Deep in the heart of Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila, mezcal and sotol, lies a living legend who has been serving up a taste of Mexico for 65 years. Meet Jesús Azpeitia Morales, aka El Chato, the creator of the famous Chatazo cocktail.
El Chato’s bar, which locals affectionately refer to as “La Cantina del Chato,” is a humble establishment that exudes old-school charm. Located in the town of Atotonilco el Alto, just east of Guadalajara, it’s a place where time stands still, and tradition reigns supreme.
As you make your way up the stairs, past the unmarked entrance, you’ll be greeted by three men seated on stools, who will ask what you’re looking for. It’s a jarring experience, but once you get past the initial hesitation, the hospitality is top-notch, as described by Roberto Nuñez, Patrón’s national ambassador and a Jalisco native.
El Chato himself is an embodiment of Mexican heritage, with his cowboy hat, boots and jeans. At 87 years young, he still has style and flair, serving up the Chatazo with a passion that’s infectious. The drink itself is a simple yet elegant combination of two parts fresh grapefruit juice and one part tequila, showcasing the herbaceous notes of the local agave.
But what makes El Chato’s bar truly special is the man himself. He’s a charro, a Mexican cowboy who lives by four pillars: God, patria (the homeland), his woman and his horse. His motto is “¡No te rajes!” or “never back down,” which explains how he became one of Atotonilco el Alto’s savviest businessmen despite lacking formal education.
As you sit with El Chato, sipping on a Chatazo, you’ll be treated to stories about the images on the wall, a collection of Mexican revolutionaries and cowboys. He’ll point out his own portrait and regale you with tales of his life as a bartender and entrepreneur.
El Chato’s business acumen has led him to launch his own company producing grapefruit juice, which he sells by the gallon to Patrón, Siete Leguas and other businesses in the area. It’s a testament to his ingenuity and adaptability, qualities that have kept him thriving for 65 years.
To experience El Chato’s bar and the Chatazo for yourself, Nuñez encourages you to make the trek to Atotonilco el Alto. “You’ll never understand tequila if you don’t understand where it comes from, the people who make it and the culture around it,” he says.
As you leave El Chato’s bar, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe for this living legend and his iconic creation. The Chatazo is more than just a drink; it’s a taste of Mexico’s rich heritage and tradition.
Source: Punch Drink
