About The Authors

Arturo Rojas García-Luna

Award-winning Cocktail Chef & Spirits Expert

With more than two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, Arturo is a renowned expert in spirits and a creative innovator who has crafted hundreds of original cocktails for world-class brands, restaurants, and hotels. Starting his career at age 16, he has gained hands-on experience in prestigious establishments across Mexico, London, Madrid, and Washington D.C. Throughout his trajectory, he has collaborated with some of the most important names in culinary arts, including Rick Bayless, Enrique Olvera, Richard Sandoval, Jorge Vallejo (Quintonil, Mexico City), and Alam Méndez (Maíz 64, Washington, DC). Recognized for his creativity and innovation, Arturo has established himself as a leading voice in Mexican mixology, marked by victories in national cocktail competitions.

Chef James Grant

Culinary Instructor & Advocate for Authentic Mexican Cuisine

James is an experienced chef, culinary instructor, and author with a distinguished career spanning four continents. Having worked in prestigious 4★ and 5★ hotels in Australia, Asia, and the Bahamas, he has perfected his expertise in international cuisine while developing a deep appreciation for regional culinary flavors and traditions. His passion for authentic Mexican gastronomy brought him to Mexico in 2007, where he worked as a culinary instructor at two prestigious culinary universities and met and married his Mexican wife. This immersion deepened his understanding of Mexico's rich culinary heritage. Beyond the kitchen, James is an advocate and spokesperson for Vanilla Trade S.A. de C.V. in Veracruz, promoting pure Mexican vanilla and traditional high-quality Mexican ingredients. Together, Arturo and James bring complementary expertise to De la vid al agave — Arturo contributes his profound knowledge of Mexican spirits and mixology, while James brings his culinary perspective and educational approach.