Savoring Puerto Rican Identity: A Q&A with Edrick Colón from Identidad Bar

Shaking up the world of hospitality with a splash of cultural pride and a twist of creativity, Puerto Rican mixologist Edrick Colón has stirred a career that blends Caribbean flavor with artistic expression—crafting not just cocktails, but memorable experiences infused Boricua with identity and soul.

From his beginnings in 2006 to leading some of San Juan’s most iconic bars and opening his first venture, Antillano, his journey eventually led to the launch of Identidad in 2024. Alongside bar co-founder Stephen Alonso, he created a cocktail bar where Puerto Rican essence and excellence are infused into everything they serve —and for that, it even snagged a James Beard Award nomination in 2025 for Best New Bar. At Identidad, Colón crafts drinks that are as meaningful as they are flavorful.

In this Q&A, he shares how the Island’s culture is reflected in every cocktail and tapas, tips for first-time visitors exploring Puerto Rico’s culinary scene, and his favorite local spots.

Identidad Cocktail Bar blends warm hospitality with Boricua culture, crafting innovative cocktails that spotlight Island ingredients and tell rich, layered stories.

Share Your Story

Tell us a little about your story and formation as a mixologist.

My beginnings in the hospitality industry date back to 2006, when I started at the Amadeus Bistro restaurant, where I began as a runner and then moved to the bar as a barback. For several years, I immersed myself in competitions and continued learning about my profession. By 2015, I started at Bar La Unidad Speakeasy, a cocktail bar I managed until 2021, the year I opened my first bar called Antillano. I had Antillano until the end of 2023, when I closed it. Then, in July 2024, my business partner and I opened Identidad Cocktail Bar.

How would you describe your bar or gastronomic offering?

My bar, Identidad, specializes in cocktails and tapas, all of which reflect our identity as Latinos and Caribbeans. We offer a wide variety of creative cocktails and elevated tapas, each with a touch that highlights the culture.

Mixologist Culinary Journey in Puerto Rico: Exploring Culinary Paths

Share your journey of becoming a mixologist in Puerto Rico. What sparked your passion for bartending?

My journey as a mixologist began back in 2006 at Amadeus Bistro, where I got my first taste of the hospitality industry. From there, I gained experience working at different restaurants, and in 2015, I joined Bar La Unidad Speakeasy —a cocktail bar I managed until 2021. That same year, I launched my first bar, Antillano, which I ran until the end of 2023. In July 2024, my business partner and I opened Identidad, a bar dedicated to showcasing our cultural identity through cocktails. For me, the opening of La Factoría and the cocktail revival that was taking place on the Island in those years truly inspired me and motivated me to fully immerse myself in the world of cocktails. Eventually, it led me to create a space like Identidad.

Cocktails and food flat lay from Identidad.

Puerto Rican Cuisine Essentials

Quintessential Puerto Rican Dish: 

From your perspective, which dish quintessentially represents Puerto Rican cuisine and why?

For me, an essential dish in Puerto Rico is rice with pigeon peas, pork, and pasteles. It's a dish that represents our culture and, at the same time, the cultural mix that exists in Puerto Rico.

Visitor's First Bite: 

What dish would you recommend to someone new to Puerto Rican cuisine?

My recommendation is mofongo with your favorite filling. It's a comfort food dish that represents part of our culture.

First-Time Diner Tips: 

Do you have any advice for individuals dining in Puerto Rico for the first time?

My recommendation would be to come with an open mind to try everything the island has to offer.

Local Dining Favorites: 

Could you share a few of your favorite local eateries?

My recommendations are Cocina al Fondo, Orujo, and Vianda. If you want to leave the metro area, I recommend Bodega in Caguas or El Gallo Pinto in Guayama.

Beautifully landscaped town center of Gurabo — Beautiful downtown of Gurabo

Hometown Pride

Municipality Origins: 

Which municipality in Puerto Rico do you hail from? What do you cherish most about your hometown?

I live in Gurabo, which is called the town of stairs, and what I cherish most is the people and the tranquility of my town.

Local Exploration Recommendations: 

Where should visitors go, or what activities should they partake in when visiting your town?

In Gurabo, we have valleys, mountains, and different rural activities. Therefore, visitors should visit this municipality. For culinary recommendations, I will say Vista Verde, Sorella Bistro, and Finca La Zafra.

Rapid Fire Questions

Find out about Edrick Colón favorites!

Favorite Puerto Rican food or fritter:

Alcapurria 

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Favorite beach in Puerto Rico:

Vacía Talega in Piñones

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Favorite local restaurant:

Cocina al Fondo by Chef Natalia Vallejo

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What Boricuas are blasting in your playlist right now?:

Bad Bunny

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Plate of pasteles with and without ketchup on top of banana leaves.

The long-lived Boricua debate: pasteles, with or without ketchup?:

No ketchup for me!

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A view of the main town square of Guayama, Puerto Rico, which includes a fountain and historic church.

Your Puerto Rican road trip leads to:

Guayama, where my family is from. 

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