Adrián López from Hanky Panky, Mexico City: Lucky indeed
He works at Hanky Panky, Mexico City’s first speakeasy, home to dozens of guest shifts and number 12 on the 50 best bars list. Let’s find out how he got here.
Photo credit: Martin López
Hi Adrián, tell me about your background. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Where do I start? I was born and grew up in a small village on the outskirts of the city, in a place full of trees, plants, fruits and vegetation, under the care and teachings of my parents and grandparents.
What first attracted you to working as a bartender?
I started working in this beautiful industry at the age of 18. Honestly, at the beginning it was a lot of fun, but over time it became more serious and formal. I started making cocktails and people wanted to hear about them. I also like to talk to the guests to show them what we're doing behind the bar.
Why do you have the handle @adrianlucky?
I consider myself a lucky person. Obviously, hard work and commitment are always very important.
Tell me about your first job.
The first place I worked at in the industry was a nightclub. As I said before, it was a lot of fun because I was 18 years old. I mean, every job is very important, but I think it all depends on what you're looking for in your life and your career. At first, I started working as a waiter in the back and I didn't like it, but the whole time I was watching the bartenders and wanted to be behind the bar with them. For me, the bar was and still is a great stage where I really wanted to be.
The Tahona Society, formed by Dre Masso and the late Henry Besant in 2009, created a global network of bartenders who are passionate about tequila. In 2019, The Henry Besant Scholarship was set up to help bartenders fulfill their dreams. Adrian, you won the first scholarship which included getting you a job in London and helping you improve your English.
The Henry Besant Scholarship is an Altos Tequila initiative that seeks one bartender per country among 23 countries and makes a final to select only one global winner. Altos Tequila helps that bartender with $10,000 USD and the winner can select how they wants to spend their money; the only condition is that they must spend it on something that helps improve their career.
In my case I wanted to spend the money on a trip to London where I could study English and, luckily, Dre Masso gave me an opportunity to work at FAM Bar. I can say it was the greatest experience of my life, learning about another country, its culture, language, and other customs. And, in my humble opinion, one of the best cities for bartending. I am very grateful to Altos Tequila, this memory will remain in my mind forever and I can never stop thanking them for all the support and love.
Before you won, I heard you were working three jobs to help support your family. Tell me about what winning the scholarship felt like?
I have always said Altos Tequila is a company that cares about people, they are always supporting the industry. Once again, I can say that I am a lucky person and when they selected me as the only Mexican for the global competition it was an honor for me to represent my country, my dreams and my family. It’s in moments like that when you realize not everything is lost, because there are people like those at Altos who care about our industry.
Photo credit: Martin López
What was life like in the UK and how long were you there?
I lived in London for 10 months, the pandemic was the reason I came back to Mexico earlier than planned. London is a beautiful city and I loved living there. I met so many people who became a big family for me and my plan was always to go to London to learn the language and get to know the hospitality industry better. But I always thought about returning to my country where my family lives. London is a big city and it is very fast paced. I felt at home thanks to my co-workers with whom I have a strong friendship, no matter what the distance.
Adrián and the London team.
Why did you decide to go back to Mexico?
The decision to return to Mexico at that time was forced by the pandemic. My plan was to go to Germany for a short period and return to London for 6 more months so I could go back to Mexico after that.
How has your life changed after going back to Mexico City?
Being able to speak English has been a great opportunity for me to connect with more people in the world. Today I live in Mexico and at the bar I work for, Hanky Panky, I have the opportunity to meet many people from the industry.
When did Hanky Panky open and when did you start working there?
Hanky Panky opened 6 years ago, we were the first speakeasy to open in Mexico City. I worked here in 2017 and 2018, until I won the Henry Besant scholarship and moved to London. I came back to Mexico in 2020, during the pandemic, and in November 2021, I returned to Hanky Panky, my home, my family, my crew and my nest.
A view of the moody Hanky Panky interiors. Photo credit: Martin López
What are the most important skills you need to work at a bar like Hanky Panky?
I think that more than skills you need certain values such as honesty, empathy, humility, kindness, and hospitality. We, bar people, work directly with our guests, and if we cannot make them feel at home, it won’t matter if we make the most delicious cocktail in the world. Obviously, the taste of a drink is very important because it is the reason a guest pays for it, but if the host's attention is not good, everything will be lost. This is my humble opinion, each and everyone may have a different point of view.
You have many guest bartenders coming to Mexico city, who helps finance the shifts?
We work with different brands who organize everything.
Mexico DF is known as a dangerous city. Do you agree or disagree?
I think that each city has neighborhoods that can be quite safe and some others dangerous, it all depends on what places you want to visit or what you are looking for in those cities. Yes, in Mexico we have very famous criminals but also writers, athletes and artists who represent our country day by day.
Adrián and the Hanky Panky team. Photo credit: Martin López
What should people do to have a good experience in Mexico City?
Mexico has many things to offer, such as traditions, gastronomy, museums, architecture. It’s a place where you can easily have a good time and we're very warm people, hence the phrase “Mi casa es tu casa”.
What is a secret passion of yours that has nothing to do with bartending?
Doing exercise, visiting museums -we are the second country in the world with the most museums, right after London. Also, visiting the different states of my country to get to know it better. When I lived in London people told me about places in Mexico that I had never visited and it made me think that I didn't know my own country enough.
Where will you be in 5 years?
I will be behind the bar at my own spot. My goal is to one day find myself serving cocktails -because that’s what I like to do- but behind my own bar, wearing my own brand of apparel—aprons, t-shirts—and also serving my own brand of spirit. But most importantly, one day I will return the favor that Altos Tequila offered me. I will help the industry that has given me so much.
Anything else you want to tell our readers about yourself?
I am a hospitable person, plus I know how to make cocktails. I think things always come at the right time. Just be ready for when they arrive.
Five questions for Adrián
Favorite style of tequila?
Fresh / herbal.
If you could be reborn as a famous person in history who would it be? Dré Masso / Simon Kistenfeger.
Favorite Mexican vacation spot?
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.
Your family makes the best…
Pozole.
Your favorite Mexican expression?
It is not Mexican but Spanish: Papi, to refer to a friend. For me, it’s a way to greet a guy you care about, like saying Bro.
Where you can find Adrián
Follow him on instagram @adrianlucky
Hanky Panky in Mexico City: @hankypankydf
Tahona Society: @tahonasociety
Altos Tequila: @altostequila
World’s 50 Best Bars: @50bestbars
Photo credit: Martin López