Rising Stars: Meet David Martinez of Downey

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Martinez

Hi David , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is David, and I’m the founder of Tequila Papi LLC. My journey into bartending is anything but conventional. Before establishing Tequila Papi, I had no prior bartending experience or formal training. Instead, I spent some time developing a deep passion for the craft. About three years ago, I decided to follow this passion and explore life behind the bar. I was a consumer for 10+ years and had lots of passion for bartering.

My journey took me to some of the world’s top bars, as I made it a point to seek them out during my travels instead of traditional tourist attractions. These experiences were both inspiring and transformative. I kept notes of my impressions, creative recipes, and the unique flavors I encountered—especially in Mexico, where tequila culture runs deep and Mezcal.

This process ignited my creativity and led me to see bartending as more than just mixing drinks; I saw it as a form of artistic expression. Drawing on my experiences as a consumer, I began crafting unique drinks and creating vibrant atmospheres that resonated with me. I felt like Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid—but instead of “wax on, wax off,” it was “shake, shake, pour.” (If you don’t get that reference, I probably shouldn’t be serving you drinks—just kidding!)

The name “Tequila Papi” embodies the bold, confident, and vibrant energy I bring to my work. It’s also a nod to my respect for Drake, whose Instagram handle, “Champagne Papi,” was a key inspiration. And yes, even though 2024 wasn’t the best year for us Drake fans, it’s still OVO for life!

In 2023, I decided to take the leap and start sharing my recipes and bartending adventures on Instagram. My friend Marlene gave me my first big opportunity by booking me for her best friend’s son’s birthday party. I went all in—and haven’t looked back since. One of the families that has been instrumental in my growth is a personal client of mine in Newport, and I’m deeply grateful for the incredible events I’ve had the privilege to be part of.

Fast forward to today, and Tequila Papi LLC has served a diverse array of clients, including an amazing bar in Oaxaca, Mexico, and prestigious names like the LA Times De Los, Shiekh (thank you, Rosa!), Newport, and even a U.S. presidential candidate. It’s been an incredible honor to contribute to life’s milestones and celebrations, as well as to collaborate with amazing tequila companies like Tesoro Azteca.

Bartending is more than just a job for me—it’s a passion, a craft, and a way to bring people together. I’m excited to continue sharing this journey, one shaken (or stirred) drink at a time.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t been smooth, but we’re committed to improving every single day. Building greater capacity, establishing a strong clientele base, and tackling occasional logistical challenges have all been part of the process. Despite these hurdles, our dedication, passion, and meticulous planning have enabled us to push forward successfully.
A big part of our success comes from putting the customer first. We leverage our creativity and passion to design every event and bring their vision to life, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people come together to celebrate life’s special moments. Watching family and friends gather, vibe out, and enjoy themselves—whether for a night or a day—fuels our passion. It’s an honor to not only serve amazing drinks but also connect with people on a personal level.
Every step of this journey has been a learning experience and a testament to hard work. I’m incredibly proud of my amazing team, and I know we can handle anything that comes our way. Huge thanks to my brother Nicholas, Kenny, Memo, Jessica, and Marquis for being such an integral part of this adventure.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Great question! We specialize in creating unforgettable events by delivering stunning, aesthetic cocktails and top-notch service that leave clients and their guests talking long after the party ends. As part of our service, we bring the vibe, the party ambiance, and a genuine connection with people. We make every event unique by customizing the bar setup to match the theme. Did I mention we make incredible drinks? That’s the heart of what we do—everything else is just the cherry on top.
All of our syrups are handmade, and we use only fresh fruit and garnishes to elevate every cocktail. We’re always looking for creative ways to make our drinks stand out, like adding cocktail toppers and unique garnishes that make each drink pop. We’re also known for bringing the fire—literally! Incorporating fire elements into some of our cocktails has become one of our signature touches.
Our reputation is built on great service, unforgettable ambiance, and constant innovation to make every guest’s experience exceptional. I’m especially proud of the relationships we build with our clients—many of them become friends. It’s an honor to be part of family celebrations, and those moments mean the most to me.
What truly sets us apart is the vibe we bring—it’s an essential part of the package. We bring personalized touches to every event, making sure it feels special and unique. For us, sharing drinks with friends and family isn’t just about the cocktails—it’s about creating an experience and a meaningful moment. At the heart of it all is passion, it’s all about passion—and we bring it in abundance

What’s next?
Our future plans are bigger and better—every year, we aim to think outside the box, and 2025 is no exception! This year, we’re focusing on showcasing the business in fresh and exciting ways, including content that’s humorous, aesthetically pleasing, and informative—especially when it comes to drink recipes. While we’ll continue highlighting all of our amazing events, I also want to emphasize the core values of the brand, which will help us grow and connect with even more people.
We have some exciting events in the works, like a mixology class and Signature Drinks by Tequila Papi night. Another highlight will be Noche de Tesoro Azteca—an incredible evening featuring craft tequila cocktails, tequila tastings, and the story behind this amazing brand. Mark your calendars for March 2025—tickets will sell out quickly, so don’t miss it!
On top of that, we’re getting creative with some new projects, including a candle drop with fun scents like Lavender Paloma and Espresso Martini, as well as high-quality merchandise like hats and shirts.
I’m looking forward to serving up great drinks and even better vibes this year. 2025 is all about leveling up, so keep an eye out for Tequila Papi and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Let’s make this year unforgettable! 💫

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tequilapapillc.com
• Instagram: tequilapapillc