Please Don’t Tell And Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, To Collaborate On Mixology Experience This July

When it comes to cocktails in New York City, Please Don’t Tell is a can’t-miss mixology destination hidden behind a phone booth in the hot dog joint, Crif Dogs. This East Village speakeasy has won many awards and has stood the test of time with its intimate ambiance and great drinks. This July, guests staying at Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection will be able to enjoy PDT creations on the beach following the theme, Please Drink Tequila. However, this isn’t just a menu transfer from New York City to Riviera Maya. Instead, head mixologist Jeff Bell used local liquors to create a set of bespoke cocktails to be sampled from July 1 to 10.

“I wanted to take Mexican ingredients and plug them into a classic formula, and then accent it with something unique to the Etéreo location,” says Bell. A few months ago, Bell visited the property to get an overview of the ambiance and the typical schedule guests on-property would have to map out the ideal cocktail our. He also delved into their mixology program sampling local liquors and flavors. He brought back five bottles to the United States and began to experiment with them developing them into the final recipes recently. To finalize the cocktails he will head to the property a day and a half before the program starts, to add a finishing local touch to his creations.

The menu riffs on classic cocktails like the Gin and Tonic, Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour with a Mexican spin using liquors such as Armonica Mexican Gin, Juan del Campo Corn Whisky and Clase Azul Añejo Tequila. The cocktails come in a variety of colors and sizes, with the Beetnik notably glowing in a purple hue through its use of beet juice. Another looker is El Elotero which uses Juan del Campo Corn Whisky, as well as egg white, lemon, honey and sherry. At first glance, it looks like it would be a sweet dessert-like cocktail but then upon first sip it has sour and tart notes which stand up well to the corn flavors. It also wouldn’t be a Please Don’t Tell event without the presence of hot dogs. There will be two types, the Bayless Dog (by Chef Rick Bayless) which features black beans, jalapeños and avocado-tomatillo salsa and the Esquite Dog which tops the hot dog with corn chili mayo and queso fresco just like the popular Mexican street food.

The PDT takeover at Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, starts on Saturday July 1 (and continues July 2, 8 and 9) with a bespoke cocktail hour led by Bell during which he will give guests a chance to create their own cocktail recipes based on spirits and flavors they like. The experience includes two bespoke cocktails and bar bites for $95 with two seatings at 5:30 pm and 7:15 pm. There will be a later event, Dessert Night Caps at Itzam, during which late cocktails designed by PDT and Jeff Bell will be served along with a bite-size desserts.

Lastly, guests can celebrate 4th of July with live music and cocktails in Etéreo’s Resol Garden. The party will run from 5 to 10 pm and feature food stations and of course, cocktails by PDT. Etéreo´s Executive Chef Baltazar will create a special menu for the occasion.

While at first glance an intimate New York City cocktail boite and a beachside Mexican resort don’t have a lot in common, Please Don’t Tell and Etéreo’s collaboration is a celebration of hospitality, creativity and mutual values. “We couldn’t be any more different in size, space and scope but our philosophy is the same — we want to create a unique experience and something memorable,” says Bell.