Frida González – Loya Qissa X Aruba , at Taj Palace
LOYA at Taj Palace has long stood as a showcase of contemporary Indian hospitality. On Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, the venue hosted a particularly inspired edition of LOYA QISSA x ARUBA, MEXICO, its signature bar takeover series — this time with a vibrant cultural infusion from the sun-drenched shores of Baja California. For one evening only in Delhi, LOYA partnered with Aruba, the celebrated Day Drink Bar from Tijuana, ranked No. 22 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025. At the helm was Frida González, Aruba’s co-owner and one of the continent’s most influential voices in modern mixology. With characteristic flair and finesse, Frida brought a curated menu of cocktails that distilled the essence of Baja — bold, layered, and irrepressibly bright — reimagined for the Delhi palate. Frida González will also head to Taj Bangalore and Taj Mumbai, to give the locals a taste of LOYA QISSA x ARUBA, MEXICO bar takeover experience.
The five cocktails on offer exemplified Frida’s philosophy of purposeful mixology, each telling a story through flavour and form:
- LONG SONG – Teeling Small Batch Whiskey, green apple syrup, black lemon bitters, citric acid, water
- PAL SUR – Dewar’s 12 Year, Cointreau, lemon juice, orange oleo, hibiscus sugar blend
- SWITCH MARTINI – Champagne-infused Bombay Sapphire, Bianco Vermouth, Sherry, pickled fruit
- GROOVE FIZZ – Grey Goose, lime juice, blue orgeat, orange bitters, vegan foam
- PALOMITA ARUBENA – Patrón Reposado, Campari, agave syrup, lime, salt
Loya Qissa X Aruba Cocktail
Loya Qissa X Aruba Cocktail
We sampled the Long Song and the Palomita Arubena — both personally recommended by Frida — and found them nuanced, expressive, and impeccably balanced.
Aruba was founded on the idea that daytime drinking could be elevated without losing its laid-back spirit. Today, under Frida’s direction, it blends cocktail craftsmanship with culinary innovation, thanks in part to her collaboration with Chef Marla, who serves a finger-food-forward menu infused with Asian inspirations and locally sourced Baja ingredients.
In this exclusive conversation with The Luxury Chronicle, Frida González reflects on storytelling through spirits, navigating cultural intersections, and what it means to bring the soul of Baja to the heart of India.
Frida González, in action at Loya Qissa for Bartakover
The Luxury Chronicle: We like your philosophy — ‘every cocktail must serve a purpose, connect to culture, and spark emotion’. With reference to this, how do you achieve this at Aruba, and now in India at Loya?
Frida González – For me, every cocktail needs to be more than just a drink – it should tell a story. At Aruba, we create cocktails that reflect the culture and flavours of Baja California, using local ingredients and techniques that connect to our identity. In India at Loya, I’ve tried to do the same by respecting both cultures, showcasing Mexican flavours that are bold, spicy, and colourful, while thoughtfully weaving in Indian ingredients so the cocktails feel familiar yet exciting. That balance is what creates purpose, connection, and emotion in every glass.
TLC – Is this your first trip to India? Please share your experience of the culinary landscape and its influences, if any.
FG – Yes, this is my first trip to India, and it has been truly inspiring. I’ve been amazed by the vibrant colours of the streets, the cultural richness at every corner, and of course, the food – it’s absolutely delicious. The way Indian cuisine layers spices and creates depth of flavour has been a big influence. It has made me think about how cocktails, too, can carry that same complexity while still feeling harmonious.
Frida behind the bar counter at Loya Qissa at Taj Palace
TLC – How challenging is the job of a mixologist?
FG – I like to call myself a bartender first. One of the challenges today is standing out in a world where social media plays such a big role in shaping profiles and recognition. But sometimes, that focus on the individual makes us forget that bartending is always a team effort – from the bar back to the servers to the chefs in the kitchen. At the end of the day, we are all here to create the best possible experience for the guest. Another challenge is representation. The industry still has relatively few women bartenders, and it’s important for me to encourage and support more women to join the profession. At Aruba, many of our leaders and staff are women, which is something I’m especially proud of.
TLC – What inspired you to take up this as your profession?
FG – I actually studied culinary arts because I wanted to be a chef. But my first job was as a waitress, and I quickly realized that I couldn’t see myself inside a kitchen all day. What I truly enjoyed was connecting with people – meeting guests, sharing stories, and creating experiences in the moment. Bartending gave me the perfect platform to do that while still engaging with flavours and creativity. It was the right balance between hospitality, craft, and human connection, and I knew immediately that this was where I belonged.
Action around the bar at Loya Qissa X Aruba at Taj Palace New Delhi
Venue: LOYA, Taj Palace, New Delhi
Price: ₹2500 per person (includes unlimited cocktails from the special menu)
Reservations: +91-8010677622 / +91-8810655734
