July 2026

Slow Drinking Guide

A monthly beverage and culture forward letter written to celebrate Latin American heritage in Chicago.

Postcard from the Epicenter

Greetings from the land of the clouds! I am writing this month’s letter from Oaxaca, where I am completing the final module of my Mezcalogist certification. Walking through the palenques and speaking with maestros and maestras mezcaleros has been a profound reminder that mezcal is not just a spirit. It is a cultural legacy of Mexico.

Returning to Chicago this month, I feel more energized than ever to share these stories with you soon. Hope this postcard finds you slow drinking on a patio or front porch with friends.

For now, I am on a listening tour. I would love your help filling out this 2-minute survey. Share with family and friends. The results will shape our content strategy and continue to improve our Mezcal Tasting Experience on Airbnb. As a thank you for your survey participation, we are offering a $10 off discount code to one mezcal tasting class. The survey will be open until August 31st and the discount code is good until September 30th.

Interested in booking a private session or learning more about the Mezcalogist program with the University of Michoacan? Reply to this email!

Where to slow drink in Chicago.....

🥳 CATERING: Where country chicken meets city chicken in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, the Art of Chicken is a casual spot with one-of-a-kind fresh, flavorful, marinated chicken with various family-friendly sides including broccoli. The exterior and interior of the restaurant features work by local artist Sam Kirk. Their delectable recipes have been passed down for generations by the owner Christian Moreno's family. Order for your next family cookout here.

🎟️ COWORKING POP-UP: You are invited to a causal coworking day for local business owners, creatives, and solopreneurs. Growing a business doesn't have to feel isolating. This third pop-up event is scheduled on Thursday, August 6th at Caña Cafe in the West Town neighborhood. It is a gently structured coworking day for creatives who want to get things done and socialize. Hosted by Vida Mia every 2 months, each one will feature a new neighborhood at a BIPOC-owned cafe or food hall. Learn more and RSVP here.

🥂 NEW COCKTAIL BAR: Scofflaw's sister bar, Drama Club, just opened in Humboldt Park. I'm excited to visit this one! Lead bartender Jason Basa Nemec and owner of In Bar Cocktails has helped assemble one of the city's largest agave spirits collections. Take a peek here.

🥳Welcome: Join me in welcoming Mariela Bahena who will support me in continuing to tell the stories of the maguey and the people who contribute to its cultural preservation. Mariela designed our survey here. Take a couple minutes to share your experience with mezcal.

With love and light,

Argelia