first 100 reservations and admittance to all seminars. 

Tickets for general admission, starting at 7:30 p.m., are $45 and $10 per seminar.

Chicago is the Spirits of Mexico’s second stop, which travels to San Diego for its 9^th annual festival, Sept. 9 through 15 in Old Town. For more information about the Chicago Spirits of Mexico event, visit www.thespiritsofmexico.com. 

To purchase tickets for the July 11 dinner, visit www.thespiritsofmexico.com/chicagodinnerandliveauction. For the July 12 main event tickets, visit www.thespiritsofmexico.com/chicagomainevent.