By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A new quiet spot for cocktails is making its mark on downtown Hays' nightlife.
Israel Luna, owner of Las Hefas and now Mixto Cocktail Bar, said his new location at 107 E. 11th St. offers a small, lounge-style setting built for more private drinks.
"It's a small space for this concept. I think it fits perfectly for what we're trying to do, a small space where people can have a drink, whereas a big restaurant can sometimes get really loud," Lunda said.
Luna said the idea took shape when the former Hays Nutrition space became available. He saw potential for a bar on the main floor and a lounge in the basement, which offers a second atmosphere. The bar officially opened Oct. 31.
"There are couches, and it's a little bit darker. It's not super big, but it feels more intimate than upstairs. There are almost two different ambiences to the restaurant," Luna said.
Luna said Mixto avoids loud music and offers light table service from its bartenders. The building underwent minor remodeling.
Mixto focuses on cocktails and does not serve food, though Luna said customers are welcome to bring their own or order delivery from Las Hefas. The bar’s menu features a range of cocktails built around gin, tequila, vodka, whiskey and rum.
"Our approach is simple. We want to do cocktails that are spirit-forward with not a lot of syrups. You want to get what you're paying for, and that's what we're focusing on," Luna said.
Mixto is offering Christmas-themed specialty drinks, including Santa’s Margarita, a blood orange and coconut blend made with house tequila, and Jack Frost’s Margarita, a blue coconut version also made with house tequila.
Others include a Rompop Martini, a traditional Mexican eggnog-style liqueur with rum, and a Peppermint Espresso Martini with a subtle mint twist.
"A lot of these cocktails are really hard to find anywhere else in Hays," Luna said. "We have a single barrel tequila that was made just for Las Hefas that we carry here... that's a very limited release. We've had it for about two weeks, and it's gone very well. It probably won't last very much longer."
Luna said many customers stop in for a drink or two before heading to their next plans, but the bar has also hosted private events despite its limited space.
The bar is open from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Luna said he hopes to expand those hours as Mixto becomes more established and plans to add outdoor seating after winter.
"We're happy to be in downtown. It's a busy place, and it's the heart of Hays," he said.
Mixto has also been working with Boot Hill Distillery in Dodge City. Luna said he hopes to host a tasting with them at the bar.
You can follow Mixto Cocktail Bar on Facebook for upcoming specialty and seasonal drinks. You can also reach out through the page for hosting private events.