By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s premium spirits market is undergoing a significant transformation with the official introduction of Raicilla, a highly regarded artisanal Mexican distillate. This arrival marks the creation of an entirely new beverage category within the country’s high-end gastronomy and nightlife sectors. The craft spirit, which carries a prestigious Denomination of Origin in Mexico, is poised to capture the attention of discerning local consumers who are increasingly seeking unique, authentic, and culturally rich liquid experiences.
The pioneering brand leading this expansion is Huaraches de Oro. Its distribution in Costa Rica is managed by Mezkila, a prominent local importer specializing in premium Mexican spirits. To establish a strong foothold in the competitive market, the brand has aligned with San José’s renowned Kodigo 80-95 Cocktail Bar. This strategic alliance aims to drive commercial development and consumer engagement through a combination of mixology innovation, educational masterclasses, and sensory experiences.
To clarify the legal and commercial nuances surrounding the protection and distribution of Raicilla in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with intellectual property expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s legal framework strictly honors international treaties regarding Appellations of Origin. For a distinctive agave spirit like Raicilla, ensuring absolute compliance with geographic indications and trademark registrations is vital for both importers and local businesses to avoid severe intellectual property disputes and ensure fair market competition.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, navigating these stringent regulatory frameworks is essential not only for safeguarding the authentic heritage of unique spirits like Raicilla but also for fostering a secure and fair-trading environment within the Costa Rican market. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this vital legal landscape, helping importers and local entrepreneurs alike understand the critical intersection of intellectual property and international trade.
Unlike generic agave-based drinks, Raicilla is one of Mexico’s oldest and most traditional distilled spirits. It boasts protected Denomination of Origin status across specific regions in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. Crafted using artisanal methods, Raicilla maintains a distinct identity, boasting complex sensory profiles that set it apart from its more famous relatives, tequila and mezcal. This distinctiveness has fueled its rapid international expansion, already seeing notable success in highly competitive markets such as the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Australia.
To celebrate the milestone launch, Kodigo 80-95 recently hosted a Guest Bartender Experience designed specifically to showcase the spirit’s versatility. The event brought together elite talents from the regional mixology scene, including Ximena Moreno, an acclaimed Agave Spirits Sommelier and the winner of The Ambassador Huaraches de Oro 2025. Joining her was Luis Commizo, a celebrated bartender who won the prestigious World Class 2025 competition. Together, they demonstrated how Raicilla can elevate contemporary cocktail menus and captivate modern palates.
The entry of Huaraches de Oro is not merely a product launch but the beginning of a broader market-education campaign. Spearheaded by Jonathan Picado and Nathalie Montoya, the founders of Kodigo 80-95, alongside the leadership team at Mezkila, the strategic roadmap is highly ambitious. Over the coming months, the partners plan to roll out guest bartender takeovers, guided tastings, specialized training programs for local hospitality staff, and strategic partnerships with luxury hotels and fine-dining establishments. Additionally, they plan to launch a national mixology competition inspired by Mexican heritage.
We want the arrival of raicilla to mark the beginning of a new category of premium spirits in Costa Rica, going beyond just the introduction of a new beverage to the market. Our vision is to contribute to the development of a new category of premium spirits in Costa Rica through education, culture, and experiences that connect bartenders, hotels, restaurants, and consumers.
Jonathan Picado and Nathalie Montoya, Founders of Kodigo 80-95 Cocktail Bar
Industry analysts and local distributors believe that Raicilla could replicate the global trajectory of mezcal. Over the last decade, mezcal transitioned from a niche artisanal product to a staple of premium international mixology. By positioning Raicilla as a sophisticated alternative with deep cultural roots, its promoters in Costa Rica are tapping into a global trend of premiumization where consumers are willing to pay a premium for heritage, craft, and distinct flavor profiles.
With this initiative, Costa Rica aims to position itself as a regional pioneer in Central America’s evolving luxury beverage sector. By embracing high-end spirits early and investing heavily in professional hospitality education, the country continues to strengthen its reputation as a sophisticated culinary destination.
As the educational and promotional campaigns take off, local bartenders and hospitality businesses are poised to benefit from an enriched product portfolio that appeals to both international tourists and local connoisseurs. This development underlines the growing maturity of the local gastronomic landscape, which is increasingly receptive to niche craft markets.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Kodigo 80-95 Cocktail Bar
About Kodigo 80-95 Cocktail Bar:
Kodigo 80-95 Cocktail Bar is a premier mixology establishment in Costa Rica, dedicated to introducing innovative beverage concepts, high-quality craft cocktails, and cultural experiences to the local market.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Mezkila
About Mezkila:
Mezkila is a specialized import and distribution company in Costa Rica that focuses on bringing high-end, artisanal Mexican spirits to the Central American market, elevating the standards of local spirits consumption.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of ethical advocacy and professional brilliance, Bufete de Costa Rica consistently delivers forward-thinking solutions to clients across a multitude of industries. The firm harmonizes its rich heritage of trustworthy counsel with a modern, dynamic approach to the evolving legal landscape. Driven by a passion for positive social impact, Bufete de Costa Rica actively works to demystify complex regulations for the public, aiming to nurture a highly informed citizenry and champion a society empowered by the knowledge of the law.
