A favorite of chefs, locals, and tourists that dates back to the 17th century, the market offers a diverse array of dishes and ingredients indigenous to the country β including squash blossoms , blue masa, and pomegranates β at low prices. The market has its own soul and is a place where you go to get exotic animals, and mysterious and spiritual items like limpia candles and potions to make someone fall in love with you. Put simply, the market specializes in witchcraft and the occult.
Established in by the Mexican government, the market sells altar and ritual items associated with white and black magic, Santeria, voodoo, and pre-Hispanic religions.
And these items have inspired some of the city's most unique food and beverage items. Romeo Palomares, the former head bartender of Luciferina in Mexico City, recently visited the market to find inspiration for a Dia de los Muertos cocktail.
While there, a vendor offered him the chance to sample tarantula venom. At first, the drop on his tongue was salty, then became tingly, similar to a numbing agent. This venom is now the main ingredient in his "Aragog" cocktail, named after the giant spider in Harry Potter. Palomares is no longer at Luciferina, but the drink is. Today, the venom gets sourced from a lab for quality control. She uses the herb toronjil, or lemon balm , which is commonly bought for limpiasβ a spiritual energy cleanse β and potions.
In the drink it is used as an herbal distillate. Her creation is garnished with a tarot card, as readings are a popular fixture in the market. The taste resembles a dry martini and is served with a frozen stone as ice. The herbs and spices found at Sonora play a dual role: They make wonderful ingredients, and they've played a key role in the rituals associated with witchcraft and Aztec ceremonies.
