Welcome to Calavida Cantina, Spirits & Brew—a place where the vibrant pulse of New Mexico culture flows straight into every glass. “Calavida” blends calavera (skull) with vida (life), a nod to the Día de los Muertos belief that joy and remembrance can—and should—coexist. Here, we toast to the past, celebrate the present, and craft liquid stories for the future.

Our Founder

If you recognize the name Martin Ulloa, you might have cheered him on when he captured the 2024 title on Moonshiners: Master Distiller. Raised in New Mexico, Martin turned childhood curiosity into award-winning craft. Whether he’s coaxing blue corn whiskey from a copper pot still or perfecting a cactus-flower pale ale, he lives by one simple rule: flavor follows heart.

The Calavida Way

1. Rooted in New Mexico
   We source local whenever possible—think Chimayó chiles in our agave-based spirits, Taos honey in our saison, and heirloom blue corn from the pueblos in our mash bills.

2. Small Batches, Big Personality
   From Martin’s hybrid still to our 7-barrel brewhouse, every run is hands-on. We taste, tweak, and test until the flavors sing like a mariachi trumpeta on a warm October night.

3. Sustainably Spirited
   Spent grain heads to nearby ranches for feed.

The Team Behind the Skull

Martin may steer the ship, but Calavida is crewed by a tight-knit family of brewers, bartenders, and culinary creatives who share a passion for honest flavors. Co-owners also have a passion for craft beers and spirits.  The Calavida team works to curate our food and New Mexico’s agricultural bounty into saisons, lagers, and hop-forward ales that pair perfectly with our agave spirits. Behind the bar, you’ll find talented members of the team shaking house-infused cocktails and pouring pints with stories to match.

Beyond the Glass

Our cantina is your neighborhood living room: grab a plate of birria tacos, catch live music, or join in on a board game.  We host local art nights, charity brew days, and Día de los Muertos celebrations that light up the courtyard with candles, marigolds, and laughter.

Join the Celebration

Every bottle, pint, and plate that leaves our house carries a piece of New Mexico soul and Martin Ulloa’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you’re savoring a smoky mezcal-style spirit or a crisp lager kissed with Zia-grown hops, you’re tasting our promise: Life is fleeting—make it flavorful.

¡Salud y bienvenidos a Calavida!