Claudia Cabrera is a familiar face to most in the hospitality industry! She has been a part of Bartender Atlas since our very beginning and over the past 9 years she has continued to excel in all that she does. Claudia is co-founder of Kaito Del Valle, brand ambassador of Fratelli Branca México, bar director of Grupo CREY (Deigo Cocina Japonesa Tradicional, Bolichera 21, Deigo Sushi, Deigo Ramen) and bar manager of Gamal. In 2008 she traveled to Canada to study animation, however a change of decision led her to study at the Metropolitan Bartending School in Vancouver. Upon completing her studies a year later, she returned to her hometown as bar manager of the Mexican restaurant Corazón de Maguey, where she specialized in cocktails with Mexican spirits.
Kaito emerged in Del Valle—a residential neighborhood, atypical for a bar—as the first bar operated entirely by women in Latin America, co-founded and led by Claudia. A corner inspired by Japanese culture—an izakaya (cantina – pub) and the ama, uminchu or kaito (women known for underwater fishing and pearl collecting); two elements that merge to create the concept—with a creative and fun cocktail proposal that connects with Japanese culture through ingredients and visual elements. A safe space for multiple communities, which during the COVID-19 pandemic, helped the non-profit organization Mexico Bartenders’ Guild—co-founded by her—as a venue for meetings, sessions and competitions. At the same time, Claudia participated in competitions in Mexico and abroad, winning 6 nationally and being recognized multiple times internationally. In 2020 she was recognized in the Top 10 of the International Bartender of the Year category, while in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 she was nominated as Best International Brand Ambassador by Tales of the Cocktail, the world’s leading cocktail conference held annually in New Orleans.
Throughout her career, Claudia became aware of various situations developing within the Mexican hospitality industry based on social constructs, stereotypes and judgments that segregated the communities to which she and her team belonged, that of women in the hospitality industry; as well as the LGBTQI+ community. Therefore, her objective was to create safe spaces with inclusive and diverse organizational cultures, with zero tolerance towards discrimination. As a mentor, building and training teams, she was able to spread this perspective within the wider industry, and in turn, was awarded the Roku Icon Industry Award at North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024 ceremony for her contribution to the industry.
Bartender Atlas: Where were you born?
Claudia Cabrera: Mexico City
BA: What city do you work in?
CC: Mexico City
BA: Where do you go out to eat and drink on your days off?
CC: I love eating so I try to go to all the new spots opening in the city but usually meat and Fernet if its not tacos 😉
BA: What do you do outside of work on your days off?
CC: I go out with Kim to the movies, explore new restaurants, museums, visit my family, try to keep up with non-industry friends and chill.
BA: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
CC: Be consistent and always tell the truth. Treat everyone as you would like to be treated.
BA: What’s something you’re excited about?
CC: Opening the new Kaito Del Valle!!!! Coming soon this year. Can’t wait to invite you all!
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted May 14th, 2025
