Their new venue in Colonia Juárez is twice the size and now includes a cocktail innovation lab, kitchen and DJ booth – whilst still retaining Japanese visuals with the charm of kawaii culture. Designed by Mexican architect Mara Cabrera (who is the sister of the bar’s founder Claudia Cabrera) the mix of elegance and sophistication and whimsical playfulness make this a charming space to drink in, and evokes the atmosphere of lively izakayas. From Japanese art pieces, toys, anime, post-punk vibes, and its maneki-neko cat mascot, to thoughtful lighting and unrefined textures, you can’t help but be captivated as soon as you step foot in the space. 

Perhaps one of its most defining features is that it was Latin America’s first all-woman operated bar when it opened in 2016, and Cabrera’s passion for advocating for women in the industry is just as central to this bar’s identity. As is sake – Japan’s national drink and the base for all the cocktails that are featured on the menu (minus the classic cocktail offering).

The result is a fun cocktail experience that looks at classics from new angles, uses tailormade tiki glassware and weaves in the likes of miso, lemongrass and yuzu – all enjoyed alongside Japanese snacks and dishes like okonomiyaki and ramen. The glassware has been made in collaboration with two female Mexican ceramic designers, and the classic maneki glass can be bought by guests to take home as a souvenir.

Its main cocktail menu blends Japanese ingredients with those of Mexico and is divided into sections: Signature Kaito, classics with a twist, RTDs, frozen cocktails, non-alcoholic and carajillos. While flavour is of course paramount, how the drink looks and is served also play their parts. Custom ice shapes and designs are made by the team, while the likes of airs, creams, foams, smoke, gummy garnishes, edible paper, fruit leather, tapioca, and lolly pops all add flair.

Menu creation is inspired by Japanese anime and the bar team takes on the challenge every three months with fervor. For the seasonal menus, each bartender is assigned a challenge through a raffle, which involves selecting at random an anime character, a spirit, a cocktail profile and a technique – with this information they have a base for their cocktail creation.

Research and development sessions are also a key element in staying on top of their craft, where the team tests new ingredients, techniques, and presentation ideas. They also have 298 bottles to play with – perhaps the most complete and eclectic collection of spirits, vermouths, amaros, sakes and more in Mexico. 

Kaito del Valle is also passionate about its commitment to being an inclusive and safe environment for the LGBTQ+ community, whether they be staff or guests. Regular masterclasses and workshops from visiting bartenders, HR professionals and others give valuable insights into inclusion and teamwork, and these help to provide insights into policies and continued learning. Neurodiverse team members are also giving a space for open dialogue and requests.