When I stayed at Xinalani Retreat near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I went for the yoga and meditation and delicious food (and nature and wonderful people and so much more). I did not even consider whether there was a bar or not. But the bar, overlooking Banderas Bay, is an excellent place to pause for a moment. There are smoothies, cocktails (made with raicilla), and a full snack menu if you need to refuel between yoga sessions. It’s also one of the best places to work or take a call or read a book.
Below are photos of the English-language bar menu and the prices are in US dollars.
The design and ethos of Xinalani carries through at the bar and its menu as well. Fresh ingredients, homemade herbal extracts, locally distilled liquors, all brought together in unique, delicious combinations. I tried several of the Signature Cocktails and Agave Creations. None of them missed.
What is Raicilla?
Raicilla is a type of mezcal (just like tequila is a type of mezcal). It’s made from wild agave varieties in the state of Jalisco. Similar to mezcal in Oaxaca, you’ll find branded varieties and unlabeled bottles sold straight from local distillers.
The raicillas I tried were bright, with an herby flavor that paired beautifully with the fresh fruit in Xinalani’s cocktails.
I struggled to find raicilla in Puerto Vallarta. Many bars and shops in PV have been overrun by tourists looking for cheap booze they could get back in the US. So ask the bartenders at Xinalani about raicilla. It might be your only chance to sample some if you’re returning straight through PV on your way home.
Snack Menu
There is also a snack menu. The food was excellent at Xinalani, so I’d expect the snacks to be as well. I never felt like I needed any snacks because the meals were substantial and delicious, so I didn’t even notice a snack menu existed until my last day. But if you need a tostada between yoga sessions (and meals), check it out and let me know.
Note: the snack menu prices are in Mexican Pesos.
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