De La Calle’s Tepache was born out of a series of serendipitous moments and a deep love for food, culture, and travel. Entrepreneur Alex Matthews felt an irresistible pull to Mexico City, driven by his passion for food, architecture, travel, and design. Determined to explore beyond the city’s more well-known neighborhoods of Condesa, Roma, and Polanco, Alex ventured into the vibrant heart of Mexico City’s produce and meat markets. It was here that Alex encountered tepache for the first time. The experience was nothing short of enchanting. This refreshing and flavorful beverage, steeped in history, captivated him. He soon discovered that tepache was far from monolithic—there were hundreds of variations being crafted and sold in tepacherias and street food stalls across the city. The depth and diversity of this ancient drink sparked Alex’s curiosity and inspiration. Through friends and colleagues, Alex was introduced to Rafael Martin Del Campo, a native-born Mexican with a profound connection to tepache. Rafael had learned the craft of making tepache from his grandmother, blending tradition with his formal education in culinary arts and food science technology. Rafael’s passion for fermentation and his deep love for his cultural heritage made him the ideal partner for Alex’s vision. Together, Alex and Rafael set out on a journey to study every variation of tepache they could find. They were determined to create a product that respected the authenticity of this ancient drink while celebrating the innovative potential of modern culinary arts. This process required meticulous attention, experimentation, and a shared commitment to honoring tradition while pushing boundaries. The result of their collaboration is a series of tepache recipes that blend traditional and modern ingredients. These recipes embody their shared mission: to create a beverage that is not only deeply drinkable but also celebrates health, wellness, and the joy of cultural exploration. De La Calle’s Tepache is more than a drink—it’s a celebration of history, innovation, and the beauty of collaboration.