Shaken or stirred, but always with a little flair—when Israel Bravo is mixing your cocktail in Puerto Rico, you're guaranteed not only a great drink but also a smile. His signature style, from tossing shakers in the air to doing a little dance, ensures every sip is an experience.
When you step up to the bar, odds are Isra (as his friends call him) will greet you with a friendly grin and endearingly call you “baby” a couple of times. For him, it’s not just about crafting a delicious drink —it’s about offering a warm welcome and sharing stories of Puerto Rico’s local flavor, culture, and creativity to accompany every pour.
![Bartender Israel Bravo mixing drinks.](/sites/default/files/styles/horizontal/public/2024-08/3be1d4db-23b0-4b13-813f-8371c0ba12ad_0.jpeg?h=fd55eda6&itok=CoJcyg7g)
Enjoy delicious cocktails in Puerto Rico from Boricua bartender Israel Bravo.
Most days, you'll find him working behind the bar at the locally renowned restaurant Mario Pagán; on others, he's enjoying a margarita or old-fashioned at the hidden gem bar inspired by a fish tank, La Pecera.
Get to know Isra, — dive into his world, from crafting popular drinks with a Boricua twist to uncovering insider tips to the hottest bars in San Juan. ¡Salud!
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you became a bartender in Puerto Rico?
I started 14 years ago, in June 2010 to be exact. I began at what is known as a fast-paced bar in Río Piedras, and that was the first time I worked as a bartender and realized I enjoyed it.
What inspired you to start mixing drinks, and how has your journey been so far?
I have always been very self-taught, so I didn't take formal classes and instead learned by reading, studying, and practicing extensively. In 2011, I got certified as a bartender and started working at my first restaurant, Di Zucchero in Condado, exactly two months after they opened their doors. After that, I worked at Miró and gradually progressed until now, where I am a bartender at Mario Pagán Restaurant. I've loved my journey, and I wouldn't change it for anything.
What is your favorite thing about being a bartender?
My favorite part is being able to freely express my art, meet new people, and please customers, while also realizing that I’m good at what I do, and that people enjoy what I create.
How do you prepare your signature drinks? What makes it special?
I don't have a signature drink per se; I create a lot of cocktails based on what people ask for or what they enjoy. I like to ask them about their preferences, what they like and don't like, and from there, I craft a special cocktail just for them.
![Couple of bartenders.](/sites/default/files/styles/horizontal/public/2024-08/bartender.jpeg?h=9c4c0580&itok=EiwjCyoB)
Best friends and fellow bartenders, Christian Neuman and Israel Bravo.
We’re in Capital Rum of the World. How does that influence your approach to bartending and cocktail creation?
Always, all the time! I love creating variations of classic cocktails using local rums and products to create something different, like the collaboration I did with my best friend and fellow bartender, Christian Neuman, and Discover Puerto Rico.
How do you incorporate Puerto Rican culture and flavors into your cocktails?
Puerto Rico is the rum capital of the world, so I make many cocktails with rum, which I believe is a drink that truly represents us as a country. It’s about taking rum to the next level, beyond just making mojitos or piña coladas.
Are there any traditional Puerto Rican ingredients or techniques that you love to use in your drinks?
Yes, I like to incorporate the flavors of Puerto Rico and local elements into my cocktails. One of my favorite cocktails to make is a fresh pineapple mojito with Ron Barrilito Three Stars.
Do you have a favorite rum to use in your cocktails? If so, what makes it special?
Ron del Barrilito Tres Estrellas is my favorite Puerto Rican rum because of its caramel notes. It’s the rum I use the most, the one I like the most, and the one I enjoy experimenting with the most when I’m behind the bar. I find it to be incredibly versatile—you can use it for anything from an old-fashioned to a piña colada or even a mojito.
What is your favorite Puerto Rican drink to make and why?
Mojito, definitely! I believe it’s a drink that represents us as a country, more so than the piña colada. It’s super refreshing with lime and mint, and you can easily enjoy more than one.
What are your favorite local bars to visit when you're not working?
My favorite local cocktail bars are definitely La Pecera and 173 Grados.
What advice would you give to travelers looking to explore Puerto Rican cocktails and culture?
I always recommend places that I personally go to and where I can truly enjoy cocktails, like 173 Grados and La Pecera. What I usually order and suggest they try is old fashioned.
![Old San Juan.](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2021-01/San-Juan-hero.jpg?h=8878c3e2&itok=uqu5GXhp)
San Juan blends elements of the Old World with all the amenities of modern urban life.
Isra's Hometown
Which municipality in Puerto Rico do you hail from, and what is your favorite thing about your hometown?
I’m from San Juan, and what I love most is the energy. People are always on the move; it’s a very lively city.
Where should visitors go, or what activities should they take part in when visiting your town?
Visit Old San Juan, walk its streets, and learn a bit about its history. Of course, try the local cuisine and mixology to truly experience and taste what we are as a country.
Rapid Fire Questions
![waterfalls in El Yunque National Forest](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2022-04/Discover%20PR%20Retouched%20Edits%20V3-2_IMG_0249.jpg?h=3f24d9a8&itok=nY6wqqYL)
El Periquito Waterfall, where you can cool off from a day of adventure in pristine mountain waters.
To live free and tropical
Learn More![Person holds a Puerto Rican fritters known as alcapurria with a local beer in the background.](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2021-08/3.jpg?h=49d56733&itok=fudksKM6)
Foodies can delight themselves with Puerto Rican fritters at Piñones and at Los Kioskos de Luquillo.
Crab-stuffed alcapurria
Learn More![A couple relaxes at Survival Beach in Aguadilla.](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2022-07/DSC04475-Edit-2.jpg?h=3e43625b&itok=GaL4jI1o)
You won't regret hiking to Survival Beach in Aguadilla.
Poza de las Mujeres in Manatí
Learn More![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/listing_images/profile/17079/IMG_1364-1-_F79EEB03-E5D6-3329-C33C0C1E45320106-f79edbe9edbb1a8_f79f3fb5-f2da-7d24-c00e87b0f9a60c13.jpg?h=04d92ac6&itok=tyYAJ3cH)
La Pecera or 173 Grados
Learn More![A bartender pours a shot of Ron del Barrilito into a glass](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/listing_images/profile/7984/191-3-11817_jpeg0-3e575fe55056a36_3e576461-5056-a36a-08bb63bda5d1e377.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=ZwUKrJEB)
Be sure to try Ron del Barrilito while on the Island.
Ron del Barrilito Three Stars
Learn More![A lime-colored rum cocktail with a green garnish sits on a table.](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2022-10/austin-food-wine-pagan-cocktail-3-vertical.jpg?h=d73728dc&itok=_5OoyUw6)
Conito Mojito: Don Q Reserva 7, Lemon Juice, Mint Infusion, Fresh Pineapple, Salty Cone with Dulce de Coco
I like to order a margarita!
Learn More![People dancing.](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2024-03/DSC00149.jpg?h=e139969c&itok=UEHDY93j)
In Puerto Rico, music is life, with many hotspots like La Factoría in Old San Juan for dancing.
I listen to a bit of everything, but right now house music.
Learn More![Vieques](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2023-09/Vieques-20%20%282%29.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=AQteKc6a)
Renting a car will give you the freedom to explore the Island at your leisure.
I love the PR-152 Gastronomic Route in Naranjito, the Panoramic Route in Aibonito, or any chinchorreo route in the center of the Island.
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