Standing in front of the counter of her bar, Laura Hernández Espinosa commands her team with the quiet confidence of someone who knows exactly what she wants. Before service begins, she takes a moment to settle at one of the round tables that frame the space, sipping her favorite drink — a Sherry-based twist on the Dirty Martini, served in a petite coupe because “I don’t like it when it gets warm,” she says. From this vantage point, she watches over the metal staircase that connects Leo, the restaurant below, to this realm of mixology and food pairing.
Laura Hernández Espinosa’s Kingdom of Mixology
“La Sala de Laura was a natural evolution of my journey as a sommelier. For twenty years, I explored Colombia’s beverage heritage, collecting ancestral recipes and handcrafted spirits, until I launched my project, Territorio, distilling ingredients sourced from the country’s diverse ecosystems. At some point, I felt the need for a space where I could bring it all together,” Laura explains.
“Leo, the restaurant founded by my incredible mother, Leonor, wasn’t the right place for it. I wanted a proper bar, a space where I could push the boundaries of contemporary mixology. When, three years ago, the restaurant relocated to a former warehouse, the architect designed a large upstairs space. That’s when I decided to create a venue where, alongside liquid creations, I could also serve food inspired by street cuisine, but elevated.”
Flavour pairings
Minimalist in design yet rich in detail, the bistro-bar reflects Laura’s meticulous care and creativity. “I love everything that is made with ethics, passion, and respect for tradition. For me, drinks are a way to understand a culture. I studied international relations because I love discovering a place through what it produces. If I’m in Galicia and come across a beautifully crafted organic orujo, I fall in love with it. In London, I appreciate an authentic London Dry Gin, and in Scotland, a fine Islay whisky, with its saline and peaty notes. If I’m on the Pacific Coast, I immerse myself in the moment, letting the local flavors guide me.” This instinctive approach defines her work in mixology, shaped by experience rather than rigid formulas.
“When I create a drink, it all starts with the ingredient I want to showcase. Take Arcana, our drink list inspired by the world of tarot: one of the cocktails is built around corn, so I use vodka — a neutral spirit that lets the grain take center stage. Gin, on the other hand, I love for how it behaves in cocktails, while whisky — I prefer it neat, maybe with a splash of water.”
Laura Hernández Espinosa, passion and family
Beyond knowing her own palate, Laura has a vision of success that values balance and family. “Success is subjective. For me, it means doing what I love, with passion, surrounded by people who share my vision, while maintaining a balance between my work and personal life. I do consultancy, collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism to promote gastronomy as a tool for economic development, run my own foundation, and travel frequently. If achieving something meant giving up one of these pillars, it wouldn’t be worth it. So yes, I am ambitious — but in my own way.”
As she speaks, her thoughts turn to how she envisions the evolution of Bogotá’s bar culture. “I want more freedom — to explore, to sell, to export. I’d love to see biodiversity take on a greater role in cocktails. If that happened, Bogotá could develop a stronger, more structured cocktail scene and educate palates to appreciate quality drinks, without defaulting to a Mojito. I have nothing against Mojitos, but it’s time to move forward.”
This is why Laura enjoys challenging her guests, nudging them beyond their comfort zones, easing them into a more refined vision of mixology. “At first, there was resistance. Now, people know what to expect when they walk through our doors. I don’t believe in pleasing everyone. If someone needs a Daiquiri to feel at home, there are plenty of bars that serve one. That’s just not my approach.”
New Creativity and Energy
Between guest shifts and masterclasses to promote Arcana internationally, Laura is now preparing for a new and deeply personal chapter — motherhood. “Leonor never sacrificed her dreams for me. As a child, I didn’t understand it. I saw other mothers always present, while mine had her own life. Now, I am profoundly grateful for that. Becoming a mother doesn’t mean giving up who you are — but embracing new creativity and energy. I don’t yet know what it will look like for me, but one thing is certain: I want my daughter to be proud of me.”
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
Images courtesy Sala de Laura
