Get to know Ivan, a barman renowned for his margaritas, who has strong feelings about the place where he makes a living
Ivan Francisco Lira Gil is 42-years old and works as a barman and receptionist in a very nice downtown hotel called Boutique Hotel Flamingo Cozumel. Inside the hotel there is a very cozy bar, Aquabar.
TPT: Hello Ivan. Where you are from and how long have you been living in Cozumel?
Ivan: I’m from Mexico City, which is a huge city. I don’t really know how long I’ve been here, time works differently here to where I’m from. This is exactly what I love about being here, that time does not matter and there is no stress. To give an answer, maybe 14 years.
How did you arrive here?
My company sent me here. I was working in timeshare for different hotels. I did not like living in big place like Mexico City. Now I’m working for the Boutique Hotel Flamingo, and have been for eight years. I love my job because I enjoy meeting people from everywhere in the world. I like sharing things with people, and not only drinks, although I love making cocktails.
Your speciality is the margarita, and all of your guests say that you make the best margarita on the island.
It’s because I prepare it with a lot of love. We also make excellent mojitos, we have more than 15 different beers, a nice variety of wine, and some high quality tequilas and mezcals. Thomas Fryer, the owner of the hotel, loves giving his guests the best quality. Aquabar is a place to relax and enjoy drinking a cocktail with nice music. It’s a wonderful open bar with nice, comfortable sofas and a very good barman!
Thanks Ivan. What is your favorite place in Cozumel?
I love walking in the new center of Cozumel. The Parque Benito Juarez is so peaceful and friendly day and night, and I love going there with my son. It is always full of kids to play with.
Boutique Hotel Flamingo and Aquabar are on the Calle 6 norte # 81, between 5th Avenue and the Melgar seafront. Why not come down and try one of Ivan’s margaritas at Aquabar? They are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information you can find them online at:
