Malahat Speakeasy & Mixology

“There is something of true fiction and magical logic in the occult. Textures and nuances that hold within their very essence the best-kept secret: sophistication. Mystery turns truths into fantasies and fantasies into truths; the occult is the driving force behind human existence.”

Malahat was the name of a smuggling ship known as “The Queen of Rum Row.” Rum Row was the term used for ships that traveled illegally, loaded with liquor, during the Prohibition era in the United States; the smugglers were known as “Rum Runners.”

Amid the historic houses, restaurants, and bars in downtown Mérida, there is a wooden plaque with a golden symbol next to a door that usually remains closed. When you knock and step inside, you’ll discover a small, candlelit bar with jazz music playing in the background and a wall lined with the most classic and exclusive liquors. This is Malahat, a dark, adventurous, and dangerous bar inspired by speakeasy culture.

We created a hand-drawn logo featuring cursive lettering—slightly illegible and mysterious—to preserve the enigma behind “The Queen of the Rum Row.” We designed a symbol composed of various elements that lend unique characteristics to the bar’s personality.

The elements found in the symbol are rosemary—considered a sacred and magical plant used in mixology—the sea, a bottle, and bubbles, which are important for determining the alcohol content of certain drinks. The illustrations complement the story surrounding the Malahat brand.

We collaborated with Punto Arquitectónico to carry out a comprehensive project in which branding and architecture coexist harmoniously.