The Latine Student Union hosted a Latin drink-tasting night in the cafeteria this semester, aiming to share their culture with the diverse SLU-Madrid population “one sip at a time,” as the event poster put it.
“It’s just a way of bringing people together,” Kayla Reyna, the treasurer, said.
More than 20 students ventured into the cafeteria, colorfully decorated for the occasion, to try fruit-based drinks. They sampled drinks such as Palomas and Charros negros from Mexico, Piña Coladas from Puerto Rico, and Caipirinhas from Brazil.
“They are very fruit-based; usually, all the drinks have fruit incorporated,” Reyna said.
Reyna said a Paloma calls for tequila blanco, grapefruit juice, lime, sugar, and salt.
For many attendees, the event evoked cherished memories tied to these drinks. Victoria Flores, the club’s events coordinator, fondly remembered how much her mother enjoyed Palomas at weddings and quinceañeras.
For Carlo Rodriguez, the drinks triggered memories of a personal experience. “I think the Paloma was my first drink in Cancún, when I was 16,” he said. “I went with my parents, and they made me a Paloma for the first time because they said it would be the sweetest, and I don’t remember my experience after that.”
Students said they enjoyed the event.““The event is amazing and well set up,” Neveah García said.
