Featured Bartender November 2024: Luis Miguel Cardona, Rayo Cocktail Bar, Mexico City

Luis Miguel Cardona

Head Bartender at Rayo Cocktail Bar

Mexico City, Mexico

Luis Miguel Cardona has spent more than a decade mastering the art of mixology and crafting world-class bar programs.

Born and raised in Colombia, Cardona cut his teeth at ALQUÍMICO, the country’s iconic cocktail bar that’s been crowned South America’s best three years running and is currently ranked #9 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. During his three years as Head Bartender, Cardona developed a distinctive style, blending innovation with authenticity, laying the groundwork for a dynamic career in the drinks world.

Cardona then took on a bartending role at El Barón – a convivial Cartagena hotspot blending modern classics with progressive signatures, all with a sustainable focus. Here, his passion for exploring new flavors and cocktail-making techniques grew. This continued when he returned to his hometown of Antioquia to lead the bar team at Grupo Sin Mente, where he redefined the local scene’s cocktail culture.

Cardona moved to Mexico City three years ago to join the founding team at Rayo. Now, as Head Bartender, he brings his extensive knowledge of local agave-based spirits, such as pox, tuxca, and charanda, incorporating them into crafting cocktails that honor the culture and history of Mexico.