We first met Izzy Ortega back in 2016 when she was a young bartender at Gin Gin in Mexico City. Since then she has continued to grow and evolve in the industry. Working as a brand ambassador and consultant. No matter what bar event you end up at in CDMX, you can be sure to see her there.
Bartender Atlas: Where were you born?
Izzy Ortega: I was born and raised in Mexico City
BA: Where do you work now?
IO: I’m a freelancer working in Mexico City. I do events for agencies, brand launches etc… I also run Speed Rack in Mexico. I am also working for a Mezcal brand right now from Oaxaca that just started five years ago.
BA: So just a couple things, haha. Where do you go out to eat and drink when you have your days off?
IO: My house! I love cooking. I love tacos. I love everything that’s around my neighbourhood that is walking distance. I am always supporting like local people.
BA: And when you’re not eating or drinking, what do you do for fun?
IO: Sleep, watch movies, and drink again. When I have time off, I try to check out the new spots in town. There are so many new people and friends opening new bars and projects. It is so awesome to see people becoming entrepreneurs and being their own bosses, so I always try to support that.
BA: Who’s your favourite fictional bartender?
IO: Coyote Ugly girls, always!
BA: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
IO: It’s always been “do not take everything personally”. I feel like this industry is always like you know this person or this person tries to show you shade or whatever, but everyone has their own shit going on and their own troubles and sometimes people are just not in the mood and you take it personal and it’s just fucking life.
BA: What’s something that you’re excited about?
IO: Everyone is looking at Mexico City right now and I’m excited to see if we can hold up to what’s coming. A lot of people are moving here and a lot of people care but a lot of people don’t. It’s all very new and happening right now, so I am excited to see how we, Mexicans, adapt.
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted July 21st, 2025
